It will be the first time in 27 years that the city hosts a semi-final, and excitement is mounting. The fact that it’s against their fierce neighbours from down the N8 adds plenty of spice. 

The match will also double as the OFM Challenge Cup, with both teams proudly backed by OFM. Coach Pieter Bergh has named the exact same starting XV that hammered the Cheetahs 40–10 in Bloemfontein nearly two weeks ago.

Cebo Dlamini. Photo: Morgan Piek

The only change comes on the bench, where Ig Prinsloo returns from suspension to provide cover at tighthead prop. He’ll back up skipper Cebo Dlamini, who has led the team with aplomb throughout the campaign.

From the side that lost 37–7 to the Lions in Johannesburg last week, the only adjustment sees Cameron Hufke rotated back into the starting line-up, while Connor Mahoney joins Prinsloo on the bench. Last week, Johan Louw provided cover at tighthead.

While the Griquas have beaten the Cheetahs four times already this year, Dlamini told OFM Sport that all of that counts for nothing now. He knows their neighbours will throw everything at them, and that the occasion is massive for both the team and the city.

“We’ll definitely be up for it – we’ve got our home semi and we won't take that for granted,” said the cornerstone of the Griquas scrum. “We’re blessed to have this chance, but we also can’t look at the past. This is playoff rugby. 

“They’ll be desperate, and so will we. We’ve worked hard this season and want to make the most of the opportunity in front of our home crowd.

“It’ll be great for Kimberley. Playing our neighbours is always a tough test, but there’s mutual respect between us and the Cheetahs. It’s set to be a cracking occasion on Saturday night, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The semi-final will be played under the floodlights at Suzuki Stadium for the first time in years, made possible through the efforts of various stakeholders, including Sol Plaatje University, the stadium’s owners, and the municipality. 

The Griquas traditionally play afternoon fixtures, but the city is buzzing at the prospect of a rare evening game.

Saturday’s semi-final kicks off at 19:15.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 Cebo Dlamini (captain), 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids

Replacements – 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Johan Louw, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Connor Mahoney

Cheetahs – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh