De Waal takes Player of the Year award
The Empangeni Rugby Football Club held its prize-giving cocktail function
UTILITY backline player Dirkie de Waal won the prestigious Empangeni Rugby Football Club floating trophy for Player of the Year at the Empangeni Rugby Club cocktail function on Wednesday evening at Mick Kelly Park.
‘I would like to thank my committee, the players, coaches, managers and sponsors for their efforts this past season,’ said Empangeni Rugby Club Chairman Simon Harvey.
‘The Rhinos managed to avoid the promotion/relegation zone and ended their season in the semi-finals of the Castle Murray Cup against Durban Collegians.
‘The club, through its junior rugby programme, has been promoting the development of rugby to all players. More than half of our junior ranks are now players of colour.
‘We see our club as a great example of true transformation.
‘We have players in the club who have come through the ranks and who are there being selected on merit. Rugby development is alive and well and happening in Empangeni,’ said Harvey.
‘This year we set up a young player exchange programme with Ipswich Rugby Club from London, who sent us Sam Goodwin. In return, Corné Els is currently playing for Ipswich and doing very well and we look forward to having him back next season.
‘Congratulations to the Rhinos players who represented the Zululand team in the the Ebbo Bastard Trophy.
‘Well done to Ado Wessels who represented the Duikers and played in the Sharks trials early in the season. Also congratulations to Warren Graff on his selection as Zululand’s Rugby Players of the Year.
‘In closing, I would like to congratulate the winners, but once again tonight rugby is the winner,’ said Harvey.
2013 Awards
Player of the Year – Dirkie de Waal
Keenest Player (Royal Hotel Cup) – Michael Neysschens
Most Improved Player (Imperial Cup) – Sam Goodwin and Tinashe Matonga
Supporter of the Year (Gerrie Sonnekus Floating Trophy) – Kim Wessels
President’s Trophy – Manny Brockman (Manager of McCarthy Toyota Empangeni). This award goes to an individual who has achieved something exceptional within the year. McCarthy Toyota Empangeni won the SA Dealership of the Year award.
