Sporting legend Frik to visit city

By Peter Martin

EAST LONDON -- One of South Africa's sporting legends, former Springbok rugby forward, Frik du Preez, will be visiting the city next month.

He will be accompanied by former Junior Springbok flyhalf and rugby commentator, Hugh Bladen.

The visit is all part of the benefit year for Border cricketer, Piet Botha, which started last year and runs to mid-2002.

Botha was awarded the benefit by the Border Cricket Board for representing the province for 10 years as a player.

For his grand finale banquet Botha has arranged for three sporting personalities to provide plenty of laughs and amusement to entertain what is expected to be a 400-strong crowd at the City Hall on April 18.

Du Preez and Bladen are the guest speakers, while former South African cricket allrounder and current TV commentator Pat Symcox will be master of ceremonies.

The Du Preez-Bladen combination should make for an hilarious evening with Du Preez reminiscing about his days with the Bok rugby team.

Du Preez represented South Africa in 38 Tests -- a record for SA when he retired in 1971 -- and toured with the Springboks to the UK in 1960-61, 1965 and 1969-70, New Zealand in '65, France in '68 and Australia in '71.

Symcox is an effusive speaker, who is always good value, and makes a welcome return here where he has been guest speaker at a number of sporting functions.

Botha has arranged special prices for tables of 10 guests.

Anyone interested in attending the banquet can contact him on 083-212-5946 to book a full table or individual seats.

*In another function for Botha's benefit year a luncheon will be held at Ernst Chalet Suisse next Thursday at 12.30pm when guest speaker will be Debra Kirsten, wife of Proteas opener, Gary.

Debra will highlight how she and her husband cope with the lifestyle that comes as part of the package when you have a professional sportsman as a partner.

She is an intelligent and entertaining speaker.

There will be plenty of lucky draw prizes including autographed cricket memorabilia, weekends away and shopping vouchers.

Book at Sportsmans Warehouse on 748-2027.