Kings confirm Maku, Catrakilis signings
by Brenden Nel 31 October 2012, 10:04
The Southern Kings have been given a player boost by the news that both Western Province Currie Cup hero Demetri Catrakilis and Lions and Bok hooker Bandise Maku will be joining them for the 2013 edition of Vodacom Super Rugby.
Catrakilis turned down an offer from Western Province coach Allister Coetzee after an emotional victory in the Absa Currie Cup and has kept his word to join the Kings, alongside Sharks lock Steven Sykes and Cheetahs midfielder Andries Strauss.
Maku has finally signed papers with the Kings, even though he previously denied he would be joining Super Rugby’s newest team.
The Kings announced three players a month ago that had signed with them – including Bok hooker Maku – but it was quickly denied on social media by the player, prompting questions whether or not the Kings had jumped the gun on the announcement.
But strangely on Monday afternoon Maku announced his move on Twitter, saying “Only nw cn w officially say tht I'm going 2 th Kings.Thnk u all 4 ur devoted support thru out ths season.Looking 4wrd 2 a fruitful yr ahead. (sic)”
(Only now can officially say that I’m going to the Kings. Thank you all for your devoted support throughout this season. Looking forward to a fruitful year ahead)
This means the Kings now will have four Super Rugby quality players at their disposal.
The Kings also completed the signing of former Pumas scrumhalf Shaun Venter this week.
Catrakilis has made up his mind, and despite a last-minute plea from Coetzee, decided he wanted to move to the Kings.
“I’m excited, I made the decision I wanted to go to the Kings a while ago and I’ve now stuck to it. It’s a new challenge and I’m excited to prove myself in Super Rugby” Catrakilis told EWNSport.
The player added that seeing the effect the Currie Cup victory had on Cape Town was “surreal” but that it didn’t change his mind on his decision.
