Three Border rugby players who participated in the 39th Craven Week which ended at Maritzburg in 2002 were rewarded for their fine play by being selected for an SA Schools squad.

Ncedo Koyana during the Under 21 match between WP and Natal at Newlands Stadium, 8 October 2005

The squad later opposed Wales and France in schoolboy international matches. Western Province captain and scrumhalf, Paul Delport, was named captain. Queen’s College’s Leon Erasmus was selected as assistant- coach for the SA Schools squad. Right wing Luvo Sigodashe — he also wore the Border Bulldogs jersey and represented South Africa at Sevens — of Kama High, and current Bodder Bulldogs flyhalf Tembani Mkokeli (Msobomvu High), made the SA Schools’ team while Selborne fullback Onke Poni was selected as a substitute.

A further four Border boys were selected for the SA Academy squad. They were centre Ncedo Koyana (Selborne), left wing Sakuwe Jaji of Kulani High and prop Dumisane Qina (Queen’s College) who have been chosen for the team while lock Nicolai Blignaut (Baysville) was included in the squad as a substitute player. Queenstown’s Zola Yibe of St Bebes School was named manager of the SA Academy squad.
* Throughout the week Border played open, entertaining rugby which pleased the large crowds. On Saturday, the final day of the tournament, the East Coast XV beat Border Country Districts 76-5. (more…)