Ex-Bomber Kolisi sponsors club kits

African Bombers Rugby Football Club of Zwide are the recipients of brand new jerseys and kits thanks to a donation from one of their former players, Springbok Siya Kolisi. Bombers, a rugby club established in 1954 in the township of Veeplaas, compete in the Grand Challenge which is the highest league at club level in the Eastern Province. Club manager Arthur Dayimani said playing in the league came with obvious financial obligations. “The lack of corporate sponsorship does not demotivate our members. “The club is regarded as the hub of rugby development in the township,” he said. “Over the years, the club has produced players of an international standard like Thobela Zweni,Wonga Joka, Kolisi, Lizo Gqoboka, Thembelani Bholi, Siya Grey, Masixole ‘Coyi’ Banda and many more.” Kolisi handed over a set of jerseys as a thank-you gesture to the club where his rugby career began. “I know where I come from and that’s why I saw a need to plough back to my community, particularly African Bombers. The club gave me a platform to express my God-given talent and today I am grateful to be an African Bombers brand ambassador,” he said. Club president Fezi Majola thanked Kolisi for his continued service to the club. “Siya is applying the basics of life today – the first rule is you don’t burn your bridges and the second one you don’t forget where you came from. The club is grateful for the generous gesture,”Majola said. The club also honoured Buyile Jim April, who joined 50 years ago. A legend, April was fearless on the field and he was one of the best locks the club has ever produced. Deputy president Siyabulela Komeni said: “April’s commitment to the club is unquestionable – 50 years of excellent service on and off the field is a milestone.”