The Suzuki Griquas, reigning champions of the SA Cup, have commenced their 2025 campaign with remarkable form, securing two decisive victories that underscore their dominance in the competition.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The reigning champions of the SA Cup, the Suzuki Griquas, have commenced their 2025 campaign with remarkable form, securing two decisive victories that underscore their dominance in the competition.
In their opening match on March 8, Griquas faced the Leopards at Olën Park in Potchefstroom. And demonstrating their championship pedigree, they delivered a commanding performance, triumphing with a 7-66 scoreline. This match highlighted the Griquas' offensive prowess and defensive solidity, setting a high standard for the season ahead.
Building on this momentum, Griquas hosted the Valke at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on March 15. The hosts then once again showcased their attacking flair, overwhelming the Valke with a 68-15 victory. This win proved that their offensive capabilities and defensive rigour seen in the opening game was no fluke.
The match against the Valke also saw a spectacular debut performance from Gurswin Wehr, who announced himself in style with a hat-trick. Assistant coach Brendell Brandt expressed his delight with Wehr's contribution, stating, "We’re thrilled for Gurswin. He’s been on our radar for a while, and with his brother having captained Griquas in the past, it seems to run in the family. He’s been putting in the hard work at training, so we knew he had the ability to make an impact when given the chance.
"Scoring a hat-trick in your first game is a fantastic achievement, regardless of the opposition. The Valke have improved significantly this season, and we knew they’d be a tough challenge.
"Gurswin took his opportunity well, and we’re excited about what he brings to the squad moving forward."
It should come as no surprise that these consecutive victories have positioned the Griquas at the pinnacle of the SA Cup standings. They lead the table with 10 points, reflecting their two wins, an impressive point difference of +112, and a total of 20 tries scored against just three conceded.
Griquas' Tersius Kruger wasn't afraid to take on the Valkes defence.
Image: Danie van der Lith
As the Griquas push forward in their campaign, they have also welcomed a new addition to their squad in Phumzile Maqondwane, who has joined from the Bulls.
Speaking about the new signing, Brandt commented, "It's always great to have a new face in the squad. A fresh voice brings new energy to the group, and Phumzile has settled in well. We’re eager to see what he can contribute to the team, and so far, we’re really pleased with his commitment and application in training."
The upcoming fixture schedule also includes a demanding away game against the Bulldogs in the Eastern Cape this weekend, requiring the team to undertake a long bus journey. Brandt provided insight into the team’s travel preparations: "We’re travelling by bus, leaving Wednesday evening at 8pm and arriving early Thursday morning.
"The medical and management team have structured a programme to manage the players' workload, both before and after the journey. Whether we fly or drive, our focus remains the same – arriving in top condition and delivering a performance on match day."
Yet, despite their strong start, the Griquas remain focused on continuous improvement.
With only one pre-season friendly under their belt, Brandt acknowledged that the squad are still fine-tuning aspects of their game. "We only played one pre-season friendly, so we anticipated a slightly slower start in terms of match fitness and contact readiness. However, we’ve been focusing heavily on the basics – catch-and-pass, ball movement, and core skills.
"Systems and tactics evolve, but the fundamentals remain constant. While we’ve performed well, we recognise that some of our basics haven’t been as sharp as we’d like. We expect to improve with each game."
The Griquas' early-season form is a testament to their rigorous preparation and determination to defend their title. Their ability to execute game plans effectively, coupled with a robust defensive structure, has made them a formidable force in the SA Cup.
As the season progresses, the Griquas will aim to maintain this high level of performance, with the looming clash against the Pumas serving as a crucial test of their championship credentials.
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