The Griquas will be playing in the final for the first time since 1970 when they famously stunned the Blue Bulls of Northern Transvaal 11-9 at the De Beers Stadium.

While a sold-out crowd is expected for the final, unfortunately, the Griquas long-time and most famous supporter, Oom Bushy Oliver, won’t be in attendance as he passed away in September last year.

Oom Bushy was famous for leading the Griquas out onto the field with his flag before each game and during the match he ran along the touchlines cheering on the Peacock Blues. He did this well into his 80’s.

Oliver was 88 years old when he passed away in 2021.

The Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM News that they will dedicate the final to the Kimberley legend.

“It would have been brilliant to have Oom Bushy here,” said the coach who knew the late Oliver form his previous stint as an assistant coach at the Griquas.

“There are a lot of players who only joined this year who actually never knew Oom Bushy and never met him.

“But for guys like myself who have been the assistant coach in previous years, guys like George Whitehead, Hanru Sirgel and Simon Westraadt, for them it’s definitely in our minds.

“We want to pay tribute to him.

“I think it would have been brilliant if he could have led the team out on Saturday, but he is in our thoughts and we want to pay tribute to everything that he has done for Griquas rugby over the years.”

Oom Bushy was also famous for coaching the late boxing champion, Charlie Weir.

Saturday’s big final between the Griquas and Pumas in Kimberley kicks off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport