Tense derby at new tourney

STAND-OFF: Rugby fans will be treated to a feast this weekend as long-time rivals Breakers and Old Collegians (OC) take each other on in the HPJ Derby Cup with, from left, OC president Maxwell Levine, HPJ Construction chief executive officer Razaak Jekels and Breakers president Mthuthuzeli Zepe Picture: ZOLILE MENZELWA

BATTLE lines have been drawn as rugby rivalry will be taken to higher and new levels tomorrow when Breakers and Old Collegians (OC) face off in the inaugural annual HPJ Derby at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Complex.

Breakers and OC presidents Mthuthuzeli Zepe and Maxwell Levine respectively and main sponsor HPJ Construction CEO Razaak Jekels visited The Rep offices on Monday to speak about the must-see match.

Levine said the concept of the match was community based.

“We all know Breakers and OC are the biggest clubs in terms of support in the area. But the two do not play each other as Breakers play in the Super League while OC is in the Premier Leauge,” he said.

The teams last played each other two years ago before OC was relegated to the Premier League.

He said the derby could possibly be a double feature with one match on each of the teams’ home fields. The two teams had been looking forward to igniting the rivalry for a long time.

“Wherever you go now, debates are raging as to who will take the top honours. This is not about money, but about bragging rights.”

Levine said rival schools, which are possible feeders to both teams, will play before the main match. The under-12 and U13 teams of St Theresa’s and Louis Rex primary schools will do battle after the first kick-off at 11am. They will be followed by KwaKomani Comprehensive School and Maria Louw High School’s first teams.

Zepe said this was a big game with a lot of nail-biting action expected.

He appealed to more sponsors to come on board and invest in local rugby.

Jekels said HPJ was part of the community and felt it was important to take part in the tournament.

He said he loved the idea when he was approached to take part in the derby, adding that he was willing to invest more in local sports.

Entrance will be R10 at the gate, R5 for a car and for pupils. Levine said drum majorettes would perform with live music and a family fun environment would be in the offing.

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