Ncera out to end Bobbies’ Super 14 winning streak
Teams set to fight for play-off berths in several key matches on Saturday
Road warriors Ncera Leopards will be eager to prove that not having a home field will not prevent them from achieving their long-term goal of winning the 2024 Eastern Cape Super 14.
Ncera will battle for top spot in Group A of the provincial competition’s Border Conference against East London Police in Ntabozuko (Berlin) on Saturday (2.30pm).
It is one of several key matches scheduled for Saturday, when teams will be fighting for play-off berths.
Ncera began their campaign in winning style when the tournament kicked off last week and have made it clear they want to go all the way and upset the odds.
They put on a show in dismantling Berlin Tigers 56-22, while also claiming a bonus point, topping group A ahead of Police.
It was business as usual for defending champions Police as they swamped Moonlight by 38-9 at Police Park last Saturday.
The victory extended the Bobbies’ winning streak in the competition to 11 matches and sent out a message that it will not be easy to take their crown.
Police president Bonga Mtunjani said during the week they were wary of Ncera’s threat.
Police head coach Yongama Mkaza has made reinforcements in his team by bringing in Latica Nela and Ayabulela Xhosana.
“They put out a big statement with that win against Tigers, they have been in form the past couple of months and they had good results in the Super League as well.
“But I believe our squad has fire power that will overcome them, but it won’t be easy.
“I was impressed by our players in the last game, especially the young players.”
In the same group, Berlin Tigers will then welcome Moonlight (3.30pm).
While the main focus will be on Police and Ncera, it will be vital for Moonlight and the Tigers to push for the second-place fight in the group till the last day of the round robin.
Young Leopards and Swallows, both on four points, will meet in another huge decider in group B on Saturday (3.30pm) at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Young Leopards topped the group after their 21-15 victory over Old Selbornians at Ducats, while Swallows almost got the shock of the season as they battled against newcomers Komga United, narrowly snatching the win 19-17.
The Komga green machine, who proved in the main match of the double-header at Sisa Dukashe Stadium that they were not going to be the whipping boys, will welcome Old Selbornians at home in Komga.
Saturday’s fixtures: EP Conference: Gardens v Kruisfontein United (Central Field), Harlequins v Park (Adcock Stadium), Despatch Oostelikes v Trying Stars (Daleview), Hankey Villagers v Progress (Hankey).