The powerful and influential centre Mnombo Zwelendaba returns from injury and has been named in the starting XV for the big clash. Sako Makata shifts to the wing in place of the injured Gurswin Wehr.

Zwelendaba’s return comes at a crucial time after outside centre Damian Markus sustained a hamstring injury against the Cavaliers. The reigning Griquas Player of the Year will partner Zane Bester in midfield, with Bester himself having recently returned from a niggle against the Cavaliers.

Mnombo Zwelendaba. Photo: Morgan Piek

Up front, the exciting Carl Els gets the nod at number eight following injuries to Gustav Erlank and Phumzile Maqondwana, which have stretched the depth in the loose-forward department.

The bench has also been strengthened, with Carel van der Merwe and Liam Koen both returning to the matchday squad after being rested for the semi-final.

Coach Pieter Bergh told OFM Sport that welcoming Zwelendaba back for the final is a massive boost at exactly the right time.

“It’s massive to have Zweli back,” said Bergh. “Before his injury, he was one of our best players this season, and we definitely miss him when he’s not on the field. “His experience, leadership and what he brings in that 12-channel against the Pumas are hugely important for us.

“Losing players like Phumzile and Gurswin is never ideal, but Zweli has been instrumental to our success over the past few years, so having him back is a big boost.”

Regarding Els starting at the back of the scrum, Bergh admitted that both Els and Lourens Oosthuizen looked a little rusty against Boland after limited game time in recent weeks, but he is thrilled to have the hard-running loose forward back for another shot at a major final after last year’s heartbreak.

Vlam Oosthuizen and Carl Els on the hunt against Boland. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I thought with Vlam as well, you could see he hadn’t played for a few weeks, so hopefully that rustiness from both of them is gone now and that they can put in a big performance.

“Carl is definitely looking forward to this match. In last year’s Currie Cup final, he had to go off within the first five minutes, so hopefully he can have a big game now and make up for not playing much part in that final.

“He’s an experienced player who has been very good for us over the years, and those are exactly the type of players you need in big matches like this.”

Sako Makata moves back to win after playing at inside centre in the last two games. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bergh added clashes against the Pumas have become familiar territory for the Griquas in recent years. The rivalry has grown into one of the fiercest in South African rugby, and the men from Kimberley know exactly what to expect from the physical Lowvelders.

Saturday’s SA Cup final between the Griquas and Pumas at Suzuki Stadium kicks off at 18:30.

Griquas – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Sako Makata, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Bobby Alexander, 8 Carl Els, 7 Marco de Witt, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 3 IG Prinsloo, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Leon Lyons

Replacements – 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 Corné Lavagna, 18 Ntobeko Shezi, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Carel van der Merwe, 21 Caleb Abrahams, 22 Liam Koen, 23 Connor Mahoney

Pumas – TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm