Bulls Daisies rope in rising stars

TRANSFER NEWS: Loose forward Glenda Baloyi has signed her first semi-professional contract with the Bulls Daisies.

Baloyi is a graduate of the Emerging Daisies setup, which identifies promising local club players to integrate into the professional environment.

The Mamelodi Rugby Club alumni will be on a 12-month-long semi-professional contract.

“Glenda has been a wonderful student of the game, always keen to learn and onboard new knowledge, so it is amazing to finally see her hard work paying off,” commented Hayden Groepes, the head coach of the Bulls Daisies.

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He added: “For us as coaches, we are glad to have graduated from the Emerging [Daisies] program because it sends a great message to others who are on the same pathway.

“The work does not stop here, and I know she is both excited and keen to continue putting in the effort and get a professional contract.”

Baloyi – who made her debut for the Daisies in April – said she plans to evolve and become a well-rounded player.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity; it has given me a new boost of energy and I can only hope to learn as much as I can without losing my passion and work ethic when things get tough because that is what will help me add value to the environment,” said Baloyi.

“My plan is simple, and that is to help the Daisies win the league again and that should come with all the other big goals I have, like earning my first professional contract and hopefully realise the big dream of earning an invite into the Springboks team.”

Busisiwe Crafford also signed a 12-month-long semi-professional contract.

Crafford, who is a Harlequins Rugby Club player, has been a part of the Emerging Daisies setup and is now making the gradual steps toward ascending to the professional ranks.

She made her debut earlier in the year against Border in April and hopes for more of the same for the season ahead.

“It is exciting to think that I am part of a legacy that is unfolding right in front of me. This is a privilege for me to represent where I come from, my family, friends and neighbourhood. I can only hope to leave my unique mark and identity as I grow in the game and hopefully, the more I play, the more I take that step closer to the Springboks.”

Head coach Hayden Groepes says the lock has been impressive since arriving in the setup.

“Busi has shown us immense desire to be here with an exceptional attitude and humility. She has been a sponge soaking up all she can from a learning perspective and I am confident that this opportunity will see her continue working hard as she grows in our environment,”

“She is a promising prospect and I am glad that she is finally getting the opportunity to be ‘formally’ recognised, that is good for our environment, to have the ladies see and know that the plans we have for them do come to light. Congratulations to her!”