The team from Potchefstroom has endured a tough and challenging season, and now they have a chance to make a statement against a strong Valke side that came agonisingly close to playing in the Premier Division this year.

The Valke are the team to beat – they remain unbeaten and are notoriously difficult to overcome on the East Rand. In round two of the First Division, they thumped the Leopards 50–24 after a dominant first-half performance at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.

Imaad Phillips - Morgan Piek

Earlier in the year, during the Leopards’ disappointing SA Cup campaign, they were also beaten 45–31 by the Valke at Olën Park in Potchefstroom. However, the team from the North West has since turned a bit of a corner.

The possibility of facing their old rivals, the Griffons, in next week’s final in Welkom, should also provide added motivation for the Leopards.

Leopards interim coach, Riaan van Straten, told OFM Sport that this semi-final is a massive opportunity for his side – especially against the log-leaders on their home turf.

“The Valke are a different animal in Kempton Park, and for us, it’s more of a rematch,” said Van Straten, who previously coached in Russia.

“I know it’s a semi-final, but our focus is on righting the wrongs from our last outing. In that game, we completely slipped in the first half. We started too late and only got going after the break. We’ve worked hard to correct those errors.

“We are a bit thin with a number of injuries, and it’s been a very, very long season – but the boys are focused.

Sylvester Hassien - Morgan Piek

“It’s a great opportunity. As a coach, I’ve always believed that if you can make the semi-finals, you’re in with a real chance of making the final.”

Van Straten added that while the season has been gruelling and uncertain, the team is in a good space and motivated to end the campaign on a high.

“The most important thing for me is the process. At the start of the Currie Cup, I said all we need to do is take a step in the right direction every time we take to the field – and I believe we’ve done that.

Wernich Aucamp of the Valke in action against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein - Morgan Piek

“Just getting to this point – making the semi-finals – is already an achievement for us. It shows that we’ve made progress. In two weeks, the competition is over.

“I’m just the interim coach, and after the campaign, it’ll be up to the Leopards to decide how they want to move forward with coaches, players, and everything else.

“Right now, though, we’re in a good space. The boys are excited for the semi-final – so let’s see what happens.”

Saturday’s semi-final at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park kicks off at 15:00. At the same time in Welkom, the Griffons will face Eastern Province at the Down Touch Investments Stadium in the other semi-final.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport