The Airlink Pumas made history on Saturday evening, securing their first-ever SA Cup title with a commanding 39-14 victory over defending champions Suzuki Griquas in a thrilling final at Mbombela Stadium.
The hosts, backed by a spirited home crowd, took control early, building a 19-7 halftime lead before pulling away in the second half to seal a well-deserved triumph. The win capped off a flawless campaign for the Pumas, who became only the second team—after Griquas in last year’s inaugural tournament—to go through the competition unbeaten.
The Northern Cape side had entered the final as reigning champions but suffered their first-ever SA Cup defeat to the Pumas in the league phase a few weeks ago. On Saturday, the Pumas repeated the feat in emphatic fashion, delivering a clinical performance to lift the trophy on home soil.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the Pumas, who have now etched their name into SA Cup history with an unstoppable season. Griquas, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities as their title defense fell short against a relentless opponent.
With the trophy secured in front of their supporters, the Pumas’ triumph signals a new era for the team, cementing their status as a rising force in South African rugby.
Scorers:
Airlink Pumas 39 (19) – Tries: Sango Xamlashe (2), Eddie Swart, Willie Engelbrecht, Dewald Maritz.
Conversions: Danrich Visagie (4).
Penalty goals: Visagie (2).
Suzuki Griquas 14 (7) – Tries: Gurswhin Wehr, Mnombo Zwelendaba.
Conversions: George Whitehead (2).
Top Scorers in the 2025 SA Cup:
Danrich Visagie: 112 points
Gurswhin Wehr: 15 tries
