Bergh savours home triumph

Griquas coach Pieter Bergh says lifting the Currie Cup in front of their fans is a dream come true.

The Peacock Blues beat the Pumas 23-16 in Kimberley on Saturday to successfully defend their crown, having edged the Lions in last year’s decider at Ellis Park. likesport.biz

“This is what I wanted for Kimberley – a home final. I get emotional,” Bergh said. “To see the stadium like this, and the people come to support us, this is all I dreamed of. This is amazing.”

REPORT: Griquas back-to-back Currie Cup kings

Griquas’ title defence had begun with defeat to the Stormers XXIII in Cape Town.

“We came back and we regrouped, and the guys didn’t lose a game from there. All credit to the players,” Bergh said.

“People don’t see what the players do off the field, how hard they work, the sacrifices they make. They absolutely deserve it.

“We had a lot of injuries over the course of the season. The guys bounced back, and we just kept on going and believed that we can do it.

“The goal was to win it at home, and they’re all just so happy.”

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Bergh was quick to share the praise with his coaching team.

“That maul try had Franco van der Merwe written all over it. Wian du Preez with the scrums in that second half. Brendell Brandt is doing incredible work with the backs.

“It’s a team effort. They deserve all the credit as well.

“It’s just brilliant. Eventually we did it in Kimberley.”

Photo: Gallo Images

The post Bergh savours home triumph appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Orlando Pirates came into the match knowing they needed a positive result after the two sides played to a goalless draw in the first leg.

Abdeslam Ouaddou was forced to make several changes to his starting XI because of injuries and suspensions.

HOW DID ORLANDO PIRATES TURN THE GAME AROUND?

Ghampani Lungu and Tshepang Moremi missed out, while Kabelo Kgositsile, Neo Rapoo and Yanela Mbuthuma were brought into the team.

The visitors, however, made the perfect start when Jean Ami opened the scoring after just six minutes. A mix up involving goalkeeper Sipho Chaine allowed Ami to find the back of the net.

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Orlando Pirates responded almost immediately and levelled the scores just two minutes later. Kabelo Kgositsile opened his account for the club when he turned home a cross from Masilela.

The equaliser gave the Buccaneers renewed confidence as they continued searching for the goal that would put them ahead.

Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Kamogelo Sebelebele completed the turnaround. The attacker combined with Kgositsile before firing the ball into the net from a tight angle.

Orlando Pirates then extended their advantage eight minutes before half time. Yanela Mbuthuma marked his return to the starting XI with his first goal in the competition to make it 3-1.

WHO WILL ORLANDO PIRATES FACE NEXT?

The Buccaneers carried their momentum into the second half, with Oswin Appollis coming close to adding a fourth. His powerful effort was, however, denied by a fine save from Jean Ramdiane.

With Orlando Pirates comfortably in control, Ouaddou made changes for the final stages. Boitumelo Radiopane and Bohlale Ngwato replaced goalscorers Mbuthuma and Kgositsile.

The Buccaneers continued to threaten late on, with Radiopane and Cameron Dansin both going close, but they could not add to their tally.

The 3-1 victory secured Orlando Pirates a place in the second preliminary round. The Soweto giants are now two matches away from reaching the CAF Champions League group stage.

Orlando Pirates will face African Stars of Namibia in the next round after they defeated AS Mangasport.

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Le Paris FC et l’Olympique Lyonnais se retrouvent ce samedi soir au Stade Jean-Bouin pour la 4e journée de Ligue 1. À quelques minutes du coup d’envoi, les deux entraîneurs ont communiqué leurs compositions de départ pour cette affiche programmée à 20h45.

Liam Rosenior doit composer avec plusieurs absences dans les rangs parisiens. De Smet, Mbemba, Otavio et Sangui sont forfaits en raison de blessures. Le technicien du Paris FC aligne notamment Trapp dans les buts, avec Camara, Chergui, Coppola et Traoré en défense. Lees-Melou porte le brassard et sera accompagné de Lopez au milieu, tandis que Kebbal, Pagis et Koleosho évolueront derrière Sinayoko.

Du côté de l’Olympique Lyonnais, Paulo Fonseca dispose d’un groupe plus étoffé. Seul Duranville manque à l’appel, toujours retenu à l’infirmerie. Greif prend place dans le but lyonnais, devant Athekame, Bacher, Niakhaté et Abner. Bidstrup, Morton et Tolisso, capitaine, composent l’entrejeu, tandis que Sulc est chargé d’animer le secteur offensif derrière Nuamah et Openda.

Les compositions

Paris FC : Trapp – Camara, Chergui, Coppola, Traoré – Lopez, Lees-Melou (c) – Kebbal, Pagis, Koleosho – Sinayoko.

Lyon : Greif – Athekame, Bacher, Niakhaté, Abner – Bidstrup, Morton, Tolisso (c) – Sulc – Nuamah, Openda.

The post Paris FC – Lyon : les compos officielles dévoilées appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.