Hazyview Rugby Club may have lost out to Malelane in the 2024 MRU Ehlanzeni Mayor’s League final, but they still walked away with their heads held high after a historic season for the club.

Hazyview proved a formidable force throughout the 2024 season, putting together a strong string of results that ensured they won four of their six round-robin matches. Their only two losses of the season came at the hands of Malelane and Ngodwana, and they finished the round-robin stage in second place on the log.

This meant they had to take on Matsulu in a semi-final on Saturday June 22, which they hosted in Hazyview.
Hazyview won a very tense semi-final 25-19 to make history by qualifying for the league final for the first time in the club’s history.

Standing in Hazyview’s way for their date with destiny would be a strong Malelane outfit that had gone unbeaten throughout the league. Hazyview would also be seeking revenge after a 75-0 drubbing at the hands of Malalane in the round-robin stage.

Because they topped the log after the round-robin stage, Malelane hosted the final on Saturday July 6. The game got off to a great start for spectators, courtesy of a thrilling first half.

Hazyview immediately improved on their round-robin showing, managing a first-half try, but Malelane managed to still hold the edge going into half-time. The scoreline was 18-10 in favour of Malelane, which set up an exciting second half.

The second period of 40 minutes was hotly contested, with no side really able to run away with the game. Malelane was able to cross the whitewash one more time to score their third and final try of the match, but Hazyview couldn’t muster more than an additional penalty in the second half.

This meant that Malelane ran out the 26-13 winners to win the MRU Ehlanzeni Mayor’s League for the first time ever.

Hazyview can be proud of their season, considering they reached new heights for the club, and they’ll undoubtedly be looking to come back stronger next season to compete for the title in 2025.