East Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet popped in to meet privately with the Southern Kings Team today ahead of their crunch match on Friday 26 July in Port Elizabeth.
Kiviet thanked the players for their contribution to the province and wished “her team” th ebest of luck for to-morrow’s game.
Business in Nelson Mandela Bay also added its voice to the growing support for the Southern Kings ahead of their clash against the MTN Lions for the right to remain in the Super Rugby competition next year.
Kevin Hustler, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, commended the team for their courage, character and commitment against often daunting odds.
“While the exact economic impact has yet to be determined, in comparison, the test match between New Zealand and South Africa, which saw 45,000 spectators at the Stadium, generated in excess of R156 million for the region and created around 750 jobs,” he said. “Add to that the huge international following and global television viewership that Super Rugby has, and one begins to understand the exposure that Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape could receive,” he said.
Hustler called on businesses to show its support for the Southern Kings on Friday, by wearing black. “This is Kings country and Friday is Kings Friday. Let us show our support for the Southern Kings by wearing black and filling the stadium,” he said.
Thumbs up for Friday from Southern Kings Vice Captain Ronnie Cooke, East Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet and Southern Kings Captain, Darron Nell.
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