In a candid interview with the media, head coach Pieter Bergh shared his insights into the significance of the SA Cup for the Griquas and the team’s aspirations for the tournament.
Excitement is buzzing in Kimberley as rugby enthusiasts eagerly await the commencement of the SA Cup, and the Suzuki Griquas are poised to kick off their campaign with gusto this Thursday at Suzuki Park.
The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation as the Griquas prepare to take on the Leopards in what promises to be a riveting clash of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.
In a candid interview with the media, head coach Pieter Bergh shared his insights into the significance of the SA Cup for the Griquas and the team’s aspirations for the tournament.
🎟 Tickets available – https://t.co/v7wde87SJ1 or at the gates
R50 per adult | scholars and students free !
🪅Kiddies play area – B-Field
🍻Socialize with The Team after the game – behind the open stand pic.twitter.com/27kRc7FlI0— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) March 18, 2024
“The SA Cup presents a fantastic opportunity for us,” Bergh said during a press conference. “Last year, we were limited to the Currie Cup, so the prospect of competing in a fresh competition is truly exhilarating.
“It’s not every day that we get to face off against teams like the Falcons, Boland, and SWD, so this tournament injects a new level of excitement into our season.”
2024 SA Cup Fixtures👇👇👇All matches to be either broadcasted on SuperSport or live streamed by SuperSport Schools. We hope to see all our supporters for all our home games at Suzuki Stadium this year! #eenkwas pic.twitter.com/B5cOG5OBwJ
— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) March 13, 2024
Bergh’s words echoed the sentiment shared by players and fans alike – a sense of eagerness to test their mettle against unfamiliar opponents and forge new rivalries on the field.
“We play a lot against the Gryphons, the Pumas, and the Cheetahs,” Bergh continued. “So it’s obviously exciting to have a new competition in a single round. So you can’t really afford to slip up. And it’s important. It’s an important competition for us.
“It’s our opportunity to win a trophy, which we want to do, and that’s what professional sports are about.”
🔵 Team Announcement
📆 21 March – Public Holiday
🏈 Kick Off – 15:00
📌 Suzuki SA Stadium – Kimberley pic.twitter.com/eCT6hNgowT— Griquas Rugby (@GriquasRugby) March 18, 2024
The coach’s emphasis on the importance of the SA Cup as a precursor to the Currie Cup seems to have resonated deeply with the team. “The main thing for us in this competition is looking forward to the Currie Cup, which starts in July,” Bergh emphasised.
“We need to go into the Currie Cup with momentum, confidence, and continuity in selection, and hopefully you don’t want to go into the Currie Cup with a lot of things you need to work on between the SA Cup and the Currie Cup.”
As the Griquas gear up to face the Leopards in their inaugural SA Cup match, Bergh made it clear that they would not be underestimating their opponents. “If you look at their results during the pre-season, they lost three games heavily,” Bergh observed thoughtfully. “So it will be easy for us to make a mistake and underestimate them, thinking it is going to be easy.”
However, the Griqua coach was quick to acknowledge the Leopards’ potential and the challenges they could pose on the field. “What I saw in the last friendly is that they do a lot of things differently,” Bergh noted. “And I can see what the coaching staff is trying to do, and it might just take some time before they get it right.
“They are trying to play attacking rugby, running the ball more, and their set pieces have improved.”
Griquas Team: 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Marcqiewn Titus, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Tertius Kruger, 11 Sako Makata, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Marco de Witt, 7 Stephan Smit (captain), 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Junior Banda, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids
Bench: 16 Sean Swart, 17 Kudzwai Dube, 18 Cebo Dlamini, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Jac van der Walt, 22 Thoms Bursey, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Connor Mahoney.
