Provincial rugby is returning to Mdantsane this weekend as the fourth SuperSport Rugby Challenge Festival of 2018 takes centre stage at the iconic Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday.
A full day of action is on the cards for rugby starved fans in the area, with two top provincial clashes and an enticing club rugby matchup set to entertain what should be a large crowd.
So far this season there have been festivals at the Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth, Newrak Impala Rugby Club in Rustenburg and the Bridgton Sports Ground in Oudtshoorn.
The last two festivals of the pool stages will now take place over successive weekends, starting in Mdantsane and then moving on to the Bill Jardine Stadium in Longdale Johannesburg.
Last year over 20000 people turned up for the two festivals held at the Sisa Dukashe, with over 14000 alone turning out for the first festival that had the Bulldogs in action.
“It is a big occasion for us. The great advantage of this is we are taking rugby to the people and we are excited to see the Bulldogs playing back in Mdantsane again,” said Director of Border Rugby, Dumisani Mhani.
“There is going to be a big crowd. I believe people will turn out in their numbers as there is a lot of interest to see top-class rugby in Mdantsane, so we are guaranteed a large crowd.
“If you talk about Mdantsane I can boldly say you are talking about the rugby Mecca of the Eastern Cape, and the fans are in for a treat on Sunday.”
A Border Super League club match will get proceedings under way on the day, before the two provincial matches are battled out.
The Sharks and Griquas will be in for an interesting matchup as both are fighting for the second qualification spot on the central pool log, with the Griquas currently holding that advantage with a lead of four points.
The day will then be rounded out by the host Border Bulldogs taking on the Eastern Province Elephants and, although both sides are not in playoff contention, they will be playing for pride and for local bragging rights.
“We have Black Eagles from Tsholomnqa playing against Ntlaza Lions from Libode,” said Mhani.
“The local derby for bragging rights between the Border Bulldogs and the Eastern Province Elephants is always a great occasion and I can tell you it is going to be an exciting match.
“It is a good thing that we are going to see the Sharks and the Griquas play. These are strong sides with very good rugby players, and with a franchise like the Sharks you will see some of the upcoming talent from there on show as well.”
In all a fantastic day out is in store for fans in the Border region and some exciting rugby will be the order of the day.
“People will be entertained and we are going to see some attacking rugby, some great defence, and it is just going to be a wonderful day out,” said Mhani.
Gates open at the ground at 9am on Sunday. Entry is free and the first match will start at 11am, while the last game should finish by 5pm...