SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Former Proteas cricket star, Makhaya Ntini, has been appointed as team manager of the Kaizer Chiefs' sevens rugby team which will play in the inaugural NBM 7s PL tournament at Outeniqua Park in George from Friday.

This announcement about Ntini, a true South African sporting legend, follows the ground-breaking decision by Kaizer Chiefs to embrace another sporting code and the fast bowler joins numerous other sporting celebrities for this event, which will see the country's leading provincial unions battle it out with Kaizer Chiefs and other privately owned teams.

The winning team will earn R1-million in prize money, another first in South African sevens rugby. Ntini, who played rugby with Kaizer Chiefs coach and former Springbok midfielder, Gcobani Bobo, at Dale College, jumped at the opportunity to join the team.

"We all know Chiefs to be a famous soccer team, but when I heard about them wanting to diversify and become involved in another great South African sporting code, namely rugby I became excited about the possibilities it can bring." As a kid, Ntini was inspired by Chiefs greats like Ace Khuse and Doctor Khumalo and now gets the opportunity to be involved with the brand.

"Growing up and watching them, they sparked the desire to play sport, so it would be great to be associated with one of my favourite teams of all time. Also, I am a workaholic and I told Gcobani that he will see me right in front, working hard for the team and doing my job," Ntini said. "This could open doors and sevens rugby might never be the same. This move by Chiefs must be applauded and I am very keen to get involved."

Kaizer Chiefs Marketing Director had the following to say, "We are very excited because Makhaya is part of the Amakhosi Family, he has been a staunch Kaizer Chiefs supporter for a long time now and we are very excited that our Team will be in his hands along with the rest of the Technical Team. We welcome him on board and look forward to working with a staunch Khosi4Life - together we are looking forward to reclaiming the glory!" The team will be captained by former Springbok winger Breyton Paulse and will include five test try scorer, Jongi Nokwe. Tournament promoter Willem Strauss welcomed the news of Ntini's involvement.

"It is clear that Kaizer Chiefs have tremendous support amongst a vast variety of South Africans and their involvement in sevens will bring more people into contact with the code, which of course will become an Olympic sport in 2016. Makhaya is a true sporting icon."

Tickets for the event are available at Computicket and Strauss predicts Outeniqua Park to be a popular destination at the weekend.


Nou die ene glimlagte, maar van môre af is dit 'n ander storie wanneer dié klomp begaafde rugbyspelers mekaar aandurf in die NBM Premierliga-sewestoernooi op Outeniquapark. Met prysgeld van R1 miljoen vir die wenners sal daar geen gunste en gawes wees nie, maar veel eerder klipharde wedywering tussen die twaalf spanne. Die eerste wedstryd begin om 11:04 wanneer die NBM All Stars die Boland pak. Hier staan 'n paar van die rugbysterre wat in aksie gaan wees. Van links Cameron Jacobs (Cheetahs), Theuns Kotze (Cheetahs), Zar Lawrence (NBM All Stars), Breyton Paulse (Kaizer Chiefs), Willem Strauss, hooforganiseerder van die sewestoernooi, en Fabian Julies (Vikings). Foto: Hugo Redelinghuys