The Leopards will finally play competitive rugby for the first time in about 15 months when they begin their Currie Cup First Division campaign against Eastern Province on Saturday, 19 June.
The Leopards players are a mix of experienced veterans with some of the NWU’s Varsity Cup squad also bringing depth to the team. André Pretorius will manage the team in the new season with Jean Tiedt, Chaka Willemse and Eric Herbert as his right-hand men. Siya Mdaka will captain the team this year and he is positive that the team can play exciting rugby to reach their goals this season.
“It has been a long time off due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the team is ready to begin the season this weekend. The important part is to keep the processes and focus on ticking the boxes as a team,” stated Mdaka. Even though the Leopards have not had a lot of match practise due to Covid-19 precautions in their camp, they can still count on several top players to do the business up front and at the back.
Video: Wouter Pienaar
The loose forward also stated that he wants the team to grow and play together with both youngsters and seniors pushing for a spot in the finals. “We really count on our fans, even if they can’t be in the stadium. We want to do everything we can to bring the trophy back to North West. We want to make sure we are a formidable team in the competition and not just there to make up the numbers,” emphasised Mdaka.
Leopards Currie Cup First Division fixtures:
19 June: Eastern Province vs Leopards
26 June: Leopards vs SWD
3 July: Valke vs Leopards
17 July: Leopards vs Griffons
24 July: Boland vs Leopards
31 July: Leopards vs Border
7 August: Semi-finals
14 August: Final
Leopards squad: Siya Mdaka (c), Dries Truter (v/c), Hardus Pretorius, Robey Leibrandt, Vincent Maruping, Victor Maruping, Petrie Du Plessis JP Mans, Tjaart Benade, Danrich Visagie, Warren Williams, Shirwin Cupido, Keanu Prinsloo, Duren Hoffman, Ruben Du Plessis, Sampie Swiegers, Botter Moloto, Ruan Groenewald, HP Swart, Riaan Genis, Eugene Hare, Stallies Hassien , Keagan Fortune, Marco Donges, Gustav Du Rand, Chuiner van Rooyen, Hanno Snyman, Malembe Mpofu, George van der Westhuizen, Heinz Bertram, Sphep Mabuza, Charl Pretorius, André Fouché, Dean Stokes, Johan Retief, Nelis Theron, Johan van den Hoogt, Bernu Engelbrecht, Lincoln Daniels, Alistair Mumba and André Grobler.
