Wehr’s Sharks move and Zwelendaba’s double win headline Griquas awards night

THE SUZUKI Griquas’ standout 2025 season ended on a high note last week, but one of their brightest stars is already preparing for a new challenge abroad. 

Their prolific try-scoring winger Gurshwin Wehr has been loaned to English Premiership club Sale Sharks for a four-month stint in Manchester, adding an international chapter to a year in which he delivered consistently strong performances.

Wehr, who also has Blitzboks experience, was among the major winners at the Griquas’ end-of-season awards ceremony held at the Horseshoe Inn in Kimberley. 

OFM Sport’s Morgan Piek reports that Wehr walked away with two accolades, including the sought-after Players’ Player of the Year, voted for by his teammates.

Mnombo Zwelendaba takes top honours

While Wehr’s move abroad drew attention, the night ultimately belonged to centre Mnombo Zwelendaba, who claimed two major titles: Griquas Backline Player of the Year and the overall Griquas Player of the Year.

Zwelendaba said that the recognition came as a surprise, saying that he recognises how tough it is to get an individual award in a team sport. However, he said that he was honoured to be recognised among his peers, who, he said, all had a phenomenal season.

He credited the team dynamic for his success. “Without them, and without us being so close as a group, none of this would have happened.”

Zwelendaba added that lifting the Currie Cup for the first time in 55 years had been an emotional experience for the squad and for Kimberley. “It’s been really special, and the people of Kimberley have shown us how much it means.

“Not being from here, and only arriving just over a year ago, you don’t truly understand it until you come home after winning the final and see the reaction. It was amazing – it makes you proud to pull on the jersey again next season.”

Els, Abrahams and Liebenberg also recognised

Loose forward Carl Els was also firmly in contention for Player of the Year. He was named Forward of the Year for his consistent impact throughout the season.

Caleb Abrahams was named Newcomer of the Year after impressing in his debut Currie Cup campaign.

The evening also acknowledged performances beyond the Currie Cup. Despite losing the SA Cup final 39-14 to the Pumas in Nelspruit, individual standouts were rewarded. Lock Albert Liebenberg received the Griquas SA Cup Forward of the Year award, and Wehr added further silverware with the Griquas SA Cup Backline Player of the Year title.