The Peacock Blues will be playing their first competitive match since winning the Currie Cup in September last year. While it remains a largely settled squad, there are a handful of fresh faces in the mix as they begin their quest of reclaiming the SA Cup title they conceded to the Pumas last year.

The most notable inclusion is at flyhalf, where Liam Koen will make his official Griquas debut as the backline general. Veteran pivot George Whitehead provides valuable experience on the bench.

The other debutant in the run-on side is inside centre Damian Markus, who will start in the number 12 jersey.

The powerful winger Sako Makta is back in the mix at the Griquas./ Photo: Morgan Piek

Two more players could earn their Griquas debuts from the bench – hooker Keagan Blanckenberg and lock Lungi Mbiko. Blanckenberg joins the Peacock Blues from Western Province after impressing for the UCT Ikeys during the 2025 Varsity Cup, while Mbiko has made the move from the Griffons.

Meanwhile, lock Albert Liebenberg will lead the team on the park for the first time, and the match will also mark a significant personal milestone. The player affectionately known as “Vier Voet”, and a proud third-generation Griqua, will run out for his 50th appearance in the famous Peacock Blue jersey.

Liebenberg told OFM Sport that while the departure of some big names is always felt, it also opens the door for others to grow into leadership roles.

“It’s always big news when you lose a player and you do feel it, but it doesn’t have a massive impact on us as a group,” said Liebenberg.

“We’ve got a strong structure and leadership group, and when someone moves on it creates opportunities for other guys to step up and develop as leaders.

“The younger players and those who have been here for a year or two take on more responsibility, and that ultimately strengthens the group.”

The seasoned George Whitehead will play off the bench. Photo: Morgan Piek

Liebenberg added Saturday’s match will carry extra meaning for the team in light of the ongoing Ekapa Mine saga, and they are determined to deliver a performance the Kimberley community can be proud of.

“Kimberley is a small place, and the team has a real connection with the town,” he said.

“You realise you’re not just playing for yourself or your career – you’re playing for the people who come to the stadium and support you. With one of the mines closing and many people losing their jobs, we know the team can give them a bit of hope and something to enjoy.

The former Matie Albert Liebenberg will be playing in his 50th game for the Griquas. Photo: Morgan Piek

“When we came back with the Currie Cup, the whole town was waiting for us. That’s the kind of support that motivates us to go out and play for them.”

Saturday’s SA Cup clash between the Griquas and Leopards at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 15:00.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Connor Mahoney, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Sako Makata, 10 Liam Koen, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg (captain), 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 IG Prinsloo, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements – 16 Keagan Blanckenberg, 17 Corné Lavagna, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Lungi Mbiko, 20 Phumzile Maqondwana, 21 Bobby Alexander, 22 George Whitehead, 23 Tom Nel

Leopards – 15 Jandre Burger, 14 Sino Tshontyi, 13 Indiphile Tyeda, 12 Bryan Breda, 11 Naiden Jaarts, 10 Shaun Baxter, 9 Daimon O’Connell, 8 Adri Kermis, 7 Ghudian van Reenen, 6 Armin Posthumus, 5 Mnncedisi Dlwengu, 4 Stephen Taylor, 3 Werner Geldenhuys, 2 Jason Alexander (captain), 1 Tatenda Chayayi

Replacements – 16 Alistair O’Brien, 17 Sphekahle Dube, 18 Munashe Mhere, 19 Babalo Makana, 20 Divan Pieters, 21 Hlumelo Ndudula, 22 Noegh Hayward, 23 Hennie Otto

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm