Villager and Naka Bulls set for Pick n Pay Gold Cup final showdown

Cape Town is set for a blockbuster community rugby showdown this Saturday as Western Province champions Villager host reigning Bulls champions Naka Bulls in the Pick n Pay Gold Cup Final. The historic clash, a classic north-versus-south rivalry, will take place at the iconic Brookside Sports Ground in Claremont, with kick-off scheduled for 15h00 and live coverage on SuperSport.

The Pick n Pay Gold Cup, South Africa’s premier knockout championship for non-university clubs, has grown significantly in recent years, boosted by post-pandemic recovery and Rugby World Cup 2023-inspired interest. Northam Platinum also supports the tournament, reflecting their commitment to grassroots rugby, while Pick n Pay’s four-year title sponsorship underlines the competition’s national importance.

After 30 high-stakes matches across South Africa, only Villager and Naka Bulls remain in contention. Villager booked their spot with a hard-fought 30-21 win over nine-time defending KwaZulu-Natal champions College Rovers at home. Naka Bulls, meanwhile, edged out Northam Rhinos 28-22 at Bushveld Park, taking them one step closer to a historic third consecutive Gold Cup title.

Villager eyes first national title in 45 years

Villager, the second-oldest non-university club in the country at 149 years, last won a national championship when Springbok captain Morné du Plessis lifted the trophy in 1980.

The Cape Town side is coached by Andy Coetzee and has enjoyed a remarkable season, securing both the Western Province Grand Challenge and Super League A titles for the first time in 25 years.

Their semi-final against College Rovers was a tense affair. Lock Ewan Coetzee opened the scoring after just seven minutes, with centre Noegh Hayward adding a converted try shortly after to make it 12-3. Despite Rovers’ early fightback through lock Rita Sibi and flyhalf Aphiwe Stemele, Villager maintained control with first-half tries from No 8 Adriaan Rabie and prop Adam Neethling, leading 22-11 at the break.

The second half saw Rovers close the gap to four points, but Villager’s hooker MC de Jongh extended the lead with a driving maul try, while flyhalf Bradley Thain sealed the victory with an 80th-minute penalty.

Naka Bulls pursue historic three-peat

Up north, Naka Bulls dominated Northam Rhinos in a thrilling semi-final at Bushveld Park. First-half tries from No 8 Marco van Baalen, hooker Christoff Craill, and scrumhalf Jack Hart gave the Bulls an 18-point cushion at halftime. Although Rhinos fought back in the second half, with centre Jade Stoffels scoring twice and a penalty try narrowing the gap, Naka Bulls held firm to win 28-22 and book their place in Cape Town.

With Villager’s superior points differential of nine to Naka Bulls’ six, the Bulls will need to win on the road to cement their status as one of South Africa’s most dominant non-university clubs of the 2020s. A victory would see Marinus van der Watt’s Pretoria outfit emulate Rustenburg Impala’s three-time Gold Cup success in the 2010s.

What to expect

Saturday’s Grand Final promises a spectacle of community rugby at its best. Villager’s disciplined forward pack and expansive backline will clash with Naka Bulls’ powerful running game and experienced spine, in a match that embodies the enduring north-versus-south rivalry.

Fans can expect drama, intensity, and high skill levels as both clubs chase glory in what is widely regarded as the ‘FA Cup’ of South African club rugby.