Kruisfontein United are confident they can turn the tables on arch-rivals Gardens when the teams collide in a blockbuster Pick n Pay Gold Cup second round encounter on Saturday, coach Frank Domingo says.
After suffering home and away defeats against Gardens in the Grand Challenge this season, Domingo says his team are ready to bounce back with a win at the Central Field in Kariega (kickoff 3pm).
Domingo says his players learned valuable lessons in their previous losses to Gardens and will take vital momentum into Saturday's showdown.
Gardens powered into the last 16 when they beat Groot Brakrivier 33-23, and Kruisfontein were declared winners on a more tries scored rule after their match against Heidelberg ended 33-33 after extra-time last week.
"Winning the first-ever Gold Cup match to be played in Humansdorp was a dream come true for our club," Domingo said.
"For the team, coaches and supporters, it was a moment of immense pride and joy knowing that all our hard work and dedication had paid off.
"This win will go down in history as a defining moment in Kruisfontein's history.
"We have had our share of intense matches before, but the Heidelberg game was unique in terms of the stakes and the level of competition.
"Kruisfontein rose to the occasion, showing great resilience and determination, and it was a true test of character, and the boys passed the test with flying colours.
"We put our win down to a combination of factors, including meticulous preparation, strong team cohesion and a never-say-die attitude.
Domingo said the physical conditioning of his players played a key role in a landmark victory.
"Our players gave everything they had, and their showing was a testament to their conditioning and mental toughness," he said.
"The coaching staff played a crucial role in preparing the team for all the challenges they faced.
"The conditioning of our players was superb, allowing them to last for the full 100 minutes of energy-sapping extra time
"Kruisfontein have worked hard on building endurance, agility and strength and it paid off.
"Our players were able to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the match, which ultimately made the difference
"Now we are excited about our second round game against Gardens on Saturday.
"While they have beaten us twice in the Grand Challenge, we are confident we can turn things around this time
"Kruisfontein have learned from our previous encounters against Gardens and now we are better prepared to take on the challenge.
"We will need to be at our best, but we are up for it.
"The win over Heidelberg has given us a lot of momentum and we are eager to build on it against Gardens."
Domingo said his players would be well managed after playing extra time against Heidelberg.
"Recovery will be crucial after the gruelling extra-time in our last game," he said.
"We will ensure our players get the rest and treatment they need to be ready for the next challenge in Kariega.
"Our medical staff will work closely with the players to manage their workload and ensure they are fit to face Gardens.
"We are thrilled to have a passionate army of supporters and we will definitely take a big contingent of fans from Humansdorp to Kariega for the match.
"Their energy and enthusiasm will be invaluable in driving us to victory."
Saturday's round of 16 fixtures:
South section: College Rovers v Northwood Crusaders (Kings Park 3, Durban), Villager v Hamilton (Brookside, Cape Town), Gardens v Kruisfontein (Central Field, Kariega), Robertson v Villagers Worcester (Van Zyl Street Sports Grounds, Robertson)
North section: Naka Bulls v Louis Trichardt (Naka Bulls Rugby Club, Pretoria), Northam Rhinos v Centurion (Setaria Recreation Club, Setaria), Pretoria Harlequins v Vereeniging (Harlequins Rugby Club, Pretoria), Northam Wolves v Raiders (Millstream River Estate, Hartbeespoort).
Opening round results:
North section: Naka Bulls 66 Safcol United 8, Northam Rhinos 101 Welkom Rovers 11, Pretoria Harlequins 64 Nelspruit 31, Raiders 38 Brakpan 31, Northam Wolves 48 Sibanye 8, Vereeniging 39 Pirates 37, White River 18 Centurion 20, Welkom Club 18 Louis Trichardt 20.
South section: College Rovers 73 Bloemfontein Collegians 12, Villagers 99 Swallows 10, Groot Brakrivier 23 Gardens 33, Robertson 62 Kimberley 7, Sishen 32 Villagers Worcester 39, Kruisfontein Utd 33 Heidelberg 33 (after extra time; Kruisfontein advance on try count),East London Police 30 Hamilton 39, Bloemfontein Police 21 Durban Crusaders 26.
The Herald
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