Eastern Province Rugby President Cheeky Watson says he is humbled to be a recipient of a President’s National Orders.Watson was honoured in the category of Ikhamanga for his exceptional contribution to the field of Sport.
Watson turned down an invitation to participate in the Springbok trials in 1976, and instead he joined the Spring Rose Rugby Football Club in the township of New Brighton, Port Elizabeth.
Cheeky Watson played most of his rugby at the Dan Qeqe Stadium. In 1992, a match dubbed the “Clash of the Titans”, which saw white former Springboks take part, drew a crowd of 20 000 spectators, with the aim of bringing recognition to the area as the cradle of non racial rugby.
It was tough because we would go the practice field on a Wednesday then at the next practice there would be three or four players missing.
“I think most of the people that were involved in the non racial struggle were doing it for moral reasons and not for accolades so I am humbled by the award,” says Watson.
Watson says although the dangers are gone, the fight to transform the game continues.
“It was tough because we would go the practice field on a Wednesday then at the next practice there would be three or four players missing. They were either being detained, killed or kidnapped. It was a very traumatic time,” he says.
Watson and other members of his family were threatened with arrest, and even death.Their home was burned down in 1986, but Watson continued to play rugby.
He is still involved in the game as president of Eastern Province Rugby, and is the driving force behind the Southern Kings’ plans to play Super Rugby.
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