East Rand United (ERU) chairperson Cyril Reeby congratulated four of the club’s young players after they earned call-ups to the Valke U21 squad for the current provincial second division cup campaign.

Winger Junior Kettledas, scrum-half Samkelo Mbatha, Lincoln Maruta and fly-half Seraaj Cyster are part of the Valke squad competing in the SA Rugby U21 Shield, which kicked off on August 22.

The Valke opened their Northern Pool campaign with a difficult start, suffering an 83-24 defeat to Limpopo.

Kettledas, Mbatha and Cyster were included in the matchday 23, with Kettledas and Cyster named in the starting XV, while Mbatha was listed among the replacements.

Reeby said the players’ selection was a proud moment for ERU and demonstrated the club’s ability to develop young talent despite operating with limited resources.

“It is with immense pride that we congratulate four of our players on making the Valke team. This is yet another notable contribution from ERU, demonstrating that despite the limited resources we have, we remain capable of producing young talent from communities that often rise from the shadows of poverty,” he said.

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Reeby said the achievement was particularly significant given the challenges some of the players face simply to pursue their passion for rugby.

“Some of these players live in backrooms. Some walk kilometres just to attend training and matches. Yet they continue to show up, work hard and chase one dream — to play well enough that sport can change the atmosphere, place and space around them, improving not only their own lives, but those of their families.”

He wished the quartet well for the remainder of the campaign and urged them to represent ERU with pride.

“On behalf of ERU, I want you to know that we are incredibly proud of you. May you continue to go from strength to strength. May God bless you, guide you and protect you on and off the field. Go out there and show them that ERU is still a force to be reckoned with,” Reeby said.

The Valke U21 team plays its home matches at Barnard Stadium.

Upcoming fixtures

• Valke vs Pumas – 13:00, August 29, Barnard Stadium.
• Griffons vs Valke – September 5, 14:00, Down Touch Investment, Welkom.
• Valke vs Griquas – September 12, 14:00, Barnard Stadium.

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