Rovers fired-up for Cell C Community Cup

Rugby Informer caught up with Jonsson College Rovers chairman Abonga Nkwelo to chat about the 2012 Premier Division champions’ plans ahead of the inaugural Cell C Community Cup.

The Community Cup competition aims to provide a place and competitive environment for the thriving club rugby scene in South Africa, and Nkwelo is confident with the Rovers’ preparations so far.

“It’s been a tough pre-season for the guys – more so mental than physical,” said Nkwelo.

“There had to be an important buy in from the boys that we are essentially stepping into a semi-professional era of Premier Division Rugby, which obviously means longer pre-seasons than before,” the chairman added.

Nkwelo went on to describe the tough conditions and stricter requirements for prepping towards a more competitive and professionalised tournament.

“We have incredibly input from former Boks like Ian Macdonald and Braam van Straaten,” said Nkwelo.

We had current Boks Jannie and Bismarck du Plessis helping out with scrumming and forward conditioning; and current Sharks backline coach Grant Bashford stepped in to help with some backline tactics.”

Abonga Nkwelo – College Rovers chairman

When asked whether Rovers feel any additional pressure, given the club’s success in the Premier Division, Nkwelo explained that the club does have high standard to meet.

“There are big expectations within our supporters and pressure from our competitor to unseat as champs,” said Nkwelo, who believes the high standards will only help the team.

“We welcome the challenge, I think it brings out the best in us and we are really going to give this tournament a go this year.”

When speaking specifically about the match that awaits the Rovers, Nkwelo said that meeting GAP Dispatch in the opening round is a pivotal game of the tournament.

“This is going to be a big game on our home turf and what a way to kick of the tournament,” said Nkwelo. “This game was arguably voted the best game of the tournament last year at the club champs is Rustenburg. Dispatch are tough outfit and pushed Rover to the limit. This is going to be a great to start the tournament and we are all looking forward to it,” concluded Nkwelo.

The Jonsson College Rovers take on GAP Dispatch on Saturday, 16 February 2013, at 15:00 at Kings Park, Durban.