East Rand United 2017-2019: Where are they now?
The mass exodus included incumbent captain Jonathan Botha, Clayton Gindan, Waylon Thompson, Cameron Lentoor, Jackie Jonkers and Leon ‘Sweef’ Potgieter. It didn’t end there for the local side as star half back Tiaan Ramat joined his teammates to the exit doors of The Graveyard – United’s base in Reiger Park.
Valke Peregrine League two-time finalists East Rand United have begun their rebuilding process following a mass exodus which hit the Reiger Park outfit following the announcement that the club’s main sponsor, Phakisa Holdings Group, have ended the relationship between the two parties.
Phakisa made the announcement following another promising season by the first side, which couldn’t be exactly described as a success.
The reasons for the main sponsor stepping down remain unclear, but the Advertiser is hoping to get an explanation from the top bras at Phakisa sooner rather than later.
Where are they now?
The Advertiser sought to find out where the core of that star-studded United group are headed next in their respective careers.
Jonathan Botha (former United captain)
When the Advertiser had a chat with the former United leader and openside flanker about his home from this year going forward, he commented: “I’ve started my training at Germiston Simmers. Shaun de Wet (former United hooker) and Attie Jansen van Vuuren is also with me at Simmers.
“I played for United for five years straight. It was time for change: new challenges in the Lions League and looking forward on building again, making new memories, learning new ways of coaching, and I believe a different type of ball game perhaps.”
Clayton Gindan
The versatile fly half, who had fallen out of favour at United under the tutelage of coach Alvandré Maart, has joined Germiston outfit the Simmers. As a matter of fact, there’s also a few off-field personnel from United who’ve joined the Simmers.
Leon Potgieter
The flyer, who scored a bunch of tries for United in his rather short stint from the Brakpan Rugby Club, missed the latter part of the season after suffering a serious knee injury which required surgery. According to the man himself, recovery is going as planned, with his physio sessions improving.
He’s on course to be cleared to play again at the end of March. When asked about his next move, the man fondly known as Sweef hinted a move to Simmers too, but Pretoria outfit QBR are also said to be interested in his services.
Cameron Lentoor
Lentoor, who formed a deadly wing combination with Sweef, is still based in Gauteng at the moment and is currently on trials with Nelspruit-based Pumas.
The Pumas compete in the Premier Division of the Currie Cup and the Northern Section of the Vodacom Cup. The team draws their players from Mpumalanga and plays at the Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela (Nelspruit).
Waylon Thompson
When the Advertiser got hold of the star centre, he confirmed: “This year I’m playing in Germiston (Simmers), but I’m currently on trials at the Pumas in Nelspruit.”
Asked to provide a reason for his departure from The Graveyard, the blockbusting number 12 explained: “It’s time to start a new chapter in my rugby career.”
Tiaan Ramat, Jackie Jonkers
The Advertiser could not get hold of the star pair in time before going to print, but did get info from reliable sources that the half back and his versatile former teammate at United are also at Simmers in Germiston.
