Double-award-winning Non-profit organisation, New Hope Training Organisation, was unveiled on Thursday, 20 March as the main sponsor of the inaugural Ebrahim Patel Community Cup that will be hosted in George from 17 to 21 April.
New Hope, founded in 2012, won AgriSETA’s national award for the best training centre and the award for hosting the best project for the training and development of disabled-bodied persons in 2024.
And according to EPCC Easter Tournament Director, Romano Lekay, it is the perfect fit as both the tournament and New Hope want to instil themselves as torch-bearers for hope and the upliftment of communities across the country.
“This tournament is not just about rugby, it’s about community, legacy and giving back,” said Lekay.
“And that is why we are glad to announce that we have partnered with New Hope Training Organisation as our main sponsor because of the wonderful work it has been doing in the training and development of people in underprivileged communities for more than a decade now.
Hilton Moitse, Director at New Hope, expressed the same sentiments and said why they decided to partner with the EPCC: “You will see on our logo it reads: Eagles Fly with Eagles.
“And just like a mother Eagle does by training her young how to fly, we at New Hope strive to invest in others and it highlights the importance of mentorship, leadership and in the developing the potential of those around you.
“And just like the late Mr. Patel did by unifying our country’s divided rugby bodies, New Hope also strives to bring hope to old and young.
“I would therefore like to thank EPCC Tournament Director, Lekay, for allowing us to be part of this tournament and I believe this will be the start of big things.”
New Hope joins Ashantlee Tours, Buztron, Coca-Cola, G-Sportswear, Score Energy Drinks, Sebeletsa Group, Minux Digital and Tikity as official sponsors of the EPPCC Easter Tournament.
Meanwhile, the eight participating clubs [in alphabetical order] Bridgton (Oudtshoorn), Gardens (Kariega/Uitenhage), Groot-Brak, Harlequins (Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha), Heidelberg, Robertson Town, Safcol United (Grabouw) and St. George’s (Strand) were also in attendance at Fancourt to come and find out who will be facing who on the first day of EPCC action at the Outeniqua Park Stadium.
And in a mouthwatering opening round, Safcol will tackle Bridgton in the opening game on Thursday, 17 April at 16:00.
In the second game on Day 1, Groot Brak faces off against Gardens at 17:35 before Gardens and Groot-Brak do battle at 19:35.
The final game of the day kicks off at 21:10 when St. George’s tackles Robertson Town in a game that has already been touted as the game of the round.
EPCC organisers urge fans to take advantage of the early bird specials on tickets that are selling out fast.