Villager road to the final built on grit and grind
Villager’s William Rose fights to regain control of the ball during his side's Gold Cup semi-final match against College Rovers, at Brookside on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
The historic Brookside ground in Claremont will be the stage for Saturday’s Pick n Pay Gold Cup final between Western Province champions Villager and the formidable Naka Bulls, the dominant force of Blue Bulls club rugby and two-time national champions.
For Villager, one of South Africa’s oldest and most celebrated rugby clubs, this is more than just another final; it’s a chance to etch their name back into national rugby folklore. No Villager side has lifted the country’s top club title since 1980, when the legendary Morné du Plessis captained them to victory in the national club championships held over Easter weekend in Durban. Now, 45 years later, they stand on the brink of ending that long drought.
Villager's Adriaan Rabi claims possession in a lineout during his side's Gold Cup semi-final match against College Rovers, at Brookside on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
As Brookside readies itself for one of the most anticipated finals in its proud history, Villager’s players know they carry more than their hopes but nearly half a century of longing. Saturday’s clash promises to be a fitting spectacle for the spirit of Cape Town and Western Cape club rugby.
Their journey to the final has been one of hard work and determination. After four gruelling rounds in the national premier club rugby competition, Villager earned their place with a tenacious 30-21 semi-final win against KwaZulu-Natal’s College Rovers at Brookside on Saturday. They stormed into a 22-11 halftime lead and held firm under pressure in the closing stages. Tries from Ewan Coetzee, Noegh Hayward, Adam Neethling, MC de Jongh, and Adriaan Rabie sealed the victory and sent the Brookside faithful into celebrations.
Villager's Ewan Coetzee, supported by teammates, rises high to secure possession in a lineout, during his side's 30-21 win in their Gold Cup semi-final match against College Rovers, at Brookside, on Saturday.
Image: Mark Ward
The Naka Bulls, meanwhile, showcased their pedigree in their semifinal, fending off a spirited Northam Rhinos outfit 28-22 in a bruising Pretoria clash. Their experience at this level and two previous national titles make them formidable opponents for a determined Villager side.
Villager chairman, Anton Coosner remarked, the club’s revival has been the result of patience, planning, and a deep-rooted community effort.
“This success didn’t happen overnight. We started rebuilding from the ground up two years ago, focusing on our culture, youth, and sustainability. Now, we’re seeing the rewards. Our goal has always been to win the biggest prize in South African club rugby and continue leading the way in the WP scene.”