Saturday’s Sharks’game is a tribute match for “Mr Dependable” – Odwa Ndungane
“Odwa Ndungane has remained a true professional throughout his career and has been a mentor and inspiration to the players around him. This Saturday is our opportunity to honour this legend of Sharks rugby. We hope that our fans come out in their numbers to celebrate the career of a player that has given so much to the black and white jersey”'- Sharks' head coach Robert du Preez
Cell C Sharks vs Western Province at Growthpoint KINGS PARK on Saturday.
“At the beginning of this campaign we, as a team, set clear goals for ourselves and what we wanted to achieve. With a round to go, this team has secured top spot on the log and it’s an indication of the belief, spirit and determination within this team. It has taken a group effort to get us to where we are and each and every player in the group has played their part,”said head coach Robert du Preez.
“Although we are happy with where we are, we have won nothing yet. Hard work still lies ahead of us and this week we need to ensure that we don’t drop the ball. We’ve spoken this entire campaign about improving each week, remaining humble and focused.
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After more than a decade of dedication and service in the black and white jersey, Cell C Sharks’ wing, Odwa Ndungane, will close the curtain on his illustrious career at the end of the 2017 rugby season.
Having arrived in Durban in 2005, he soon became an integral part of the team and over the years words such as “Mr Dependable”, mentor and stalwart have been used to describe this legend of Sharks rugby.
His strong leadership qualities and the positive influence that he has had on the young players around him are commendable.
There is no greater tribute than one given by your teammates, opposition and by the fans and Odwa is deserving of all the praise and acknowledgement.
This Saturday, the Cell C Sharks will play their final pool game of the Currie Cup tournament against Western Province at Growthpoint KINGS PARK, ahead of the semi-final taking place next week.
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The match on Saturday will be a tribute match to Odwa in celebration of his career and his invaluable contribution to Sharks rugby.
Commenting on the decision to honour Odwa, The Sharks Head Coach, Robert du Preez said: “Odwa Ndungane epitomises what it means to be a professional rugby player and over the years his dedication, loyalty and contribution to the team remained unwavering.
“It is fitting that we honour a player that has given so much to the game and those around him with a tribute match that will highlight his tremendous career.
“We encourage our fans to come through to Growthpoint KINGS PARK on Saturday to celebrate and acknowledge the massive impact he has made.”
More about Odwa Ndungane:
- He joined The Sharks from the Blue Bulls in 2005;
- Part of an elite group of players to have played 100 Vodacom Super Rugby and Currie Cup games for the Cell C Sharks;
- We will be running with #Odwa249* for this week to celebrate the number of professional games he has played for the Cell C Sharks in his career. This number includes the game against the Western Province on Saturday;
- He has 9 Springbok caps to his name.
Cell C Sharks Stats – Odwa Ndungane
Vodacom Super Rugby caps 135
Currie Cup caps 104
Cell C Sharks XV caps 9
Springbok caps 9
Tries 70
Total Points 352
| Date | : Saturday, 14 October 2017 |
| Time | : 15h00 |
| Venue | : Growthpoint KINGS PARK |
| Referee | : Jaco Peyper |
| Assistant Referees | : Stuart Berry, Archie Sehlako |
| Television Match Official | : Willie Vos |
THE TEAM
Garth April
Odwa Ndungane*
Lukhanyo Am
Marius Louw
S’busiso Nkosi
Curwin Bosch
Michael Claassens
Daniel du Preez
Jacques Vermeulen
Keegan Daniel
Ruan Botha (c)
Tyler Paul
Ross Geldenhuys
Franco Marais
Thomas du Toit
Replacements
Chiliboy Ralepelle
Juan Schoeman
Jean Droste
Jean-Luc du Preez
Louis Schreuder
Tristan Blewett
Kobus van Wyk
*Cell C Sharks stalwart Odwa Ndungane will retire at the end of the 2017 season. Having joined The Sharks in 2005, Odwa will be playing his 249th match in a Cell C Sharks jersey (across all competitions). He will run-out on Saturday accompanied by his two children. The hashtag that will be used for the day is #Odwa249*
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