“BLUESCOPE STEEL is very pleased to partner with AFL South Africa in the promotion of Australian Rules Football in the Western Cape”, said Wayne Miller, Managing Director - Southern Africa, BlueScope Steel.

The Nyanga Bluebirds proved too skillful in yesterday’s Western Cape footyWILD Extreme Cup, overcoming a gallant Khayelistha Divines to win by a convincing 62 points at Nyanga Rugby / Cricket Stadium.

After a tense struggle in the opening term, the Bluebirds were able to control much of the play through the midfield, with clever use of handball and pinpoint foot skills creating opportunities for key forwards such as Bluebirds skipper Athi Madikane and Khaya Sikiti who finished with 3 goals. “It’s a big thrill to captain the Bluebirds to a Premiership and full credit to all of the guys for sharing the ball around as well they did today” said proud captain Athi in the wake of Sunday’s final.

Bluebirds on-baller Sipho Hadi was electric with his pace through the midfield picking up the votes for Best on Ground.

Over the past 6 months, six local Open age teams from the townships of the Cape Flats have been battling it out each weekend as part of the Western Cape footyWILD Extreme Cup, proudly supported by Australian company BLUESCOPE STEEL through its major brands CLEAN COLORBOND and ZINCALUME.

The Western Cape competition is the country’s most progressive open age League in a code that has enjoyed rapid growth in recent times.

“BLUESCOPE STEEL is very pleased to partner with AFL South Africa in the promotion of Australian Rules Football in the Western Cape”, said Wayne Miller, Managing Director - Southern Africa, BlueScope Steel  “The most pleasing aspect of this season has been the introduction of two new teams to the competition, the Gugulethu Cheetahs and the Mitchell’s Plains Warriors and the improving standard of play since 2007“, said Mr Miller at yesterday’s presentation ceremony after the game.

Speaking to the small but enthusiastic township crowd, Mr Miller emphasised the importance of continued practise.

“Just 2 years ago, today’s grand finalists The Bluebirds and the Divines were in much the same position as you guys at the Warriors and the Cheetahs, struggling to come to terms with a new game played with a new set of rules but today’s standard certainly sends a clear message to everyone- if you stick at it and work hard you will be just as good, if not better, than these guys before too long”, said Miller.

Nyanga Bluebirds 9.17. 71 defeated Khayelitsha Divines 1.3.9

Best Players
Blue Birds – Sipho Hadi, Athenkosi Madikane, Bulelani Mpondo , Sakhile Dutyulya, Khaya Sikiti.
Divines – Bayanda Sobethwa, Asanda Funda, Patrick Lamontagne, Sinethemba Dubulekhwele, Lawrence Musuwni

Goal kickers
Blue Birds -  Khaya Sikiti 3, Sipho Hadi, Athenkosi Madikane, Stone Mbalo, Siyabulela Cewu, Akhon Thembani, Zimasa Mangali.
Divines - Darryn Pienaar