TZANEEN – Nkowankowa Rugby Club is on a mission to restore its former form after a difficult 2025 season, in which the team lost all its matches and finished bottom of the Limpopo North Second League.

Perfect start in Limpopo Blue Bulls North Reserve League

This year, the club is competing in the Limpopo Blue Bulls North Reserve League (also known as the third league) and currently sits at the top of the log with 15 points, level with Messina Rugby Club. Blouberg Rugby Club follows in third place with 13 points, with Nkowankowa ahead of Messina on points difference.

Unbeaten run sets early pace

Nkowankowa has played three matches and won all of them. They opened their campaign with a 48–0 victory over Northern Warriors Rugby Club of Phalaborwa. They followed up with a 48–5 win against Noordelikes, before securing a 45–0 victory over Potgietersrus Rugby Club at Letaba Rugby Club on Saturday, May 30.

Key fixtures ahead in title race

Their next fixture is an away match against Blouberg on Saturday, June 6, followed by a key clash against Messina on June 13, a match widely regarded as a title decider, given both teams’ perfect records and strong points margins so far.

Coach confident in strong comeback

Coach Bryan Mashigo said he is pleased with the team’s performance.

“Every game we play is personal for us. We are avenging all the losses we accumulated last year. We will continue giving it our best to finish top of the log,” he said.

Letaba secure narrow home win

On Saturday, the Letaba Rugby Club took on Louis Trichardt Rugby Club at the Merensky Agricultural Academy sports grounds. Letaba won the game 34-28.