The Western Province Amateur Sevens team departed for Kenya on Wednesday evening ahead of the annual Safaricom Sevens at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Under the coaching of Rodger Smith, and the additional guidance of Jerome Paarwater, the talented 12-man squad should be real title contenders in what is shaping up as a strong field in Nairobi.
Not only will the national Kenyan Sevens side be there, but the Emerging Springboks are also sending an outfit to take part against the various overseas sides making the trip to Kenya. Locally, WP Super League side, Hamilton’s, will also be sending a team to compete.
The tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday (with the team flying home on Monday) and, according to Paarwater, it is a great opportunity for Western Province to build towards the SA Provincial Sevens tournament which takes place in Pretoria in November.
“We’ve got a talented side,” said Paarwater ahead of the Safaricom Sevens.
“Someone like Albert Trytsman was a standout for the full WP Amateurs team in Oudtshoorn recently, a guy like Freddie Muller has played a lot of age-group rugby for WP and Kuselo Moyake (pictured) has been impressive for SK Walmers this season.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players and we’re looking to build for our National Sevens tournament in the process.”
The WP Amateur Sevens squad:
1. Ruan Mostert (Maties)
2. Albert Trytsman (Brackenfell)
3. Danwill Erasmus (SK Walmers)
4. Freddie Muller (UWC)
5. Vivian Fredericks (Hands & Heart)
6. Tony Taylor (Hands & Heart)
7. Elmo Thomas (Primrose)
8. Carel du Preez (Helderberg)
9. Oswin Mentoor (Bellville)
10. Kuselo Moyake (SK Walmers)
11. JP Kellerman (UWC)
12. Earl Johnson (Kuilsrivier)
Management team:
Rodger Smith (Coach)
Cyril Booysen (Manager)
Inge Croy (Physiotherapist)
Jerome Paarwater