Wounded but Willing: Dale looks to defy odds against Selborne might
Following another defeat last weekend, Dale College will be desperate to find the winning formula when they clash with Border arch-rivals Selborne College in a King Price Derby Series fixture in East London on Saturday at 15:30.
Although they have displayed fighting qualities in abundance, the 2025 season has not been kind to the Dalians, and they have just two victories in 11 matches to show for their efforts so far.
Last week they went down to Queen’s after staying in the game until the closing stages when a late try gave the Komani visitors a 21-13 victory.
Now, coach Royden Kennedy and captain Kamva Sithole will be urging their players to keep their heads high as they face another of their long-time Border rivals in what should be an epic showdown on Selborne’s A field.
If Dale can match their tough opponents up front, the halfback pair of Onika Boniwe and Sonwabise Dyani have their ability to ignite their backs to create some pressure for the home side.
Selborne, meanwhile, despite a number of difficult fixtures this season, will be aiming to build on the momentum after a hard-earned 27-16 win over Port Rex last weekend.
Coach Allan Miles acknowledged the pressure they came under against what he called a well- drilled Port Rex side, and that experience should stand them in good stead for the Dalian challenge.
Even with Port Rex throwing everything at them, Selborne were still able to cross for four tries (Liam Hansen, Chad Weiman, Samora Bushet and Njongo Mbanga) to secure a hard-earned victory.
The Selborne mentor will also remind his charges of the sort of form they are capable of producing by referring to last month’s match against Pearson.
The East London outfit produced one of their best displays of the season to subdue the rising challenge of the Gqeberha team, taking control up front to win 40-13.
If big Selborne prop and captain Robert John-Osunkwo and his forwards can emulate that effort, they could starve Dale of the quality possession they need to register what would arguably be an upset win over the home side.
The teams:
Dale College: 15 Phikolomzi Mtyalela, 14 Achumile George, 13 Milani Madide, 12 Nxande Ngcaba, 11 Yamkela Molose, 10 Sonwabise Dyani, 9 Onika Boniwe, 8 Kamva Sithole (captain), 7 Liyabona Mayikana, 6 Owethu Siswana, 5 Kungawo Jaca, 4 Ebenezer Sarpong, 3 Phawu Ludwaba, 2 Lakhanya Mbewu, 1 Azole Sodlaka. Replacements: 16 Okuhle Fihla, 17 Sanele Bistoli, 18 Lubulele Ngqozela, 19 Qhawe Mtati, 20 Liyabona Mqingwana, 21 Wethumtha Malawana, 22 Inga Mafanga, 23 Luthando Madikane.
Selborne College: 15 Bungqina Nuku, 14 Samora Bushet, 13 Njongo Mbanga (vice-captain), 12 Aaron James, 11 Chad Weimann, 10 Oliver Schmidt, 9 Aaron Senekal, 8 Connor Maree, 7 Dominic Stegmann, 6 Lwandle Bacela, 5 Luca Liebenberg, 4 Matthew Beän, 3 Zothando Mrara, 2 Luke Bowman, 1 Robert John-Osunkwo (captain). Replacements: 16 Samuel van de Venter, 17 Luthango Ngese, 18 Seth Smith, 19 Travis Enslin, 20 Uviwe Jikwana, 21 Samuel Jacobsen, 22 Iviwe Kabale, 23 Linamandla Ndamase.
Kick-Off: 15:30
