The regular men’s team membership has grown considerably, so much so that they now have more than enough reserves to rely on for each match.
GALESHEWE’S newly-founded Black Warriors RFC have grown in leaps and bounds since its formation three months ago with the founders now battling to establish a youth academy for the side to bolster their talent development plan.
Lungile Mahlathi, one of the co-founders, said the regular men’s team membership has grown considerably, so much so that they now have more than enough reserves to rely on for each match.
They have also played a match each weekend against comparable strength opponents from Kimberley and nearby towns since their formation in January this year.
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This weekend in particular they have a match scheduled against a team from Douglas, he said.
Mahlathi said the support they have had all round for their initiative has been heart-warming.
“People come in almost daily to enquire after our team and to join. Right now we have plans to establish a regular junior side. We already have the junior members and we are now working to get their parents and guardians involved.
“We have just more than 15 youngsters on our books who come regularly to our practices. We want to shape them into a proper team.
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“We need their parent’s consent and involvement because of their age. We plan on having that meeting (with the parents) anytime soon when our calendar permits.
“We’ve also been pleasantly surprised that some personalities connected with Griquas took an interest in us. It is nothing official but still, it is encouraging.”
Mahlathi said the absence of their own playing field has not interfered with their practice sessions as well as their games. Thus far they have honoured all match invites since early this year.
The team practices at the Frank Roro Oval in Retswelele on weekday afternoons.
