The two oldest clubs in Mpumalanga.
One no longer exists.
The other is fighting for survival.
Middelburg is the province’s oldest rugby club and was founded in 1894 as Middelburg Wanderers Rugby Football Club.
Belfast was founded in 1904 by postmaster William Wilke.
Middelburg is not only the province’s oldest club but also produced its first Springbok.
Polla Fourie was selected for the Boks in 1974 to play against the British Lions and later toured France with the team.
Over the years, Middelburg has won the league 14 times.
The first time was in 1972.
The South Eastern Transvaal Rugby Union was founded in 1969, with Witbank being the league winners for the first three years.
Over the years, Middelburg has not only made its mark on the playing field, but also in boardrooms.
Legends such as Pikkie Coetzee, Gerrie Gerrits, Renier van Rensburg, Hannes Bruwer and Hermie Crous have left deep footprints as coaches, selectors and management.
On the field, two players were crowned South Africa’s try scorers of the year, Dirk Pretorius and Kallie Grobler.
The club has produced many provincial players.
When one has to choose a Middelburg best team from 1969 today, it is also a provincial team.
There will always be differences of opinion, but my best would be: Harry Muller, Kallie Grobler, Tommy Symons, Chris Botha, Dirk Pretorius, Hendrik Koekemoer, Koos Coetzee, Hendry van Tonder (C), Polla Fourie, Piet Cloete (Piet Craven), Johan Spies, Ben Badenhorst, Jerry van Rooyen, Abrie van Wyk, and Jan Loubser.
Gerrie Gerrits, who himself played fly-half for the club and later was president, has the following team: Harry Muller, Kallie Grobler, Chris Botha, George Minnaar, Michael van Tonder, Hendrik Koekemoer, Koos Coetzee, Hendry van Tonder, Piet Craven, Polla Fourie, Johan Spies, Salty du Randt, Jerry van Rooyen, Abrie van Wyk, and Daan Wessels.
Nowadays, there are players like Stephen Noksi, Janco de Lange, Michael Mizwa, Divan Geyser, Reboane Mokgalagadi and Aviwe Thomas.
A new generation standing on the shoulders of giants.
It is a pity that the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality is tearing the foundation out from under them.
The fantastic facilities at the rugby club, which were a home for families, are in serious disrepair.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Gerhard Rheeder
www.citizen.co.za
