POLOKWANE – The letter ‘u’ holds special meaning for the players, coaches, management and supporters of Kudu’s Rugby Club.

According to team manager Johan van Ravesteyn, there is no ‘I’ in team, but the two ‘u’s in Kudu remind players to give their all for the team and put collective success ahead of individual interests.

“The team should come before me and I. The two u’s in Kudu stand for you and us,” he said.

Building a team culture

Speaking at the club’s first prizegiving ceremony, held at the Polokwane Golf Club on Friday, Van Ravesteyn reminded players and supporters of the club’s values, achievements and the importance of maintaining balance in their lives.

“Our values are God first, then our family, our health, our work and then rugby. Rugby players should be able to balance their personal goals with those of the team,” he said.

He said players should be reliable and trustworthy, accept responsibility and be accountable for their actions.

“Players should show humility.

“It is not about me, but about you.

“They should also show hunger and drive to succeed. Communication and enthusiasm are equally important for a Kudu player. If you are late for practice and do not plan your practice sessions into your day, you are not committed to the success of the team,” he said.

Other values expected of Kudu players include empathy and camaraderie.

“Be the man who looks after others and brings leadership to the team.

“A leader is not a boss. He arrives first and leaves last. He is present and influences the team,” Van Ravesteyn said.

Celebrating a season of progress

Attie Buitendag, general manager of the Limpopo Rugby Union, congratulated the club in a letter, praising its progress during the 2026 season.

“It is a great privilege to congratulate Polokwane Kudus Rugby Club on an outstanding 2026 rugby season. What makes your achievements particularly special is recognising where you started.

“Building a rugby club from basically zero and developing it into a competitive force in Limpopo rugby leagues is no small accomplishment.

“It takes vision, commitment, determination, hard work and a collective belief in what can be achieved,” he wrote.

Buitendag reminded the club that building a successful rugby institution was an ongoing journey rather than a final destination.

“Keep believing, keep working and keep moving forward. Your club will ultimately develop into a force to be reckoned with in the future,” he added.

Supporters of the year awards went to Angelique van den Broek, Emmanuel Kruger, Taleesa Hitzeroth and Jeanne Gouws.

Humphrey Mudau, JG Swanevelder, Henco Swanevelder, Zimbi Mahlelho and Vrystaat Makola were also selected for the Platteland Noord team.

Awards

• JMR Transport Solution trophy for Kudus player of the year: JG Swanevelder.
• JMR Transport Solution trophy for Kudus players’ player of the year: Tiaan Hitzeroth.
• JMR Transport Solution trophy for Kudus clubman of the year: Pierre and Edia Fouchè.
• Africa Tyres trophy for first team player of the year: Henco Swanevelder.
• Africa Tyres trophy for second team player of the year: Tebogo Matlou.
• SJ Naude Prokureurs Alberton for first team forward player of the year: Humphrey Mudau and Wihan Logtenberg.
• A.P.P Trophy for first team backline player of the year: Darryl Motsoetse.
• Ysterberg Vervoer trophy for second team forward player: Ujoy Mohlaka.
• Stone Stamcor trophy for the second team backline player of the year: Joy Khuthadzo.
• Van der Merwe Vegter trophy for Young Bull of the year: Francois Fouchè.
• The Kudu Kroon Trophy for old Bull of the year: Hendrie van Niekerk, and Marius Harding.