Port Elizabeth - EP Kings loose forward Tim Agaba believes the team is ready for Super Rugby following the experience of this year's Currie Cup.
The Port Elizabeth-based union had a mixed bag of results during the domestic season. They disappointingly lost eight of their 10 Currie Cup fixtures, but picked up two impressive victories over the Free State Cheetahs and Griquas.
They were also notably more competitive as many of their losses proved to be close contests. Agaba, who impressed for the EP Kings this season, believes the experience has helped the team improve.
“We have improved a lot. In hindsight, we should've done better during the Currie Cup as we underestimated ourselves. We are better than we initially thought,” Agaba told MyPlayers.co.za. “The experience of the Currie Cup has seen the team gel and perform better as a unit. We have proven that we can compete at a high level.
“From an individual perspective, I”m also happy with my growth and development this year. Before this season, I've only played three Currie Cup matches. “So the opportunity to have an extended run in the competition has taught me a lot and has seen me improve as a player. I hope I can continue to play a big role for the Kings going forward.”
The Kings will now prepare for Super Rugby as they will be part of the tournament's expansion in 2016. Agaba believes they have a squad to be competitive.
“Although I didn't get an opportunity to play, I still have many fond memories of the last time the Kings were part of Super Rugby. The support was amazing -in and out the stadium. The players could feel that the fans were behind the team - and that motivated the guys,” said Agaba.
“I'm confident that the fans will be backing us again in 2016. And the players are determined to make the Eastern Cape proud. We want to make the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium our fortress.
“That's one of the reasons why it's a great privilege to come back home to the Eastern Cape to play my rugby, after spending some time at the Sharks. Yes, it's great to be close to family and friends, but it's also great to play for the pride of your province - the region where you grew up and learned to play the game.” - ANA