Before the start of the league season, Union-Milnerton (Uni-Mil) Rugby Club is taking significant steps towards elevating its presence in the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU).

A newly-formed partnership with Hyundai Milnerton promises to make a difference, especially for players.

The partnership, which was finalised last Friday, is set to provide the club with a much-needed boost by helping them move in style as they head into the season.

At the heart of the agreement is the involvement of former Uni-Mil player, Yongama Ximbi, who now works as a sales executive at Hyundai Milnerton.

Ximbi, who knows the game intimately as a former first-team member, understands the challenges that players face especially when it comes to transportation.

He’s seen first hand how difficult it can be for players to get to training sessions and matches, particularly when they come from less privileged backgrounds.

“Having played the game, I know how tough it can be to get to where you need to be, especially when resources are scarce,” says Ximbi.

He adds that this new partnership is a way of giving back to the community. The collaboration is seen as a natural fit, with the club and dealership located just a few kilometres apart.

Ximbi describes the partnership as a “true testament of community coming together for a cause meant to support the locals.

“I believe we can alleviate some of these challenges and provide future generations with the opportunities they deserve,” added Ximbi.

The restructuring of Uni-Mil’s coaching unit at the end of last season aligns perfectly with the new partnership.

Under the leadership of Isma-eel Dollie, who now serves as the Director of Rugby, the club bolstered its coaching staff.

Gareth Jordan has taken over as the head coach, while Henrich Martin was brought in to handle the front-row coaching duties.

Adrian Jacobs rounds out the coaching team by managing the backline.

This restructuring, combined with the new partnership, signals a fresh chapter for Uni-Mil. It highlights the club’s clear focus on developing well-rounded players and providing them with the resources needed to succeed.

Coach Jordan views the partnership as something much greater than a sponsorship deal. “This partnership is about more than just rugby; it’s about helping young athletes reach their full potential and supporting them in every way possible,” he said.

For Dollie, the deal represents a momentous occasion of local supporting local.

Uni-Mil’s Isma-eel Dollie and Hyundai Milnerton’s Shareef Mageit, signing the partnership, promoting local. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Former rugby player and Hyundai Milnerton’s Yongama Ximbi, alongside the rugby director at Uni-Mil, Isma-eel Dollie, Hyundai Milnerton’s manager Shareef Mageit, chairman of Uni-Mil Marcus Ball and first team head coach Henrich Martin at the signing of the partnership between Hyundai Milnerton and Union-Milnerton. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

Uni-Mil chairman Marcus Ball and the sporting director Ishma-eel Dollie all smiles at Hyundai Milnerton. Picture: Lonwabo Marele

As a part of the package, Uni-Mil will get two 11-seaters for the season. Picture: Lonwabo Marele