A new and dynamic management committee has been appointed to drive forward a programme of growth and development that will provide exciting opportunities for talented local players and bring quality rugby to thousands of sport-hungry Knysna residents.
Highly-respected Hornlee Secondary School teacher, Basil Manuel, has been appointed as director of rugby and has assembled a team of enthusiastic and experienced coaches who are already conducting pre-season fitness sessions.
Knysna Municipality has also lent its support by allowing the club to use the Loerie Park Stadium for mid-week training and weekend matches. The first training session at the facility will be on Thursday, February 10, at 18:30.
The KURFC hopes that the club will also be granted use of the park's clubhouse in the near future.
Richard Davies, KURFC media and marketing official, said: "After years of enduring sub-standard playing conditions and facilities at Hornlee and a lack of financial support and sponsorship, the club is now poised to begin the most exciting phase in its 26-year history." He added, "The new initiatives we're putting in place will nurture and manage local talent in a much more professional way, develop youth rugby from primary school level upwards and raise performance standards to make the game much more attractive to players and spectators alike.
"These, together with the use of a top-class venue, mean we can really look forward to producing some entertaining rugby for local fans."
More support needed
Now that KURFC has embarked on its new development programme, it is reaching out to local businesses and individuals for support. "We're looking to build a strong supporters' club, recruit new players of all ages and from every section of our community and get businesses involved in an active and meaningful way," explained club chairman, Aschin Klein.
"The club currently has two sides, with our over-18 senior team playing in the President's League of the South Western Districts," said Aschin. "However, we're setting our sights on building a top quality side that can compete in the SWD's Premier League - and to achieve that, we'll need a lot more help from local people."
Davies explained that residents of Knysna could become involved in the growth of the club in numerous ways:
-By joining the supporters' club or just visiting Loerie Park to watch the games.
-Joining the club as a player or attending pre-season training sessions.
-Offering sponsorship and publicity.
-Assisting with transportation to away fixtures.
-Providing medical / paramedical back-up during training and matches.
"So, if you are a keen rugby player or supporter and would like to be part of the new-look KURFC, please contact the following people for more information," asked Davies.
Business sponsorship / publicity - Richard Davies (072 679 7473).
Playing / training - Basil Manuel (084 402 5256).
Transport / medical assistance - Aschin Klein (073 253 8809).
Meanwhile, KURFC's season kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday, February 19 with a friendly game against Busy Boys at Loerie Park.
The first league game of the season, between United and Harlequins, will be played on Saturday, March 5, in Oudtshoorn.
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The Knysna United Rugby Football Club is undergoing a transformation. At the helm are Richard Davies (media and marketing), Aschin Klein (club chairman) and Basil Manuel (director of rugby).
