NWU-PUKKE GEAR UP FOR PIRATES CHALLENGE

Lesiba Dikhoba

@lesiba.dikhoba

As the North-West University (NWU) Pukke rugby team gear up for their showdown against Pirates, the current champions of the Pirates Grand Challenge League head coach Burger van der Westhuizen sheds light on the complexity of the competition and the team’s preparations for the upcoming battle.

According to the NWU-Pukke head coach, the Pirates Grand Challenge League diverges from the Varsity Cup in its inclusivity, welcoming university teams such as the NWU, University of Johannesburg (UJ), and Wits University (Wits) alongside long-standing teams like the Pirates, Wanderers and Raiders.

“First of all it’s not a tertiary or university competition, but there are university teams in the competitions (NWU, UJ, and Wits). There’s also open clubs, which are teams that have been in existence for over 150 years (Pirates, Wanderers and Raiders). The competition has no age restrictions so we’re up against well-versed players from 30 to 35 years of age which is a challenge on its own,” he added.

Acknowledging the league’s competitive nature, coach Van der Westhuizen underscores the strength of his team’s competitors, stating: “Obviously when you’re up against experienced players, as well as brilliant teams like UJ and Wits, the competition will always be strong. Luckily for us it’s going very well because we’ve played 3 games this campaign and won them all.”

With the NWU-Pukke travelling to Johannesburg to take on the Pirates, coach Van der Westhuizen praised his opponents – remarking that, “They have a good pack of forwards, old and big guys, some of the guys have over 150 appearances in the league so we’re up against an experienced side. They have players that played Super Rugby when they were younger, making them a strong side.”

In contrast, the NWU-Pukke identifies youth, dedication, and energy as their key strengths. “We’re a young team, we’re working hard, fitness is always on our side and we have a very good backline. We played against Pirates in the final last year and lost so it won’t be an easy game for us but the preparations are going well,” the coach explained.

As the countdown for the anticipated showdown between the defending champions and current log leaders begins, the NWU-Pukke will be looking to maintain their winning start to the campaign and remain top of the table.