The NNC Pumas have signed eight new players. They joined the squad this week.
Malembe Mpofu
Mpofu (25) was born in Bungeni, Limpopo.
The lock attended The King’s School on the West Rand. He previously played for the Leopards, winning the 2021 Carling Currie Cup First Division with the team.
“I aim to further myself in my career as a rugby player for the Pumas,” he told Lowvelder.
Sihle Njezula
The centre and wing played his schoolboy rugby for Grey High School in Gqeberha. He is a former Stormers and Western Province player.
He was part of the Junior Boks team that won a silver medal in the u/12 World Cup in 2018.
“I would love to add as much value to this team as I can and bring all that I’ve learned through the years of playing rugby to the Pumas. I want be a driving force in this team in order for us to win the Currie Cup 2022.”
Robbie Petzer
The Parys, Free State lad is 25.
He plays fly half and centre.
He learned his rugby on the hard fields of Afrikaans Hoërskool Kroonstad and High School Northern Cape in Kimberley.
He formerly played Major League Rugby (MLR) for Rugby Atlanta in the USA. He is the record holder in MLR for most points scored in a single match, 34.
“I want to become the best rugby player I can possibly be. I want to wear the Pumas colours with pride and honour and make sure if I ever have to leave this wonderful place, that I leave my position in a better place I had got it,” he said.
Lundi Msenge
The Swellendam-born wing is 22. He attended Worcester Gymnasium. He played Varsity Cup rugby for the University of the Western Cape.
“I want to become a better player, person and win titles with the Pumas,” he said.
Tinus de Beer
The 25-year-old is another Hoërskool Waterkloof alumnus to play for the Pumas. He has been signed from the Tafel Lager Griquas.
He played SA u/20 in 2015 and won the Varsity Cup with Tuks in 2017 and the SuperSport Rugby Challenge with Griquas in 2019.
“I will do anything for the team to be crowned the Currie Cup champions in 2022,” he told Lowvelder.
Deon Slabbert
Born in Amanzimtoti, KZN, Slabbert (21) is an athletic lock.
He went to Westville Boys’ High School. He has previously played u/13 Craven Week, u/16 Grant Khomo Week and u/19 Craven Week for the Sharks.
He represented SWD Eagles in the Currie Cup First Division.
“My main aim with the Pumas is to gain experience at Currie Cup level and to expand my rugby knowledge. I also aim to develop into a greater person on and off the field. I want to add value to the Pumas rugby family and community,” he said.
Keenan Opperman
The 21-year-old was born in Mongagu, Western Cape. He is a loose forward.
He has played for Tuks in the Varsity Cup and the Blue Bulls u/20 team, winning the 2020 Currie Cup title with the junior Bulls.
He represented the senior Bulls team in the Currie Cup this past season.
Tango Balekile
The 25-year-old hooker previously played rugby for the Eastern Province Elephants and the Southern Kings.
He was born in Gqeberha and attended Selbourne College.
He played Grant Khomo Week (2012) and Craven Week (2014).
He captained the Border Craven Week team. He also played for the NMMU Madibaz in the 2016 Varsity Cup.
He represented the Baby Boks at the u/20 World Cup in 2016.
