Viljoen's lifeline to Vodacom stars
February 7, 2001

Perform consistently in the Vodacom Cup competition and your talent won't be ignored.

That was the message Springbok coach Harry Viljoen had for the country's up-and-coming stars at the launch of the Vodacom competition in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

"To have a domestic competition like the Vodacom Cup must make South African rugby the envy of the rest of the southern hemisphere. Australia and New Zealand don't have a similar competition to double as a feeder to the Vodacom Rugby Super 12 and (later in the season) the Bankfin Currie Cup competition," Viljoen said.

"It is important that the players involved in the Vodacom Cup recognise the importance of the competition and realise the opportunity it provides in the development of their careers. If a player produces consistently good performances in the Vodacom Cup, his talent won't be ignored.

"Participation in the Super 12 is an obvious spin-off for those who succeed in the Vodacom Cup, be it this season or next."

The coach added that the Vodacom Cup has also provided the platform for Bankfin Currie Cup success since its inception in 1998. Griquas, the inaugural winners, hosted a home Bankfin Currie Cup semifinal in 1998 and in 1999 the Lions completed the Vodacom and Bankfin Currie Cup double.

"Last year a very talented Free State team won the Vodacom Cup and made the semifinals of the Bankfin Currie Cup. Given these statistics, few can argue the Vodacom Cup's value to SA rugby," he concluded.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices