Valke cruise into Currie Cup First Division final
The Valke extended their unbeaten streak with a 55-12 semi-final victory over the Leopards in Kempton Park.
The Valke are one step closer to making history after maintaining their unbeaten run in the Currie Cup First Division and securing a place in the final.
They faced the Leopards in a high-stakes semi-final at Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park, on July 19. Supporters and the team entered the clash with confidence following a strong season. They knew this was no ordinary game. It was a do-or-die match to earn a spot in the 2025 final.
Valke head coach JP Immelman said he reminded his players before the match that he was already proud of them.
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“I said to the guys before the game, it doesn’t matter what happens today, I’m proud of them.
“The way we conducted ourselves through the season and the hard work that’s gone in, I’m ecstatic. We have one more to go. The final has always been our target,” said Immelman.
The game began on an emotional note for the Valke when Zander van der Merwe was injured just five minutes in.
He received medical attention and was replaced by Zingisa April, who made an immediate impact by scoring the Valke’s first try.
Cohen Kiewit soon followed with another, and with a successful conversion by Keagan Fortune, the Valke were up 14-0.
Leopards captain Jason Alexander admitted that penalties and soft moments cost his side.
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“We showed up in the first 20 to 30 minutes when Valke were leading 14-0, but giving away penalties killed our momentum. Soft moments can really hurt, especially in a knockout game like this. The Valke have been amazing this season,” he said.
The Valke capitalised on their dominance. Mbembe Payi scored a try before halftime, pushing the score to 24-0.
After the break, the Valke’s relentless pressure continued. Fortune slotted another penalty, and Ezrick Alexander scored a try to stretch the lead even further. Payi then added his second try of the match.
Speaking after the game, Alexander said reaching the final was a privilege.
“It’s an honour and a blessing to go into the final. We take it step by step, giving our best every game. We’re on our way to making history, and it’s an honour to play with this team,” he said.
The Leopards made several substitutions to shift momentum, and Lwandile Mapuko managed to get them on the board with their first try.
However, the Valke stayed disciplined, and Wernich Aucamp added another try to reinforce their dominance.
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Despite a late try by Brandon Kevvy, the Leopards couldn’t close the gap. The Valke secured a commanding 55-12 victory.
Photo: Masego Mashilo
Leopards coach Riaan van Straten acknowledged the loss but praised his team’s progress.
“It’s disappointing to lose, but considering how we started the season and ended in the semi-finals, it’s a big difference.
“We weren’t supposed to be here, and we know we have work to do. I’m excited because I know this team can do it,” he said.
The win sparked celebration among Valke players, coaches and supporters.
They now look ahead to the Currie Cup First Division final against the NovaVit Griffons on July 26 at Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park, where the 2025 champion will be crowned.
