In the past 10 years, the Border Bulldogs have not won three matches in succession in one competition but they are out to end that hoodoo when they lock horns with Valke in their third Currie Cup qualifier at the BCM Stadium in East London at 7pm tonight.
Not only that but a win for Border tonight makes promotion to the Currie Cup Premier Division a reality within reach.
Both Border and Valke come into this encounter after they won their previous encounters against Boland and SWD Eagles respectively last weekend, but the home side‘s aim is to solidify their winning run as the only undefeated of the seven provinces taking part in the 2015 qualifiers.
Bulldogs co-coach, David Dobela believes winning is no longer just about promotion but about changing the public’s perception on the once troubled but recovering Eastern Cape union.
According to him, although they had defeated the Gauteng side in their previous meeting that was at East London last year, there was no room for complacency.
“Every match for us is like a final. Regardless of who is the opponent, we mean business,” Dobela said. “Attack is the name of our game and we are not going to give Valke room to think.”
Defensively, Dobela’s charges are the best in the campaign thus far, having conceded the least points – 28 in two matches.
They, however, need to bite more going forward and cross that try line more often. In this department, much will be expected from the likes of Makazole Mapimpi, Siphosenkosi Nofemele and Masixole Banda – all of whom tried and tested try scorers.
Dobela was positive that all his players will put up a good fight once again.
“They have grown in confidence and take ownership of everything happening in the team,” he said.
“Even though they have been winning, true to their professional conduct they continue working hard because they know we have not achieved enough to make people believe that we too can be winners. That is how grounded we are.
“This match is theirs to make history and they know that because good results are not only good for the union but for them as individuals to be noticed by big unions.”
Bulldogs matchday lineup:
1- Blake Kyd, 2- Mihlali Mpafi, 3- Buhle Mxunyelwa, 4- Lindokuhle Welemu, 5- Wandile Putuma, 6- Lukhanyo Nomzanga, 7- Nkosikhona Nofuma, 8- Onke Dubase, 9- Ntando Kebe, 10- Thembani Mkokeli, 11- Mike Makase, 12- Lukhanyo Am, 13- Makazole Mapimpi, 14- Siphosenkosi Nofemele, 15- Masixole Banda. Substitutes: 16- Ludwe Booi, 17- Johannes Jonker, 18- Yanga Xakalashe, 19- Ayabonga Nomboyo, 20- Oliver Zono, 21- Lundi Rala-rala, 22- Lorgan Basson. — mawandem@dispatch.co.za
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