The ambition of the Border Bulldogs to win the Currie Cup First Division have been dealt a major blow after two regular players have been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injuries.
Athenkosi Manentsa and Nkosikhona Nofuma, who both play as eighthman, sustained serious injuries last weekend during Border’s 26-24 loss against the Leopards.
The former sustained an ankle injury while the latter’s injury is in the knee.
Bulldogs head coach Elliot Fana confirmed yesterday that the medical team has informed him that the duo will be out for the just the rest of the just started First Division season.
But Fana said this was no time to despair as he believes there weare capable replacements waiting ion the wings.
Among them is the dreadlocked Billy Dutton who featured regularly at number eight for Border during this year’s Currie Cup qualifiers campaign.
Then there is also the 21-year-old youngster Johannes Janse van Rensburg who can also play in this position.
Border have also roped in WSU All Blacks star player Lelo Gemashe who has had a splendid year having been crowned the player of the tournament in the 2016 University Sport SA (USSA) rugby week.
Fana said: “It is unfortunate that we have lost Manentsa and Nofuma for the remainder of the season because theyre two were vital to our ambition to win the First Division this year.
“However, we cannot throw in the towel because I believe we have capable players who will come in and get the job done just like the two were doing.”
Bulldogs are currently on break as their next match is only due for next Friday when they welcome Welwitschias at the Buffalo City Stadium before facing off with Griffons on September 3.
They will then be on the road to the Valke a week later before hosting South Western Districts Eagles on September 17.
It is this jam-packed fixture schedule that will be the determinant of whether or not whoever gets the nod between the trio was the perfect choice.
The break should give Fana enough time to decide who will get to start at number eight in the next match.
It should also afford Gemashe time to familiarise himself with Border’s style of play and strategy.
Fana says the decision to lure Gemashe was well thought out as he believes the young lad will be the perfect link between forwards and the backs.
“Lelo ) is a quality player who in a nutshell I can describe as a good ball player,” said Fana.
By all accounts Gemashe should walk straight into the starting 15 if his consistent form is anything to go by.
The player of the tournament in the 2016 USSA rugby week accolade for the 25-year-old Gemashe was his second in succession after he scooped it last year.
He also tops up his talent with leadership skills having captained the students which may give him advantage compared to his competitors for the Bulldogs number eight spot.
Fana said Manentsa and Nofuma will be missed and wished them a speedy recovery.
“We will miss them but the reality is that we cannot have them now due to circumstances beyond our control and we have to make means.”
Border get early bloody nose with top stars out
Athenkosi Manentsa and Nkosikhona Nofuma, who both play as eighthman, sustained serious injuries last weekend during Border’s 26-24 loss against the Leopards.
The former sustained an ankle injury while the latter’s injury is in the knee.
Bulldogs head coach Elliot Fana confirmed yesterday that the medical team has informed him that the duo will be out for the just the rest of the just started First Division season.
But Fana said this was no time to despair as he believes there weare capable replacements waiting ion the wings.
Among them is the dreadlocked Billy Dutton who featured regularly at number eight for Border during this year’s Currie Cup qualifiers campaign.
Then there is also the 21-year-old youngster Johannes Janse van Rensburg who can also play in this position.
Border have also roped in WSU All Blacks star player Lelo Gemashe who has had a splendid year having been crowned the player of the tournament in the 2016 University Sport SA (USSA) rugby week.
Fana said: “It is unfortunate that we have lost Manentsa and Nofuma for the remainder of the season because theyre two were vital to our ambition to win the First Division this year.
“However, we cannot throw in the towel because I believe we have capable players who will come in and get the job done just like the two were doing.”
Bulldogs are currently on break as their next match is only due for next Friday when they welcome Welwitschias at the Buffalo City Stadium before facing off with Griffons on September 3.
They will then be on the road to the Valke a week later before hosting South Western Districts Eagles on September 17.
It is this jam-packed fixture schedule that will be the determinant of whether or not whoever gets the nod between the trio was the perfect choice.
The break should give Fana enough time to decide who will get to start at number eight in the next match.
It should also afford Gemashe time to familiarise himself with Border’s style of play and strategy.
Fana says the decision to lure Gemashe was well thought out as he believes the young lad will be the perfect link between forwards and the backs.
“Lelo ) is a quality player who in a nutshell I can describe as a good ball player,” said Fana.
By all accounts Gemashe should walk straight into the starting 15 if his consistent form is anything to go by.
The player of the tournament in the 2016 USSA rugby week accolade for the 25-year-old Gemashe was his second in succession after he scooped it last year.
He also tops up his talent with leadership skills having captained the students which may give him advantage compared to his competitors for the Bulldogs number eight spot.
Fana said Manentsa and Nofuma will be missed and wished them a speedy recovery.
“We will miss them but the reality is that we cannot have them now due to circumstances beyond our control and we have to make means.”
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