SA Cup Final Preview: Griquas and Pumas Rivalry Continues

The SA Cup final on Saturday, May 23, in Kimberley is anticipated as another chapter in the fierce rivalry between Suzuki Griquas and the Airlink Pumas. These two teams, who previously met in the 2022 Carling Currie Cup Premier Division final, have split the last two SA Cup titles evenly, showcasing their competitive balance.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18h30, and the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport. A historical overview indicates that the rivalry between these teams was established during the 2024 season. In that season, Griquas narrowly defeated the Pumas 31-26 during the league phase, positioning them to host the inaugural final. Griquas capitalized on this advantage with a decisive 46-24 victory in the final, establishing an early 29-0 lead that forced the Pumas to chase the game. Key player George Whitehead contributed significantly with a total of 19 points.

The 2025 season saw a reversal of fortunes, with the Pumas defeating Griquas 39-35 during the round-robin stage, ending Griquas' unbeaten run in the SA Cup. The Pumas continued their momentum into the final, winning convincingly 39-14 at Mbombela Stadium, with a halftime lead of 19-7 and maintaining tactical control throughout the match. This shift in dominance highlighted the impact of momentum and early advantage in match outcomes.

As the teams prepare for the 2026 final, Griquas may hold a slight edge due to their home ground advantage. The previous two tournaments have shown that the home side has consistently won. Meanwhile, the Airlink Pumas arrive with confidence, having demonstrated in the last season that they could outscore Griquas when they successfully control the game’s territory and maintain discipline. Despite Griquas winning their league meeting earlier this year with a score of 44-34, analysts predict a close, high-quality final that might offer the Pumas a chance to defy the odds once again.

The encounter, officiated by referee Christopher Allison, promises to be an exciting match.

Match Information:

• Event: SA Cup Final
• Teams: Suzuki Griquas vs Airlink Pumas
• Date: Saturday, May 23
• Venue: Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley
• Kick-off: 18h30
• Referee: Christopher Allison
• Broadcast: SuperSport