Chiefs bring out the big guns
Soccer giants Kaizer Chiefs have included three Springbok wings in their squad for the inaugural Sevens Premier League tournament in George next week.
Chiefs, who named their squad in Johannesburg on Monday, unveiled former Springboks Breyton Paulse, Jongi Nokwe and Frederich Lombard.
Coach Gcobani Bobo will also be able to call on international experience in the form of young Kenyan star Daniel Adongo, as well as a host of exciting South African talent, including Wandile Mjekevu, Cameron Jacobs, Wilhelm Koch, Junior Bester and Shuaib Samaai.
Young Western Province flyer Elmo Thomas, who was recommended by Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, will add pace to the outfit.
Bobo was pleased with the mix between youth and experience in his squad.
"You have the proven qualities of those Springbok players, the exciting potential of the young guns like Wandile and Elmo, and the hard core experience of guys like Wilhelm and Junior," he said.
Tournament promoter Willem Strauss revealed that Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis would be the tournament ambassador and would be technical advisor to the Chiefs team.
"Growing up on the farm, I was playing soccer, mostly because the people on the farm staying with me couldn't catch a rugby ball," Du Plessis said.
"I always dreamed about kicking like Doctor Khumalo or defending like [Lucas] Rhoo Radebe."
He said it was an easy decision to get involved with the "biggest sporting brand in South Africa" and hoped the team's involvement in rugby could further unite the country.
Two more players would be added to the squad ahead of the tournament.
The Glamour Boys also revealed their rugby jersey, which is similar to the soccer shirt with the renowned Chiefs logo inside the number seven and the word 'rugby' added to the design.
The 12-team Sevens Premier League tournament will feature South African provincial sides and various corporate outfits.
"I am very surprised at the quality players the bigger teams have included, with the likes of the Cheetahs including the likes of Raymond Rhule," Strauss said.
Sevens icons including Brent Russell, Fabian Juries, Stefan Basson and Mzwandile Stick, will turn out alongside and against international stars Alafoti Fa'osiliva (Samoa), Ben Gollings (England), Shane Williams (Wales).
