Madala’s chairman Danie Putter elected Golden Lions Golden Oldies president
Putter has high dreams for the future of the Golden Oldies.
The local Ford Alberton Madalas has just received the honour of Danie Putter being elected president of the Golden Lions body.
Having followed the Madalas the past two seasons, it is quite obvious that electing Putter to the post is truly well deserved. One thing that is quite apparent from attending the festivals, which happen monthly, is the level of respect Putter receives from all the teams and not only the Madalas.
The Alberton Record spoke to Putter about his career as well as his vision for the Golden Oldies in general.
It became quite obvious that the Golden Oldies are in good hands and are sure to grow under Putter’s watch.
AR: How did you end up playing rugby at the Madalas?
DP: It has been a long road but a very exciting one. I started playing rugby at school and have never stopped. I have been blessed with good health. I have always played wing and that is where I got my nickname of ‘Roadrunner’.
AR: At what levels have you played rugby?
DP: I was fortunate enough to reach the first team at club level for the Alberton Rugby Club as well as Germiston Simmer. As a Madala, the highlight must be playing a number of matches for the Golden Lions Golden Oldies team in various festivals for the past five years. As well as a tour to Brazil with the SA Barbarian 10’s team.
That was awesome spending two weeks in Brazil. Although we played rugby there was a lot of time to see the country.
AR: How did it come about that you became a Madala?
DP: When I retired from playing I still loved the game and wanted to stay involved. In 2010 I was approached by the Alberton Rugby Club and asked to launch a club affiliated to the Alberton Rugby Club to play in the Golden Oldies League. We started from humble beginnings but are now going strong.
AR: I believe you are one of the biggest clubs in the Golden Lions franchise. You must be very proud of this.
DP: I am more humbled than proud and it is not only my efforts. A club is only as strong as the individuals. There is an incredible camaraderie among the players. We have about 65 members at present. I am very proud as founder and chairman of the club that at every festival the Madalas are always able to field two teams.
AR: Tell us about your plans as president of the Golden Oldies.
DP: I have plans to grow the game as much as possible. I want to get a couple of suites at Ellis Park and invite one club at a time to a match to watch the game. I am also looking at the possibility of organising a touch rugby tournament or two for the Golden Oldie teams.
AR: Tell us about some of the charity work that you do.
DP: We have a huge fund-raiser coming up on the December 1 at Hoërskool Die Burger. It will feature more than 12 teams and all proceeds will go the Abraham Kriel Children’s Home. Not only the teams’ entrance fees but we will also collect items to hand over to them.
AR: Any advice to anyone thinking of coming to join the Madalas.
DP: Yes. Everyone is welcome to join. No matter how skilled you are, fit or unfit.
The oldies have a system in place that allows anyone to play. If you wear a red short then you are not allowed to be tackled fully but can be held and brought to the ground. If you wear gold shorts you are not allowed to be tackled in any way but you have to pass the ball within five metres.
AR: Does your rugby take a lot of time?
DP: Yes it certainly does. I am very blessed. My wife, Susan, and my family are very supportive of my rugby. It is difficult juggling my rugby with my business. Without them I would not be able to do what I do.
So, you see, really anyone that loves the game, even those that have never played before can join in the fun. We are like a big family. Not only the Madalas but all Golden Oldie players. We train by playing touch rugby twice a week. No PT training like a normal rugby player. We all love the game and have fun.
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