Let me take the time to introduce you to the first three of many local heroes in our community.

Tamzin Valentine, First XV and Amateur Golden Lions Team Manager.

Damian Glaus First XV and Amateur Lions Player- Prop

Shaun Potgieter First XV and Amateur Lions Player- Loose forward/Lock

Valentine has recently been selected as the team manager of the Amateur side as a direct result of her selfless love for the game and her incredible ability to handle the operational process of the game. She is currently 3 for 3, in her capacity as the provincial manager she has not lost a game. Many in the know understand the importance of having a sound administrator, taking nothing away from the players and coaches that orchestrate the on-field antics. The off-field responsibilities all fall squarely the shoulders of the team manager from ensuring the accommodation is booked to ensuring GROWN MEN have remembered to pack their kit bags for the game they are on their way to. As mentioned before Valentine is a selfless servant of the game and her players and team take priority very often at the expense of her own comfort. It will come as no surprise if this step is one of the firsts of many in the greater rugby fraternity.

TAMZIN WE ARE PROUD OF YOU

Damian Glaus being the inform club loosehead in the PGC and part of the amateur training squad since inception took a bit of a sabbatical to kick start his career. On his return his was immediately drafted in the amateur squad that took on the Pumas, this being his first rugby game in months. Glaus with his intimidating prop like presence obtained his first cap and held his own in the dark places where backs fear to go. It’s a matter of time before the Apex Predator Glaus is back at full fitness and destroying his opposition he has done repeatedly for his club side. DAMIAN WE ARE PROUD OF YOU

Cometh the hour, Cometh the man the meaning of this well know saying (When the situation is tough, and when the time comes, a man who can turn the tide and win the situation comes) so aptly describes Shaun Potgieter. Potties has been tirelessly paying his dues in the amateur training squad with blood, sweat and if he is totally honest with himself tears albeit only internal. Potties like Glaus was got his first cap against the men from Mpumalanga. After initially not being selected for the first 2 squads, Potties got his opportunity and for good measure scored the winning try in the closely contested contest seeing the Amateur Lions Trumping the Amateur Pumas 36-31. Shaun’s impact was clearly one that cannot be forgotten quickly by the coaches.

SHAUN WE ARE PROUD OF YOU

There is still one or two more amateur games this season, please support our heroes (even organize lift clubs) who knows maybe next time there is one or two more familiar faces.

Writer – Rory Lategan