Griquas have built on tough lessons learned last year
The Griquas Rugby Union had its fair share of trials and triumphs during last year, and now, with the start of the 2024 beckoning on the not too distant horizon, the Griqua team’s head coach Pieter Bergh shared his insights on the team’s journey through all those challenges and outlined their aspirations for the upcoming season.
“As we look forward to the start of the 2024 season, I just want to touch on the 2023 season,” Bergh said, speaking to the DFA. “It was a season filled with both highs and lows, characterised by our relentless pursuit of success."
The coach said that last year, the rugby season commenced in March, with the Currie Cup competition serving as the focal point for Griquas. However, alterations in the competition structure by SARU left the team with only the Currie Cup to channel their efforts into.
“Despite facing challenges,
we approached the season with determination,” reflected Bergh. “We secured victories in seven Currie Cup games while encountering setbacks with seven losses.
“It was a season where a little more luck could have significantly altered our trajectory.
“In the end, with one game to go, we were one win away from the semi-finals again, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be,” he lamented.
Following the conclusion of the Currie Cup in July 2023, uncertainty loomed over the team’s schedule for the remainder of the year.
“As the Currie Cup concluded, our calendar for the rest of the year remained uncertain,” noted Bergh. “Players faced a demanding fivemonth pre-season in Kimberley’s heat, posing significant challenges in preparation.”
However, fortune smiled upon Griquas according to the Griqua coach, with the organisation of the Airlink competition in November, providing the team with a valuable opportunity to showcase their prowess.
“The Airlink competition proved to be a turning point for us,” said Bergh with some satisfaction. “We emerged victorious, going unbeaten and clinching the trophy in Nelspruit, with a triumphant win over the
Pumas in the final on their home ground.
“The win of the Airlink Cup in November last year gave us a tremendous boost of belief and confidence heading into this season,” Bergh emphasised.
Now, looking ahead to the 2024 season, Bergh detailed the changes and challenges awaiting the team, including the introduction of the SA Cup alongside the traditional Currie Cup.
“The SA Cup presents a fresh challenge for us, featuring a roundrobin format among 10 South African unions,” explained Bergh. “Our objective is to enter the Currie Cup with renewed confidence and add another trophy to our cabinet.”
Then, in a moment of celebration, Bergh announced the captain for the upcoming SA Cup competition, praising the exemplary qualities of the appointed Griqua player.
“Our captain for the SA Cup will be a loose forward, Stephan Smit,” declared Bergh. "Stephan epitomises everything about a Griqua player; he is fit, tough, hardworking, disciplined, and professional.”
In conclusion, Bergh used the opportunity to express gratitude to the team’s supporters and sponsors, recognising their integral role in the success of Griquas.
“To all our supporters and sponsors, old and new, thank you for your unwavering support,” said an obviously sincere Bergh. “We’re thrilled to welcome Suzuki as our new title sponsor and are committed to forging a successful partnership.”
Bergh concluded with a pledge to uphold the values of discipline, hard work, and teamwork, vowing to make the Griquas community proud, on and off the field.
Now, as the Griquas Rugby
Union gears up for the challenges of the 2024 season, fans can eagerly await another chapter in the team’s storied history, confident in Bergh's leadership and the team’s unwavering commitment to success.*