Saturday, 22 August 2026, marked a historic occasion for Kleinmond Rugby Club as players finally returned to their home ground after a season of playing ‘home’ matches away from home while upgrades were undertaken at the sports fields.
The day was made even more memorable when Kleinmond defeated Arniston’s Sea Hawks on the newly renovated field, setting a high standard for future matches at their beloved home ground.
This milestone coincided with another significant celebration: the 80th anniversary of Kleinmond Rugby Club, marking a proud rugby tradition that has been at the heart of the Kleinmond community since 1946.
The occasion brought together former players, club pioneers and enthusiasts whose contributions helped shape the club over the past eight decades.
Ward 9 Councillor and sports lover, Ald Grant Cohen, who co-ordinated the day’s celebrations, explained that the Kleinmond sports fields are affectionately known as Protea Park, a name inspired by the indigenous protea fynbos that thrives in the region.
The comparison is fitting. Like the protea, the club has demonstrated resilience through a difficult season and challenging conditions. As was noted during the celebrations, the protea grows strongest when conditions are toughest, enduring drought, wind and even fire before flourishing once again.
That same spirit has carried Kleinmond Rugby Club through the last five years of growth and challenge.
A Five-Year Journey of Transformation
Upgrades to the facility began in 2021. Overstrand Municipality Principal Engineer Dennis Hendricks noted the challenges of improving the facility within limited space and resources, while managing expectations around what the club would like and what the Municipality can provide.
Additional provincial and national funding helped transform what was once described as a “sandpit” into the lush green field seen over the weekend. The boundary wall cost R3 million (excluding VAT), while the rugby field upgrade cost R5.7 million (excluding VAT).
Club player and Overstrand Municipality firefighter Cecil Abrahamse acknowledged that the 2026 season had not been easy. The unique challenge of playing home fixtures away from home tested the commitment and character of both players and management.
Yet despite those difficulties, the club currently finds itself in sixth position on the Boland Groot-uitdaag Series log, but is challenging for a place in the Top 5. The achievement speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of the players, coaching staff, committee and supporters.
He thanked the primary school for the use of its rugby facilities for practice, as well as neighbouring rugby clubs Hawston and Mount Pleasant, which also accommodated Kleinmond Rugby Club.
Councillor Stephen Williams, who has roots in the Makka family and still runs out for the club, paid tribute to the pioneers whose vision laid the foundation for the club’s success, remembering the volunteers who cleared the land, planted grass and established the rugby facilities.
Families such as the Barry’s, Makkas, Coert, Hulls, Swarts, Arendse, Carelse, Fredericks, Jonkers, Malgas, Fishers, Octobers, Oliviers and Mitchells, among others, were recognised for their contributions in helping build the club into what it is today.
Others who were remembered with gratitude included Willem Donkie, Oom Herman Langaan and Oom Baks Hulls whose dedication shaped the club’s history.
Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Archie Klaas, stressed the importance of investing in Overstrand’s local sports infrastructure so that rugby can be played in the Overberg rather than forcing clubs to host major matches elsewhere, as not all our facilities are up to Boland Rugby standards.
He said having a field to be proud of attracts supporters, develops younger players and helps prevent players from joining clubs in other towns. He believes the home field should be a place where players aspire to represent their town and where supporters can rally behind their team – and perhaps one day see their own name and photograph on the club’s Wall of Fame, alongside those who helped shape its history.
For Kleinmond, Protea Park is once again that place.
Mayor Klaas encouraged players, businesses and residents to continue investing in the future of the club.
Protecting the facilities from vandalism, maintaining the infrastructure and growing participation in rugby were highlighted as shared community responsibilities.
Above all, the day served as a reminder that rugby brings people together.
Protea Park. Kleinmond Rugby Club. Kla Gelag.
