Madala takes the reigns at Alberton Rugby Club

Alberton Rugby Club recently welcomed the club’s new chairperson, Danie Putter.

Putter has already left big footprints in the Alberton sporting world, not only in rugby but also in the boxing scene.
He started playing rugby as a child.

“They used to call me matchstick,” said Putter. He continued playing rugby throughout his school career. After school in his sporting pursuits, Putter focused largely on boxing, working on the development of clubs all around the Gauteng. He also served as the chairperson of the Alberton Boxing Club.

His journey with Alberton Rugby Club started in 2011 when he was the founding member of the Alberton Madalas.

“They asked me to come back to Alberton to start a golden oldies team. I pulled seven guys out of the bar and that’s how it started,” said Putter with a laugh.

“It was a difficult start. But the golden oldies grew to such an extent that at one stage we were able to field three teams. I believe the Alberton Madalas is the biggest golden oldies team in South Africa.”

Two years ago he was appointed chairperson of the Golden Lions Golden Oldies team. Last year he was offered a position for other work, so he resigned as chairperson of the Golden Lions team.

Putter’s dream for the Alberton Rugby Club is to make it the unified place for Alberton players to play and take part. Part of this dream is to keep great Alberton players true to their hometown rather being bought by other schools and clubs.

“I want us as an Alberton community to be able to come here to the club and send our children directly from Alberton to become Springboks. I want us to build our community.”

Part of his plan is to create an Alberton Rugby Club rugby clinic that offers a place for all of Alberton’s school players to hone their skills together.

“The best part of rugby is growth. It is amazing to see the growth in young players and where they go,” he said.