The Griquas are not only the reigning champions of the competition but also went unbeaten in 2024, meaning they will have a big target on their backs as they defend their title.

The Peacock Blues have been in camp for the past month preparing for their campaign, and the searing hot conditions in Kimberley have made it incredibly tough for the players and coaches alike.

As a Currie Cup Premier Division team, the Griquas, along with the Toyota Cheetahs and Pumas, are expected to be favourites to lift the title. However, a few of the other teams might spring a major surprise.

Thabo Ndimande. Photo: Morgan Piek

The Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM Sport teams from the smaller unions would have learned lessons from last year and would no doubt be better prepared this time around. “Teams will be a lot stronger – Boland will be a lot stronger than previously, Eastern Province, with Alistair Coetzee, and the Leopards, with Matt Proudfoot.

“For all of those teams, they’ve had preseasons now with their new coaches, and they’ve made some good signings in the off-season. After last year, I think the smaller unions would have learned a lot from last year’s SA Cup, which they will take into this season.

“I think the biggest thing they learned was the difference in conditioning levels between the players, and we know that those coaches would have put the work in during the off-season.

“We know it’s going to be a much tougher season than last year, so we’re looking forward to it and cannot wait for it to start.”

Regarding the Griquas’ own game, they have been focusing on slightly improving their fundamentals ahead of the new campaign. However, according to Bergh, one aspect of their game he felt needed more attention was raising their intensity.

“One thing that we really want to improve on is the intensity we play with, especially in the SA Cup,” Bergh added.

George Whitehead. Photo:  Morgan Piek

“We felt there was a big change in intensity and physicality between the SA Cup and the Currie Cup. Our aim is to try and play at an intensity and physicality that matches a Currie Cup standard, as opposed to an SA Cup standard.

“So, that’s the focus now – to train at a higher intensity. We’ve got short and sharp training sessions to try and lift the intensity. I must say that the players have responded brilliantly, and they have been working very hard.”

The SA Cup kicks off on 7 March, with the Griquas hosting the Leopards at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley. This match is scheduled to kick off at 18:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek