It was a night dedicated to honouring the players whose exceptional performances carried the team to two finals and a historic major title. Powerful outside centre Mnombo Zwelendaba was the big winner on the night, walking away with two major accolades.

The humble midfielder was crowned Griquas Backline Player of the Year and, in the main moment of the evening, Griquas Player of the Year. 

This is no small feat considering the Peacock Blues boast some of the most dangerous outside backs in domestic rugby, including Cameron Hufke, Dylan Maart, and the electric Gurswin Wehr – and to do it in the same year they won the Currie Cup is special indeed.

Mnombo Zwelendaba with the Sir Donald Currie Cup. Photo: Morgan Piek

The race for the prestigious Player of the Year award was tight, with loose forward Carl Els also strongly in contention. Els, who couldn’t attend due to being on honeymoon, was still recognised for his immense contribution and deservedly clinched the Forward of the Year award.

Try-scoring sensation Wehr also enjoyed a rich haul on the night, securing two awards of his own – including the highly respected Players’ Player of the Year, voted for by his teammates.

Meanwhile, Caleb Abrahams – who initially joined the Griquas on loan from the Bulls before signing a permanent deal to return home – was named Newcomer of the Year after making a strong impact in his debut season for the team.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Zwelendaba admitted he did not expect the recognition, insisting that the team’s success has been a collective effort.

“I didn't really see it coming. It’s always tough to get an individual award in a team sport, but it’s an honour and a privilege to be recognised among my peers, who all had a phenomenal season,” said Zwelendaba.

“Without them, and without us being so close as a group, none of this would have happened.” Zwelendaba added that lifting the Currie Cup for the first time in 55 years was a deeply emotional moment for both the team and the city.

Gurwin Wehr was named as the Players' Player of the Year. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s been really special, and the people of Kimberley have shown us how much it means.

“Not being from here, and only arriving just over a year ago, you don’t truly understand it until you come home after winning the final and see the reaction. It was amazing – it makes you proud to pull on the jersey again next season.”

There was also professional recognition outside the Currie Cup campaign. Despite falling short in the SA Cup final – losing 39–14 to the Pumas in a tough encounter in Nelspruit – the Griquas still produced standout performers.

Carl Els, Zane Bester, and Derik Pretorius. Photo: Morgan Piek

Lock Albert Liebenberg was crowned as the Griquas SA Cup Forward of the Year, while Wehr added to his collection with the Griquas SA Cup Backline Player of the Year award.

With the celebrations wrapped up, the focus now shifts to the next major mission: defending the Currie Cup title – this time on home soil in Kimberley.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs