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Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet and PE Metro Mayor Benson Fihla both visited the Southern Kings players at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Thursday.
They were there to encourage the team ahead of the do-or-die first leg of the Super Rugby promotion-relegation playoffs against the Lions on Friday.
Fihla said he'd told the team to draw on the memories of their famous draw against the Brumbies and to chase the all-important four-try bonus point.
"It would even be more important to collect a bonus point tomorrow by scoring tries, so by the time they go to Gauteng, at least they will be in a safer side. They will be facing the old Gauteng fans" he said.
Premier Kiviet said she felt duty-bound to lend her support because the Southern Kings was her team as well.
"Remember where we come from to be where we are and therefore sustaining and maintaining being in the league is very important. I understand it is additional pressure to the team but I know this team will really make us proud, cause they have already done so" Kiviet said.
Picture:
Left to right hooker Bandise Maku, Mayor Benson Fihla, lock and captain Darron Nell