Bulls’ match to boost cohesion, build relations

Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng considers the warm-up match between the Vodacom Blue Bulls and the Cell C Sharks at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday as an opportunity for supporters from all cultural groups to unite in supporting their favourite teams and build cohesion.
Clothed in her Blue Bulls outfit, Nkadimeng left no doubt about her support for the Bulls when she addressed the media at the stadium last Wednesday to promote the upcoming event. Nkadimeng invited all sport supporters to come to the stadium in their numbers.
“We have many soccer supporters in and around the city and it will provide them with an opportunity to learn more about a game that is favoured by other members of the society,” Nkadimeng said and added that the local economy will benefit from visitors to the city. “Come over and make it a week end while also visiting the tourist attractions that we offer,” she said.
Nkadimeng also said that proceeds from the event will continue to support students who are capable of progressing academically but lack financial resources with full bursaries that will include accommodation and other expenses.
“More than 30 non-governmental organisations around the municipality will be assisted with direct contributions of over
R30 000 each, Nkadimeng added. Barend van Graan, Chief Executive Officer of Blou Bulle Maatskappy, earlier pledged to contribute R100 000 to the Executive Mayor’s Bursary Fund from the proceeds of the event.
Nkadimeng also announced that the municipality plans to engage professional event organisers and institutions with expertise and contacts in marketing and facilities management to optimise the utilisation of the city’s attractions and mentioned the old and new Peter Mokaba stadiums and the Game Reserve as examples.
“Intensive management and marketing of the facilities are not our core functions at this moment and it can be done better by professionals while we focus on service delivery,” Nkadimeng explained.

Story and photo: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com

Rugby enthusiasts in for a treat on Saturday

Not only can rugby fans look forward to an action-loaded warm-up game between the Vodacom Blue Bulls and Cell C Sharks at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, but also an energised line-up of pre-matches between local schools, universities and clubs on Saturday.
The gates open at 10:00 in order for spectators to settle in before the first match between the u.10 teams from Pietersburg Laerskool and Laerskool Pietersburg-Noord Primary scheduled to start at 12:00. Women teams from the University of Venda and University of Limpopo will clash at 13:00 to show off their skills in what is known as a men’s sport.
The first teams of Pietersburg Laerskool and Laerskool Pietersburg-Noord Primary will battle it out at 14:30.
The match before the main game will see local rugby club, Goldwagen Noordelikes face the Northam Rhinos at 15:30 followed by the Bulls and Sharks at 18:00. According to Limpopo Blue Bulls Rugby Union tickets are still available at R100 for adults and R30 for children between 3 and 13 years through Computicket.
There are also a few sky boxes available and businesses willing to advertise on the big screens can contact Joan du Toit on 072 501 2325 for booking or more information.

Story: RC Myburgh
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