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Border proud of Kings duo

Port Elizabeth - Centre Lukhanyo Am and scrumhalf Ntando Kebe are flying the flag for Border rugby at higher levels, say the players at the East London-based union.

Am (22) and Kebe (27) have been regular features for the Southern Kings during Super Rugby this season.

While the Kings have struggled at this stage of the competition, losing seven of their eight fixtures, the duo have made a positive impression following a string of impressive individual performances.

Both players started their professional rugby careers at Border. Kebe has spent seven of his 10 seasons at the union, having emerged at Under-19 level in 2007. He has also played for Boland and Griquas.

Am spent three seasons at Border before signing a deal with the Sharks after stellar showings during the 2015 Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup First Division campaigns (the centre is currently on loan at the Kings).

Border veteran Blake Kyd said the players are proud of their team-mates impressing at higher levels.

“We are very, very happy to see the guys doing so well at Super Rugby level this season. It proves that if you give players the right opportunities, you give them the fair opportunity to excel,” Kyd told MyPlayers.

“Many players at Border come from the club rugby structures, so they don’t often get a fair chance to prove themselves at provincial or Super Rugby level. Lukhanyo and Ntando are proving that there is great rugby talent from this region.

“This also creates internal motivation. Most of our players have played alongside Lukhanyo and Ntando for years. Their promotion through the rugby ranks inspires us to believe we can do the same if we work hard.”

Border are also doing well during the Currie Cup qualifiers this year.

They picked up surprise wins over the Sharks XV, Golden Lions and neighbours EP Kings. Although they slumped to a 26-3 loss to the Pumas last weekend, the East London-based union have already exceeded expectations.

Kyd hopes more successful results will earn more Border players bigger opportunities.

“Because of all the off-field issues last season, there wasn’t a great opportunity for Border to form a strong partnership with the Southern Kings going into Super Rugby. I can only imagine how their preparations and planning were rushed because of this, but we’re hoping as Kings re-establish themselves, we can have more of our players playing their way into the squad and earning their chance of showcasing their worth at higher levels,” said Kyd.

For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za

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