Harley Davidson motorcycles add to the vibe at Vodacom Park!!

Harley Davidson Rider and a Happy Supporter

Saturday evening was a near perfect evening at Vodacom Park. There were brilliant rugby, colour, sound and many smiling faces. The pre-match program was both entertaining and soft on the eyes. The well choreographed dancing performances from the small girls and the Vodacom Cheetah girls were appreciated by fans from the stands. This led to the big moment – welcoming our Vodacom Cheetahs Supporters with pride and the roar of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

One of the Cheetah Vodacom Cup players told me that after he returned to his seat in the stands and the Harley Davidson riders opened the throttles as the players ran unto the pitch –he felt like jumping up and running on the pitch as well!

But who are these guys and what don’t we know about them? I have approached a few of these riders and asked questions in an attempt to share some insights with our fans.

When did the tradition of the Harley Davidson bikes at the stadium start?

This was started in the 1999/ 2000 season by Vic Stockigt and Wilna. The riders often got together at the well known restaurant at the time, Workshop. Few Rugby Unions have a unique traditions going for more than a decade. We can think of the push-up boys from the Sharks which are unique, and all the Unions have a mascot or dancing girls – but the Harley Davidson’s are rather unique to the Vodacom Cheetahs and Vodacom Park.

Who is in charge of the management and organizational requirements?

Piet de Necker provides guidance from the Free State Rugby Union and Nico Odendaal from the side of the Hogg Club. At present we need to operate under strict guidelines as FIFA will not anymore allow us to line up the tunnel on the pitch surface and we need to stay outside the lines of the playing surface.

Before we ride on the pitch we receive our Vodacom Cheetahs Jerseys and we return them after the ride. We have a strict dress code of wearing blue jeans and are proud of the professionalism with which we contribute to the pre-match welcoming festivities!

Harley Davidson Motorcycles at Vodacom Park Photo by Hilton

How big is the Harley Davidson Club in Bloemfontein?

There are about 35 members

How many male and female members?

There are about 30 male and 5 female riders

How is it decided who will be riding on a specific Saturday?

The Rugby Union will provide guidance on the number of riders required and Nico will then sms the members and invite them to take part. Sometimes 10 might be required and at other times a few more. The first guys and girls to respond will then take part on the day of the game.

When do you gather on the day of the game?

We usually meet about 3 to 4 hours before the game at a Restaurant for a meal, snacks or a few drinks. We then drive together to our Gazibo at Vodacom Park where we attend to the jerseys and sort out a few specifics before driving unto the pitch. We always park the bikes next to the Gazibo.

Are there other activities that you do with the Free State Rugby Union?

At present the Vodacom Free State marketing team has the nice initiative of identifying a few spectators before the game, revealing their faces on the big screen and we then take them with us on the Harleys to join the procession at the start of the game!

We are always ready to gather and drive when required at specific events and for worthy causes. We always take part in the yearly toy run and have assisted at homes for the elderly, less privileged and often at schools or matric farewells etc. We do not charge fees but might request a donation to contribute to some of the worthy causes we support!

Are all the Harley Davidson riders Vodacom Cheetahs supporters?

It is not required – but they have to abide by the dress code- which will show our support for the Vodacom Cheetahs.

Are there specific requirements for admission to the Harley Club?

Just the very basic requirement – you must be a Harley Davidson owner!

What do the spectators not know about the Harley Davidson riders?

The Harley Davidson guys and girls are a nice friendly bunch and most of them business men and women. We care for our bikes and are as serious about our rugby as we are about safety!

Harley Davidson Motorcycles at Vodacom Park Photo by Hilton