Not only is it the first semi-final in the city in 27 years, but it will also be played under lights – a rare occurrence for Kimberley of late. While Suzuki Stadium boasts floodlights are better than some of the country’s biggest and most celebrated rugby venues in South Africa, they aren’t used often due to the high costs involved.

Various role players in Kimberley have come together to give this semi-final an even more unique feel. And, of course, it’s a derby – not something that happens very often either, with the Griquas and their neighbours, the Cheetahs, meeting in a Currie Cup semi-final.

The Peacock Blues have even been training under the lights this week to fine-tune their game and get accustomed to the different playing conditions.

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport the team is grateful to be part of a rare night game in the city and hopes it will be a memorable experience for the fans, too.

“When we play at two or three o’clock in the afternoon, people have to sit in 32 or 33 degrees Celsius in the open stands. It’s not always easy. But a seven o’clock kick-off at night? It’s cooler and more comfortable, and I think the stands will be packed.”  

George Whitehead. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’ve had some wonderful evening games in Kimberley over the years, even when I was an assistant coach ten years ago. So it’s always a special occasion. The people of Kimberley are really looking forward to a night match. Thanks to our board and the municipality for making it happen. 

“I don’t know all the details behind the scenes, but at least it’s happening, and it’s good for us. Hopefully, the crowds come out, and it becomes a spectacle. Maybe it can even set the example for hosting more evening games in the future.”

For Griquas lock Albert Liebenberg, one of the team’s more experienced players, playing under the floodlights in Kimberley will be a new experience. With it being both a derby and a semi-final, the occasion becomes even more special.

“It’s a big deal, especially hosting the semi-final at night,” the towering second-rower told OFM Sport. “Some of us have never played under lights in Kimberley, even after being here a couple of years. So it’s huge for the municipality and the people of Kimberley to step in and make this happen.

“We’re treating it like a final. It’s going to be tough – maybe 80 to 90 minutes of hard work – but we’re going in with a full mindset. We want to dominate, and that’s what we’ll aim to do.

“I believe the Cheetahs have the same mindset. I’m looking forward to seeing people from Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and the neighbouring towns coming out to support this incredible derby, which is now also a semi-final.”

Albert Liebenberg, Marco Jansen van Vuren, and George Whitehead. Photo:  Morgan Piek

“We’re focused on Saturday. If you can’t win on the day, nothing that follows matters. We’re excited, this is going to be a big one.”

The Currie Cup semi-final will also double as the OFM Challenge Cup, with OFM proud to be media partner and supporter of both the Griquas and the Cheetahs. 

Saturday night’s highly anticipated semi-final at Suzuki Stadium will kick 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 Tiaan Lange, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 IG Prinsloo, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Connor Mahoney

Cheetahs – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg