No stakeholder’s service to the Kowie United Rugby Club was left unappreciated when the team held its year-end event recently.
Although player’s services were recognised with tangible materials, the praises sung for other stakeholders were clear indications of their essential role behind the club’s success.
As players’ performances were recognised, performances were categorised and judged on the basis of players’ positions.
Club secretary Shalmedine Brooks took the podium and called each player to receive his certificate of recognition.
Bradley Marais proved to be the most shining player in the offensive department, walking away with the “best 1st team forward player award”.
Despite healthy competition for the defensive position, Dayne Ruiters established himself as the key player and took the “best 1st team backline player award”.
Entrusted as the potential replacement of Marais, Re-Keanu Denston walked away with the “best 1st team reserve forward player award”.
Gwetze Donile raised his hand for the entire season and as a result he walked away with the “best 1st team reserve backline player award”.
Consistency, dedication and determination given by the likes of Dayne Ruiters, Mason Brooks, Devon Ruiters and Bradley Marais resulted in each of them sharing six tries.
Faithful supporter in and out of the field, Ray Ruiters did not go unnoticed.
“Ray Ruiters received the award for best supporter. Ray is a supporter in all aspects. He entertained the spectators and motivated the players during games,” Brooks said.
“Fazel Daniel got the award for most dedicated player, this player always attends meeting and practices.”
Marais’ consistency saw him burdened with plenty of awards. “A well-deserved award, sportsman of the year went to Bradley Marais, this player proven himself and has excelled exceptionally during the season” Brooks said.
On behalf of the leadership she said: “The executive committee of Kowie United Rugby Football Club would like to thank each and every one who played an important role in the club throughout the 2018 rugby season. Our games were well attended by the community and surrounding areas and so were both the tournaments.”
The executive dedicated club’s progress to the support of all stakeholders involved.
“The club would have not been a success without the players and all the sponsors and supporters. A big thank you to our main sponsor Mr Jordaan of Sasko Port Alfred,” Brooks said.
Continuing with the list of other sponsors which Brooks mentioned as pillars of the club, she thanked key sponsors Buco and Stenden and other local businesses who have sponsored tournaments and league games, including Umbani Galore (Grahamstown), Country Meat Market, LP Gas, Curry Den, Gary Godfrey (Shakatak), Bongi’s Tavern, Carmy’s Spaza Shop, Collin Govender and Nathan Ben.
“A big thank you to Ndlambe Municipality for funding both our 10 Men Tournament and annual 15 Men Tournament. Also a word of appreciation Mluleki Ncapyai, special programmes officer at Ndlambe Municipality for his assistance throughout the year,” she said.
