There are two events in the world of sport that will stand out for Capetonians in 2020.
The one is without doubt Liverpool winning the
Premier League for the first time in 30 years.
Ons weet mos there are a vrag Reds fans here in the Mother City, so congratulations to all of them.
If ever there were worthy title winners, then it’s die klomp van Jurgen Klopp - and that comes from a skaam Arsenal fan.
PARTY TIME: Liverpool ysters celebrate long-awaited title
But while celebrations at Anfield ran wild over the weekend, hier op ons voorstoep, we were expecting big things at Newlands this year.
It’s the grand old lady’s final season as a rugby stadium and it couldn’t have been worse.
Not only didn’t we get a full season of rugby action, but the deal that will see Western Province move to Cape Town Stadium has more haakplekke than a cactus.
Those who know me, know I’m not about the politics in the game, and instead I try to help improve what happens between the four lines.
As a sports writer, I prefer using players’ stories to inspire rather than to cause division by delving deeply into off-field stuff.
My philosophy is simple; if you don’t know the names of whatever rugby union’s administrators, then they are doing a good job.
At the end of the day, these guys must just ensure that the game can be played without any hiccups.
They shouldn’t be splashed across the back and front pages of newspapers.
Still, you can’t ignore the issues - especially when they have a big impact on what is happening on the pitch. And that brings me to Western Province Rugby.
I would like to see this particular union sort out their issues with whoever it is that is going to help them out of their financial crisis.
Apparently it’s a company called Flyt Property Investment Group now - you can read all about it on today's back page.
So when they have sorted out that mess, I would like the union to give their full attention - if they haven’t already done so - to making this season a memorable one for long-time Newlands fans.
I understand that the coronavirus was unplanned and that alle planne have been deurmekaar gekrap because of it, but I really, really hope president Zelt Marais and his manne have something big lined up for a Newlands send-off.
Even if it’s the only rugby action taking place this year, Newlands deserves a match to send it off into dust.
One player who was particularly keen on a good Newlands send-off was Springbok back-three ace Dillyn Leyds, who headed off to France without saying goodbye to Newlands.
I have mentioned it before and I still maintain that there should be some exhibition match - even if it’s during the December break - in which former WP and Stormers stars now playing abroad are brought back for one final outing.
DEALS: WP boss Zelt Marais
While they’re at it, organise that recently-retired stars play a curtain-raiser to what I see as a current Stormers team versus overseas ysters.
Anyway, this coming Saturday promises to be the start of big things at the ground.
You can light a fire for Newlands in the first of what I hope will be many events to celebrate the old stadium.
A press release sent out last week reads: “We’ll be lighting the braai fires on the field and around the nation, celebrating our favourite Newlands memories - and making new ones!
“Join the livestream from Newlands with Bryan Habana, Elma Smit, and Siv Ngesi on 4 July 2020. And, if you’re one of our winners, you might just find yourself at Newlands on Saturday as you see yourself lighting your fire, on the big screen.
“Some of the Stormers’ finest players will set Newlands stadium alight in tribute, lighting braai fires on the field to remember the magical moments that have lit the stadium up over more than a century.
“Fans are invited to join in, by lighting up their braai fires at home; and then sending in their most memorable Newlands moments and their Saturday family braai day pics on 4 July.
LIGHT YOUR FIRE: Newlands braai
“These pictures will be shared that same Saturday afternoon on the Newlands stadium screen via YouTube live, giving fans the opportunity to be in the stadium from home.”
For more information visit: www.timeslive.co.za/newlands.