The men from the Diamond City have built impressive depth across the park over the past few seasons, but in their last two outings, they’ve seen two key number eights leave the field injured in worrying circumstances.

During the dramatic 32-31 defeat to the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, the influential Gustav Erlank was carted off in the first half with a serious knee injury that is expected to sideline him for between nine and 12 months. 

Erlank was scheduled to undergo surgery this past Friday, although it is understood the procedure was delayed due to the surgeon’s unavailability.

Phumzile Maqondwana receiving medical attention. Photo: Morgan Piek

Then, in Saturday’s thrilling 59-35 semi-final win over the Boland Cavaliers, the tireless Phumzile Maqondwana appeared to suffer a shoulder injury during the defence on the nippy former Springbok scrumhalf, Louis Schreuder.

While the Griquas still have quality cover available, losing both Erlank and Maqondwana ahead of a championship decider against what is expected to be a full-strength Pumas outfit would be a massive blow.

There was, however, some timely good news for coach Pieter Bergh and his management team. Currie Cup-winning forwards Vlam Oosthuizen and Carl Els both returned to action last week, while the impressive Carel van der Merwe – who has caught the eye whenever called upon this season – was not selected for the Boland semi-final and could now come into the equation.

Following the victory over Boland, Bergh told OFM Sport the medical team had not yet provided clarity on Maqondwana’s injury, but the hope is that it won’t be serious.

“When it rains, it pours – we’ve lost Vlam Oosthuizen, Carl Els, Gustav Erlank, and now probably Phumzi as well,” said Bergh.

“Luckily, we’ve still got Carel van der Merwe, who was unlucky not to be selected today. We’ll have to assess where we are with the injuries, but hopefully Phumzi’s injury is not a long-term one for us.”

Gustav Erlank. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh added that while Griquas beat the Pumas 44-34 in Kimberley during the round-robin stage a few weeks ago, Saturday’s final will be an entirely different challenge.

“We know what to expect from the Pumas,” said Bergh.

“Three weeks ago, it was a tough game, and we managed to end up on the right side of the result, but they’re a very good side, and they’ve got players like Fisanti and JJ Scheepers back from injury.

“It’s a massive opportunity for us because if we win the SA Cup, both trophies we compete for will be in Kimberley.”

“That would be a huge achievement for this team, but we can’t look at what happened three weeks ago and think this one will just be another win for us.”

With silverware on the line, a packed Suzuki Stadium expected, and two fierce rivals ready to collide once again, the stage is set for a blockbuster SA Cup final in Kimberley.

Saturday’s eagerly anticipated final between the Griquas and Pumas at the Suzuki Stadium will kick-off at 18:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg