The Border Bulldogs might have had a chaotic Currie Cup qualifiers season but Wandile Putuma is smiling all the way to the Currie Cup Premier Division.
The gigantic 25-year-old lock from Mdantsane has been snapped up by Griquas on a loan basis for the duration of the Currie Cup Premier Division 2016 season.
“Wara”, as Putuma is affectionately known among his peers, will be in Kimberly by Monday to begin a new journey in his career – probably one that could steer him to even greater heights.
That is his plan – to take his game to another level – and there could not have been a more perfect opportunity for him to reach for the skies than a Currie Cup break.
With this career-changing breakthrough, chances are that Putuma will never return to the Bulldogs – that is if he grabs the opportunity with both hands.
Putuma, in fact, attracted the attention of Griquas last year but they could not rope him in then due to financial reasons.
But when they called him last week, he did not think twice before saying yes.
“This is a great opportunity for me because it provides me the chance to step up which is a dream of any player in any sport,” said the former Port Rex Technical High School player.
“The most exciting thing is that playing in the Premier Division will give me exposure and the platform to stretch my wings.
“However, I do acknowledge that it is not going to be easy and that I need to work hard to break through to the starting 15.”
Though Putuma understands the tough task that lies ahead in what will be his maiden season in the Premier Division, he is already looking beyond that.
His dream is to achieve another breakthrough before this year ends, that being a contract for a Super Rugby franchise.
A gifted lineout jumper in his own right, Putuma said he was satisfied with how far he has come but conceded that he can do more.
Putuma is a well developed player with an impressive junior record.
After matriculating from Port Rex, Putuma featured for Border U19 and U21 while he played his club rugby for Police.
He cut his professional rugby teeth in April 2014 for the Bulldogs against the Sharks, where he scored the opening try for Border.
“That memorable day will forever be special to me because from there I never looked back.”
Putuma lives, eats and sleeps rugby in an all out effort to reach new levels.
Griquas contract a break for Putuma
The gigantic 25-year-old lock from Mdantsane has been snapped up by Griquas on a loan basis for the duration of the Currie Cup Premier Division 2016 season.
“Wara”, as Putuma is affectionately known among his peers, will be in Kimberly by Monday to begin a new journey in his career – probably one that could steer him to even greater heights.
That is his plan – to take his game to another level – and there could not have been a more perfect opportunity for him to reach for the skies than a Currie Cup break.
With this career-changing breakthrough, chances are that Putuma will never return to the Bulldogs – that is if he grabs the opportunity with both hands.
Putuma, in fact, attracted the attention of Griquas last year but they could not rope him in then due to financial reasons.
But when they called him last week, he did not think twice before saying yes.
“This is a great opportunity for me because it provides me the chance to step up which is a dream of any player in any sport,” said the former Port Rex Technical High School player.
“The most exciting thing is that playing in the Premier Division will give me exposure and the platform to stretch my wings.
“However, I do acknowledge that it is not going to be easy and that I need to work hard to break through to the starting 15.”
Though Putuma understands the tough task that lies ahead in what will be his maiden season in the Premier Division, he is already looking beyond that.
His dream is to achieve another breakthrough before this year ends, that being a contract for a Super Rugby franchise.
A gifted lineout jumper in his own right, Putuma said he was satisfied with how far he has come but conceded that he can do more.
Putuma is a well developed player with an impressive junior record.
After matriculating from Port Rex, Putuma featured for Border U19 and U21 while he played his club rugby for Police.
He cut his professional rugby teeth in April 2014 for the Bulldogs against the Sharks, where he scored the opening try for Border.
“That memorable day will forever be special to me because from there I never looked back.”
Putuma lives, eats and sleeps rugby in an all out effort to reach new levels.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos