Phalaborwa rugby match draws strong support for flood recovery
The Phalaborwa Rugby Club hosted a successful community match against Letaba, drawing a full stadium to support local recovery after recent floods.
PHALABORWA – The rugby day hosted by Phalaborwa Rugby Club (PRC) on January 24, at Impala Park Stadium was hailed as a major success, with a packed stadium and strong community support from both Phalaborwa and Letaba.
Supporters filled the stands from the pavilion right around the field, coming together in a show of unity to support efforts to rebuild Phalaborwa following the recent floods.
Although PRC went down 34–12 to Letaba in a fiercely contested encounter, the match served a greater purpose beyond the scoreboard. According to PRC representative Ruben Coetzer, the day was an important stepping stone for the club’s future.
“While we would have liked the win, the result was secondary,” said Coetzer. “It was an extremely competitive game from start to finish, and we used it as a trial match to test new players and combinations alongside our more experienced guys. We now have a solid foundation to work from as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
Coetzer also praised Letaba Rugby Club for their contribution to the success of the event, both on and off the field.
“We are incredibly grateful to Letaba,” he said. “They travelled to Phalaborwa and went above and beyond by covering the costs of the match officials and paramedics. That support played a crucial role in ensuring the day could go ahead safely and successfully. We wish them all the best in their upcoming Super League.”
The rugby day also placed a strong emphasis on youth development, with Fauna Park Primary School’s u/11 and u/13 teams taking on Letaba’s youth sides.
“It was refreshing to see the passion and excitement from the youngsters,” Coetzer added. “Watching children play with that level of enthusiasm reminds us why rugby is so important to our communities.”
Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality was instrumental in making the event possible by providing the stadium free of charge and dispatching a water truck to assist community members in need.
PRC further extended its appreciation to several local businesses and organisations whose support helped ensure the success of the day, including Coastal Hire, Paint Pot, NTT Toyota Phalaborwa, Makhoma Wholesalers, Raptors, Philly’s Corner Pub, Neil Kelder/Afriform and MTN.
“The day showed what can be achieved when communities, businesses, and sport come together for a common cause,” Coetzer said.
