Will the Blitzbokke make in 2-in-a-row in Port Elizabeth?

Frankie Horne, Cecil Afrika, Philip Snyman and Branco du Preez during the 2014 Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens Briefing session at World of Windows, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on October 29, 2014 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images.

The 2014 Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens promises to be an even bigger success than last year, when more than 50 000 rugby fans saw the Springbok Sevens secure their home tournament title after a pulsating final against arch-rivals New Zealand.

The tournament marks Round 3 of the HSBC Sevens World Series and will again be staged at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Today SARU announced the names of three local music stars who will perform at the two-day event on 13 and 14 December.

Mi Casa, currently South Africa’s top-ranked band, the celebrated young Cape Town singer/songwriter Jimmy Nevis and DJ Fresh of 5FM, one of the foremost radio personalities and DJ’s in the country, will entertain crowds at the international Sevens event.

Four Springbok Sevens stars also paid a visit to the Eastern Cape as part of SARU’s promotional activities to raise awareness about the tournament.

Frankie Horne, Cecil Afrika, Branco du Preez and Philip Snyman visited the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park outside of Port Elizabeth, accompanied by a big local media contingent.

On Wednesday the four players popped into six Port Elizabeth-based radio stations to talk about their preparations for the next two rounds in Dubai and PE respectively, and to encourage fans to move quickly to snap up their tickets.

With tournament tickets prices starting from just R30 per person, the event organisers are expecting bumper crowds to attend the annual Sevens extravaganza.

With the added prospect of Olympic qualification at the end of the 2014/15 circuit, this season is destined to be the most important in the history of the World Series.

The Springbok Sevens finished second on the final standings last season, collecting two tournament titles along the way before capping a good year by winning the Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.

About the artists:

Mi Casa: SA’s hottest band, Mi Casa will be raising the roof at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with their chart-topping hits – Jika, These Streets and Heavenly Sent. The multi-award winning House Trio consisting of lead vocalist J’Something, pianist Dr Duda and trumpeter Mo-T, have opened for International Artists, Drake and Tortured Soul, and have performed at music festivals around the world. Do not miss their live performance in PE.
Jimmy Nevis: The Cape Town born, singer/songwriter has set the South African music scene alight with hits like Heartboxing, Elephant Shoes and In Love With You. Jimmy’s star quality and alternative pop sound received attention from top US Record Labels and has seen him secure an exclusive International Distribution deal with Ultra Records in the United States.
DJ Fresh: DJ Fresh has become one of the most influential and respected musicians in the South African Music industry. In huge demand as one of SA’s foremost Club DJ’s, the Big Dawg also hosts the lively breakfast show on 5FM. With over 30 hits under his belt, this professional producer is sure to turn up the heat at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Fast Facts:

There have been 155 Springboks Sevens players since the inception of the World Series in 1999 (excluding Sevens World Cups).
No less than 32 BlitzBoks have gone on to represent the Springboks, with Warren Whiteley, Cornal Hendricks and Seabelo Senatla the most recent.
Current Springbok captain Jean de Villiers is a former Springbok Sevens player and represented his country 11 times in the IRB World Series. Bryan Habana played in two tournaments.

Two Port Elizabeth players appear in the Sevens teams Top 3 scorers of all time: