COCA-COLA HERO OF THE DAY (DAY 3)

Lions player, Henco van Wyk was recognised as the third Coca-Cola Hero of the Day for the 2018 U18 Coca-Cola® Craven Week taking place at Paarl Boys High.

The prestigious Coca-Cola Hero of the Day award is presented on each day of the tournament in recognition of a game changing ‘hero’ moment.  Henco was selected for the award by a Coca-Cola appointed Hero of the Day Panel, led by Springbok legend Akona Ndungane.

In an epic match between two of the strongest teams, Henco timed his run perfectly for him to receive a pass from his flyhalf that assisted him in hitting the Western Province backline at full pace. At this critical moment, the opponents could not stop him from bursting through and scoring a try.

“It is a privilege for me to win the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day award in such a challenging match, we really worked well as a team today and their assistance gave me a chance to score the try,” said Henco.

“Today’s Coca-Cola Hero of the Day was given to Henco due to the timing and the type of try that he scored for his team. Western Province were the favourites to win today and since he scored the first try of the match, the opposing team had to work extra hard to win the match!’ shared Akona.

COCA-COLA HERO OF THE DAY (DAY 2)

Richard Kriel from the Cheetahs was recognised as the second Coca-Cola Hero of the Day for the 2018 U18 Coca-Cola® Craven Week taking place at Paarl Boys High.

The prestigious Coca-Cola Hero of the Day award is presented on each day of the tournament in recognition of a game changing ‘hero’ moment.  Richard was selected for the award by a Coca-Cola appointed Hero of the Day Panel, led by Springbok legend Akona Ndungane.

In a tightly contested match, the Bulls team lead the game 15-7 with their forwards strongly dominating the game. Richard received the ball just inside the Blue Bulls 22m where he kicked it past his opposite number, collected the ball and scored a try that got the Free State back into the game. This crucial try steered the Free State team to a great win. 

“It is a huge honour for me to win the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day today, the team put in a massive effort to beat the Blue Bulls, so I am happy that my contribution helped win the game for the team,” said Richard.

“As the panel, we really thought Richard’s moment was a special one as both teams were fighting for momentum in a very tight game. Richard brought that momentum back for the Free State which helped them win their match- congratulations to Richard and his team!’ reflected Akona.

Akona Ndungane called up to scout Coca-Cola Craven Week Heroes

Proud sponsor, Coca-Cola welcomes rugby legend and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner, Akona Ndungane, as the Coca-Cola Craven Week ambassador and lead panelist for this year’s selection team of the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day. The 2018 edition of Coca-Cola U18 Craven Week will be held at Paarl Boys’ High from 9-14 July 2018. Akona, who attended Hudson Park High School and played for Border in the 1998 Coca-Cola® Craven Week in Vanderbijlpark knows, from experience, that this is a tournament that is truly where heroes are made.

“Coca-Cola Craven Week tournament is a platform for identifying the top school rugby players in the country - this is where South Africa’s future heroes are made” said Puso Makume, Sponsorship Manager, Coca-Cola Africa. “Akona Ndungane will be a great addition to the tournament, using his knowledge and experience to inspire and identify talented youngsters as the leader of our Coca-Cola Hero of the Day campaign.” Makume concludes.

Akona, together with Coca-Cola’s appointed panel of youth sports and rugby specialists, will be watching rugby hopefuls play it out at the Coca-Cola U18 Craven Week. He will be tasked with identifying and recognising a standout player who embodies the qualities of a hero -  the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day.

“Playing in the Coca-Cola Craven Week was one of the greatest moments in my rugby career. I am thrilled to be part of the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day panel as it gives me an opportunity to watch fresh rugby talent in action on one of the best rugby development stages. This is where I started my career and for many of the players who will be on display, the tournament will be a stepping stone to future honours,” commented Akona.

The Coca-Cola Hero of the Day is not necessarily the best player on the field. He cold be the flank that made three successive tackles and forced the turnover; the scrumhalf that took a quick tap penalty and dived over for the match-winning try; or the centre that made a courageous try-saving tackle. This player is a player that makes a great impact and has incredible influence in changing the nature of the game.

For more information follow #WhereHeroesAreMade on Twitter or visit @CocaCola_ZA