Stallions on a stampede during league matches

The Tembisa Stallions Rugby Club is shining during an in-season league which kicked off in May.

The Tembisa Stallions won 12-0 against the Sebokeng team on June 6. The league hosts rugby matches every weekend in various townships across Ekurhuleni.

The league, called ‘Ueshe Liga’ and which is organised by the Valke Rugby Union, has seen the Tembisa Stallions playing on Daveyton rugby fields due to the absence of the rugby fields in Tembisa.

“We may play outside Tembisa but we intend to dominate and focus on the games. We want to make Tembisans proud,” said the team’s coach, Mr Victor Sono.

Sono said the players adopt a venue in the neighbouring township and regard it as their home-ground each time they play a game.

The team has lost only one game out of five so far in the league and, according to Mr Zwelakhe Mawela, the club’s chairperson, the senior team has since learnt from the game they lost.

“It is really impressive for the team to be able to maintain such performance despite the injuries sustained by some players. It is a passion for the game that carries the team through,” said Mr Mawela.

He added that the Tembisa Stallions are determined to let their performance speak for them, even though they don’t play in front of their home crowd.

“The Stallions are also willing to take in new members,” said Mr Mawela.

Benedict Motsamai, the senior team’s captain, said he believes there is a lot of talent within Tembisa.

“The team is open to all those who are interested in playing the sport. We have two teams playing every weekend,” said Motsamai.

The captain for the U/19 team, Knowledge Manzini, urged new members to join them.

The Tembisa Stallions currently train at Ingqayizivele Secondary School, in Temong Section, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7.30pm.