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Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet says the Southern Kings have surprised many pundits in their first appearance in the Super Rugby campaign and as such deserve to stay in the competition next season.
Premier Kiviet was speaking in Bhisho ahead of the Kings promotion -relegation first-leg playoff match against the Lions at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday night.
Premier Kiviet says she'll be visiting the team on Thursday to reassure them of the support of the entire people of the province.
Lock Darron Nell will captain the team with outside centre Ronnie Cooke as his vice captain.
Speaking at Tuesday's team announcement - director of rugby Alan Solomons confirmed that the losers would be out of Super Rugby until at least 2016.
He's confident in his team's ability, however, given what they've achieved this season.
