The Blue Bulls Company has announced a three-year partnership with the Polokwane Municipality. The partnership is aimed at generating funds for learners to pursue tertiary education.

Last week thousands of matriculants tried desperately to enrol at tertiary institutions across the country, but many were left disappointed at news that universities were full to capacity while others merely could not afford the fees required to pursue post-school studies.

The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd and the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, wanting to extend into the more disadvantaged parts of the country, formed a new partnership with the Polokwane Municipality.

The Bulls will play two warm-up games next month, starting with the Kings on 4 February in Port Elizabeth. The second match is against the Cheetahs at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on 11 February before kicking off their Super Rugby campaign on 24 February when they host the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld. 

The warm-up game against the Cheetahs at the popular 2010 FIFA World Cup venue, the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with a capacity of almost 45,000, serves as a charity drive to generate bursary funds for Polokwane learners wanting to study at tertiary institutions. 

Louis Nel, President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union and Chairman of the Blue Bulls Company Board elaborated on the partnership, saying: "I think that the success of the Bulls in the Super Rugby competition as well as the popularity of our players and franchise will boost the Polokwane Municipality and inspire the youngsters to follow their dreams.

"We are proud to work in conjunction with Polokwane on an initiative that is dear to our hearts and we are confident that we will make a significant impact on the lives of our future leaders."

The Bulls and the Cheetahs are expected to field their strongest teams on 11 February at the Peter Mokaba Stadium as both sets of players fine-tune their performances for another exciting and gruelling season.

This warm-up match is a win-win event for all parties concerned. Not only will the Bulls and Cheetahs gear up for the start of their Super Rugby campaigns, but through this encounter, funds will be generated to pave the way for further education for Polokwane learners and the Blue Bulls Rugby Union amateur club in Limpopo will also benefit significantly from this initiative. 

Last year, the Bulls played their warm-up fixture against the Lions at a packed Peter Mokaba Stadium that had all the ingredients of a top match at a top venue.

Cllr. Freddy Greaver, Executive Mayor of Polokwane, said the Bulls had set a trend of high standards and expectation last year which has resulted in a demand for more by the rugby public in his Municipality.

He said: "The Bulls have started a culture here in Polokwane which continues to grow. The players are loved and admired by our rugby-starved residents and after having experienced such a memorable game last year, they want more.

"I have no doubt this warm-up game will be a success and I'm grateful to the Blue Bulls Company for paving the way to a bright future for our young learners, most of whom are unable to afford tertiary education. I'm confident that this initiative will change the lives of many of our matriculants and result in success stories in the years to come."

* The Blue Bulls players have also committed themselves to a Golf Day in conjunction with the Polokwane Municipality later this year to raise additional bursary funds for learners.