Liebenberg was appointed as the team’s skipper this morning by coach Peter Engeldow who told OFM Sport he has full confidence in the player’s leadership abilities.

"He’s just a man with very strong values both on and off the field and I think he is a man that leads by example when he gets onto the field to play matches. So I’m very excited to work with him," Engledow added about his new captain.

"I’m very confident in my selection of him as the Griquas captain going forward."

The 25-year-old Bethlehem native takes over the role left vacant by scrumhalf, Tian Meyer, who has moved over to join the Toyota Cheetahs.

The team’s first task at hand will be to qualify for the expanded Currie Cup and Liebenberg believes his new-look team will pass the test with flying colours.

"The biggest and most important challenge for us will be to qualify for the Currie Cup again, so that’s our main goal and first challenge we’ll be preparing for,” the new captain said.

"Some players decide to move onto better opportunities while others decide to retire, but as guys move on it creates the opportunity for other players.

"So far the new group of players have excelled beyond their own and other peoples’ expectations.

"The atmosphere in the camp is really something exceptional and I believe we’re going to do really well with the new group of players at the Griquas."

The Peacock Blues open their campaign on 9 April when they tackle the tricky and tough Griffons in Kimberley.

Morgan Piek/OFM News