Langa's quick return to SLB not an easy ride
Langa RFC's Aviwe Mabuya tries to find space in the Gardens defence during his side's losing effort at the weekend.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Maybe the Easter weekend break will breathe new life into Langa RFC after a not-so-stellar start to their campaign in the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) Super League C (SLC).
Having been relegated from Super League B just last season, life in SLC doesn’t seem to be any easier.
If anything, it looks like it’s going to be just as much of a grind, if not tougher.
Langa has suffered back-to-back defeats in their opening two fixtures — first, a disappointing home loss to Pniel Villagers, followed by an away defeat to Gardens over the weekend.
In tough, wet conditions, Langa came up short in their effort to register their first win, going down 19–11 to Gardens.
Now, with a two-week break thanks to the Easter weekend, the team has a crucial window to regroup and refocus.
Teamwork as Gardens' Jared Hamman is met with a brick wall of defence from Langa.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
No team wants to be playing catch-up when the season hits its final stretch and the fight for promotion spots heats up.
For a side freshly relegated, the goal is a quick return to SLB, but that’s not something that’s going to come easy.
Those who follow club rugby in Cape Town know just how unforgiving Super League C can be.
It’s arguably one of the toughest divisions to get out of.
All 15 teams fancy their chances for promotion at the start of the season, which means the intensity is there from day one.
Anathi Ndukwana and co found life difficult against Gardens in uneasy conditions at the weekend.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Every point matters, and the first half of the season carries as much weight as the final few match days.
Langa won’t be back on the field until the first weekend of May when they host Rangers at home.
That gives them two full weeks to reevaluate their game plan and sharpen up if they hope to make a serious push for promotion by season’s end.