Mavesere, Mafura face off in Currie Cup final

THE Sables duo of Tinotenda Mavesere and Tapiwa Mafura is set to face off in the final of the 2024 Currie Cup when Fidelity ADT Lions face Hollywoodbets Sharks at the Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg, South Africa tomorrow.

Mavesere is in the books of the Durban based Sharks side while Mafura plays for the home side, the Lions.

Mavesere – who plays loose forward – and the Sharks booked their spot in the final after a dramatic semi-final win over the Bulls. They won the match courtesy of a superior try-scoring tally in their 40-40 draw at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. However, the 25 year old Mavesere missed the match owing to injury. He has, since, recovered and will be starting the final as an impact player.

Meanwhile, Mafura will be hoping to make his own unique piece of history if his Lions side go on to win the cup at their own backyard.

Mafura has his eyes set on making it three Currie Cup titles on the trot. In 2022, the 28 year old Zimbabwean fullback won the prestigious title with the Airlink Pumas before going on to join the Cheetahs in the following year where he also claimed the top prize. On their way to the final, Mafura and the Lions beat the Cheetahs 43-34 in the semi-finals with the Sables ace making the starting XV. He retained his starting XV position for tomorrow’s final.

Warren Whiteley, a former Lions captain, who is now one of the Sharks assistant coaches, and as he heads back to his old stomping ground in his new role, said that the team is in a good space, but acknowledges the sizable challenge that lies ahead.

“We’re proud of the effort and character shown in last week’s semi-final and now we’re in the final which is really special, a great opportunity for us. We’ve built nicely over the last few weeks. The Lions are also a great side, that’s why they’re top of the log and they’ve proved that throughout the competition.

“It’s going to be a massive test for us, but one we’re really looking forward to. This is the final and we’re treating it with respect; we want to honour the tradition of the Currie Cup. We’re looking forward to the challenge, the Lions are a quality side who got the better of us a couple of times, they have a massive, dominant pack and some explosive backs and we can’t wait to get out there,” said Whiteley.

Mafura and the Lions have only lost one game this season and that was against the Sharks in July.

Both Mafura and Mavesere were part of the Zimbabwe team that won the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda in July and will also play a crucial role in the Sables’ quest to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. At the African championship, Mafura was named player of the tournament. Tomorrow’s final is penciled in for 16.00pm. –

Sharks Team for Currie Cup final:

Starting XV: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Fez Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, Corne’ Rahl, Emile van Heerden, James Venter, Vincent Tshituka (Captain), Emmanuel Tshituka, Bradley Davids, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker, Andre Esterhuizen, Jurenzo Julius, Eduan Keyter, Jordan Hendrikse.

Impact Players: Dylan Richardson, Trevor Nyakane, Mawande Mdande, Jason Jenkins, Gerbrandt Grobler, Tinotenda Mavesere, Tian Meyer, Lionel Cronje.

Lions Team for Currie Cup final:

Starting XV: Morgan Naude, Jaco Visagie (captain), Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Ruben Schoeman, Darren-Lane Landsberg, Renzo Du Plessis, Ruan Venter, Jarod Cairns, Nico Steyn, Sanele Nohamba, Tapiwa Mafura, Marius Louw, Rynhardt Jonker, Rabz Maxwane, Quan Horn.

Impact Players: Morne Brandon, Juan Schoeman, Conraad Van Vuuren, Siba Qoma, Raynard Roets, JC Pretorius, Kade Wolhuter, Kelly Mpeku.

– @brandon_malvin