Facing a looming wing crisis, coach Naka Drotske has called in some favours. In the past the Cheetahs have often released players for Bok Sevens duty. Now the shoe is on the other foot, with the Sevens team helping the Cheetahs out of a bind.
Cheetah players currently with the Sevens Boks are Seabelo Senatla, Chris Dry, Jamba Ulengo and Phillip Snyman, whilst all of Boom Prinsloo, Robert Ebersohn, Phillip van der Walt, Rayno Benjamin and Kevin Luiters have had Bok Sevens experience.
With wings Rayno Benjamin, Cameron Jacobs and newly contracted Tonderai Chavanga all crocked, the Cheetahs have only Raymond Rhule as a specialist winger left. Riaan Smit helped out on the wing, as he has done on numerous occasions, but that leaves no other fit wingers. Benjamin and Chavanga could play by mid September, but Jacobs is out for a lot longer.
Springbok Sevens speed merchant Bernardo Botha, is a player of similar ilk to Benjamin, and will be a welcome addition for the duration of the Currie Cup. Bernardo is more known for his sevens exploits, but he has played age group rugby, Vodacom Cup rugby for the Lions, and has played for the University of Johannesburg.
A powerful runner, and a good defender, Bernardo should fit in well with the fleet of foot backline of the Cheetahs.
Bernardo Carl Botha:
Born in Oudtshoorn on 4 July 1988. Botha attended Florida High School and furthered his tertiary education at the University of Johannesburg. He has had a distinguished Sevens career, but has also excelled at the 15-man version of rugby.
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 89 Kg’s
Career Path:
2004 – SWD (u/16 Coca Cola Grant Khomo Week).
2006 – Lions (u/18 Coca Cola Craven week).
2007 – Golden Lions (ABSA u/19 Competion) South Africa (IRB u/19 World Championship).
2008 – UJ (FNB Varsity Cup), Golden Lions (ABSA u/21 Competition, Vodacom Cup).
2009 – Golden Lions (ABSA u/21 Competition, Vodacom Cup).
2010 – UJ (FNB Varsity Cup), Golden Lions (Vodacom Cup), Auto & General Lions (Vodacom Super 14), South Africa (HSBC Sevens World Series).
2011 – South Africa (HSBC Sevens World Series).
2012 – South Africa (HSBC Sevens World Series).
2013 – South Africa (HSBC Sevens World Series).