Unbeaten Griquas continue winning run in SA Cup – and keep an eye on the future

The Suzuki Griquas maintained their perfect record in this year’s SA Cup with a hard-fought 41–36 win over the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers on a sunny afternoon at Suzuki Park in Kimberley on Saturday.

With this latest victory – their fifth straight in the competition – the Peacock Blues remain unbeaten and firmly entrenched at the top of the log. Despite a close final scoreline, Griquas always looked dangerous with ball in hand, showing once again why they are the team to beat.

And while they continue to impress on the field, Griquas are also quietly laying the groundwork for the future. One of the most exciting developments off the field is the arrival of Central University of Technology Ixias winger, Zachery Bester, who has joined the squad in Kimberley on a trial basis.

Bester’s arrival reflects Griquas’ ongoing commitment to unearthing new talent, a strategy that has helped shape their dominant form this season. Invited by head coach Pieter Bergh – known for spotting Varsity Cup stars before they break through – the young speedster now has the opportunity to prove himself in a professional setup.

If successful, Zachery could follow the path of his older brother Zane Bester, who joined Griquas from Shimlas last year and has since become a regular in the side. While the Bester brothers bring flair and finishing ability, they carry a proud family legacy too – following in the footsteps of the hard-nosed Piet and André Bester, who turned out for the union in the 1990s.

Should Zachery secure a contract, he’ll join a growing list of Ixias players making their mark in Kimberley, alongside Janu Botha, Derik Pretorius, Eddie Davids, Xavier Swartbooi, and Tylor Sefoor – all of whom have added strength and depth to this season’s squad.

As the Griquas look to maintain their momentum in the SA Cup and beyond, the emergence of fresh talent like Zachery Bester is yet another reason fans in Kimberley can be excited – not just about what’s happening now, but what’s building for the future.