Tornadoes breed their first 'Bok'

Former Tornadoes centre Marcel Brache has gone from unknown, to superstar in less than three months.

After taking a two-year sabbatical from serious sport, former Rondebosch Boys' High pupil Marcel joined the Nadoes team in 2008 for some casual game-time to keep fit.

He spent two years playing for the legendary Nadoes - his team ending second in 2008 and winning UCT's Steinhoff Koshuis League title in 2009.

Marcel soon got drafted into the UCT Varsity Cup team, after being scouted by first team assistant coach Dave Wessels, impressing in pre-season action against the Stormers in Riebeek West.

Since then, Marcel has started in all UCT's games to date - at outside centre and once on the wing - scoring two tries in the process, including UCT's first five-pointer of the 2010 Varsity Cup season, and also banging over a few long-range penalty goals.

Marcel - who was born Los Angeles, played Under-19 cricket for Western Province during his school days - and was last week called up to Paul Treu's SA Sevens, all on the basis of his performances for UCT in the Varsity Cup.

He opted out of the Sevens squad, however, to continue building his confidence for UCT - and to concentrate on his studies - but there is no doubt that he will receive another call when he is ready!

Of course, Marcel will be in action tonight against the Maties in Stellenbosch. A win at the Danie Craven Stadium will crown his achievements, and comeback, but we have no doubt that he will go from strength-to-strength during the course of the 2010 season.

The Tornadoes, who are playing in the Southern Section of the 2010 Steinhoff Koshuisrugby Championships, can surely keep their heads up high with this achievement.

Well done the Nadoes... and Marcel Brache!

By Clement le Roux