Gunners acquire five South African players

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Friday March 26, 2010 00:00

The move is likely to re-shape local rugby as South Africa is renowned for its professional set-up, which has produced good players.

Gunners' coach, Neal Gouws told Mmegi Sport that the players arrived yesterday morning and immediately joined the team in training. The five are expected to bring much-needed experience to the team. Gouws has not decided whether to field the new recruits against Ghantsi Lions in Jwaneng this weekend.

'The players must adapt to our style of play and that is when I would think of using them. I want the team to gel first or else it will be hard for the team to play well. It might also cripple us.

It won't be a problem if I do not play them tomorrow because the league has just started and quarter-finals are in July so there is time for them to adapt,' Gouws said. He aims to see Gunners defending the title and that is why they have brought in the South Africans.

Gunners' title defence got off to a flying start following the 42-0 demolition of debutants, Whales, from Thebephatshwa. Although Gouws was impressed with the display, he felt that they could have scored more goals.

He said their defence never gave anything away during the game, although he complained about the mistakes his players committed.

'Whales were awarded many penalties because of our mistakes but we were fortunate that the penalties were not converted. During the week, we worked hard to rectify our shortcomings,' he said. Gouws was impressed with the spectator turnout for last Saturday's game. He said they want the sport to involve members of the community because that is the only way it can be appreciated. 

Meanwhile, Gouws said they expect a tough match against another new side, Lions who suffered a 19-3 defeat at the hands of BDF Cheetahs over the weekend. He said it is crucial for his players to concentrate in the entire game as the Lions will be out to get their first win.