New South African rugby champions will be decided at Nelspruit Rugby Club on Saturday, August 30. The Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women will face the Leopards Women in the SA Women’s First Division final at 13:00.

The Pumas qualified for the final with a 31-22 victory over the Griquas at Nelspruit Rugby Club on Saturday, August 23. The Pumas had finished the round-robin phase of the competition in second place on the log, and the Griquas in third.

The Leopards produced the upset of the season in their semi-final. The had finished fourth on the log and faced the log leaders and defending champions, the SWD EaGirls, at Outeniqua Park in George. The EaGirls had won the league match between the two teams 41-10 on July 12. In the semi, the EaGirls led 22-0 at half-time. But the girls from North West put on a masterclass performance in the second half and won the semi 24-22.

In the seven matches leading up to the final, the Pumas have scored 38 tries and conceded 24. The Leopards have scored 42 and conceded 22.

The teams faced each other on July 19 in the round-robin phase, with the Pumas wining 11-7.

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The Pumas will be playing for one another. “We have had a great season and finished second on the log. I attribute our success to the team’s unity, which has been instrumental – each player has brought their unique strength and skills to the table. Our coaches have developed a solid game plan which adds to the team’s strength,” said Pumas co-captain, Mbalenhle Mzizi.

She emphasised that the are not just a team – they have become family. “We have had a great mix of experienced players and young talent, which has allowed us to stay competitive. I believe that our team’s values have also played a significant role in our success. We have created a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to perform at their best. Our second-place finish on the log and semi-final win are testament to our hard work, dedication and discipline, and sacrifice for one another.”

The Pumas expect the Leopards to come out snorting fire. “Considering the Leopards impressive semi-final performance last week, we know they will be tough, however, our team’s determination and strength will be key to winning the cup. We will focus on creating scoring opportunities and converting them into points. We will stick to and trust in our game plan,” said Mzizi.

Coach Sbusiso Ngomane and the management team have played a significant role in the Pumas success this season. They have worked closely with all the players to improve our individual skills and performance. They developed effective game plans that suits us as a team and focuses on our strengths. They have also promoted positive team culture, trust and respect among players.

The Leopards are deserved finalists and have worked hard throughout the season. “The team’s improvement can hugely be attributed to better performances. I must also commend the coaches’ strong belief in us despite the setbacks we had during the season,” said the Leopards captain, Teddy Gatyana.

The Leopards believe they have what it will take to lift the trophy. “We are mentally and physically prepared. The host team will not want to be messed with on their home ground. We will execute well, stick to our game plan and show composure throughout. If we do all of this we will bring this one home.”

Coach Franklin Jackson is the man behind it all; he has played a huge role in not just being a coach but being a parent to us, supporting us in every way possible, reprimanding us when the need arises. He has believed in us and pushed us to be better players and to have self-belief. He couldn’t do that all on his own – the support staff, the LRU, Coach Jackie Kriel, Carien Broodryk (president: Leopards Women’s Rugby), Kiki Jacobs (team manager), and every person working behind the scenes have all played a significant role in the team’s success. Their support has been invaluable and we are grateful for their dedication and hard work.

Entry to the final is free and rugby fans from all over Mpumalanga are encouraged to come support the Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women. “The support of our fans means everything to us. Hearing the cheers of the crowd while on the field gives us an incredible boost of energy and pushes us to leave everything on the pitch. Seeing our fans cheering us on reminds us that we are not just playing for ourselves but for our team, our fans and our beautiful Mpumalanga,” concluded Mzizi.

Hollywood Foundation Pumas
1. Allucia Mathebula
2. Mbalenhle Mzizi (cc)
3. Bathabile Hlatshwayo
4. Nompilo Mnguni
5. Yoliswa Mashabane
6. Chantelle Mtsweni
7. Samke Ngcobo
8. Chris Ross
9. Karabo Mashego
10. Qhawekazi Mdolomba
11. Khethokuhle Vilakazi
12. Ntobikayise Mhlongo
13. Sesihle Maguga (cc)
14. Megan Guambe
15. Sandisile Mkhabela
Reserves
16. Blantinah Tshoma
17: Nolubabalo Jokazi
18. Sibongile Khumalo
19. Sonia Morajane
20. Gertrude Mosia (vc)
21. Nontokozo Radebe
22. Risper Mgwanya
23. Alicia Mahlalela.

Leopards
1. Tsholofelo Ralehike
2. Lizzy Diseko
3. Boniswa Bolsiek
4. Nadine van Reenen
5. Lara de Wet
6. Portia Khumalo
7. Martha Yokwane
8. Portia Mariquele
9. Onie Sihlobo
10. Disemelo Motaung (vc)
11. Dineo Ntlhaeng
12. Teddy Gatyana (c)
13. Michelle Booysen
14. Koketso Ramfolo
15.Verana van Heerden
Reserves
16. Kamogelo Letsapa
17. Ntombifuthi Maheso
18. Mihle Gomo
19. Thandokazi Mphetye
20. Benathi Nganga
21. Kiara Sada
22. Kagisho Miggels
23. Abigail de Jager.