Share

Kings poach Maku, Catrakilis

Johannesburg - The Southern Kings have been given a player boost by the news that both Western Province Currie Cup hero Demetri Catrakilis and Lions and Bok hooker Bandise Maku will be joining them for the 2013 edition of Vodacom Super Rugby.

According to supersport.com website, Catrakilis turned down an offer from Western Province coach Allister Coetzee after an emotional victory in the Absa Currie Cup and has kept his word to join the Kings, alongside Sharks lock Steven Sykes and Cheetahs midfielder Andries Strauss.

Maku has finally signed papers with the Kings, even though he previously denied he would be joining Super Rugby’s newest team.

The Kings announced three players a month ago that had signed with them – including Bok hooker Maku – but it was quickly denied on social media by the player, prompting questions whether or not the Kings had jumped the gun on the announcement.

But strangely on Monday afternoon Maku announced his move on Twitter, saying “Only nw cn w officially say tht I'm going 2 th Kings.Thnk u all 4 ur devoted support thru out ths season.Looking 4wrd 2 a fruitful yr ahead. (sic)" (Only now can officially say that I’m going to the Kings. Thank you all for your devoted support throughout this season. Looking forward to a fruitful year ahead)

This means the Kings now will have four Super Rugby quality players at their disposal, and also completed the signing of former Pumas scrumhalf Shaun Venter as well this week.

Catrakilis has made his mind up and despite a last minute plea from Coetzee, decided he wanted to move to the Kings.

“I’m excited, I made the decision wanted to go to the Kings a while ago and I’ve now stuck to it. It’s a new challenge and I’m excited to prove myself in Super Rugby,” Catrakilis told EWNSport.

The player added that seeing the effect the Currie Cup victory had on Cape Town was “surreal” but that it didn’t change his mind on his decision.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1168 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1362 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2070 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE