The Lions team is preparing for the new Currie Cup 2026 season, aiming to redeem themselves after two consecutive losses in the finals. Head coach Mzwakhe Nkosi discussed the team's objectives before the start of the season, which begins on Sunday against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Team Experience and Goals
The Lions are considered one of the favorites in the tournament as they seek to realize the potential they could not demonstrate in the previous two seasons. Last year, the Joburgers finished first in the league table but lost the final to the Griquas 27-25 due to a late penalty kick. A year ago, the scenario was similar: the Lions also lost to the Sharks because of a decisive penalty.
Despite the team from Doornfontein failing to cross the finish line, coach Mzwakhe Nkosi does not consider these seasons failures. He stated during this week's training that losing one match each season is not a failure. He added that achieving such results is still considered an incredible success.
Talent Development Strategy
The team has set three main goals: to introduce a new generation of players, to establish a connection between the junior and senior squads, and to advance as far as possible in the tournament. Nkosi expressed hope that the team will perform better in the final minutes of the game than in the last two years.
The first two matches will allow the Lions to field a healthy squad combining young players and more experienced athletes with experience in the United Rugby Championship. The coach noted that players such as Thando Biyela and Morne Venter, who are Junior Springboks and won the title last year, will be in the squad. Additionally, Likhona Finca, who showed good results in U23 competitions, and Asad Moos, who is also a Junior Bok, as well as Layton Horn, will play, according to him.
Squad and Player Experience
More experienced players the public may see include Siba Mahashe, Batho Hlekani, SJ Kotze, Haashim Pead, Morgan Naude, Izan Esterhuizen, and several franchise players. Early starters for the Cup have been named, including Renzo du Plessis, Jarod Cairns, Ruan Delport, Rabz Maxwane, and Sam Francis. Their knowledge and experience in senior rugby will be crucial for the team to reach a third consecutive final. Nkosi emphasized that Renzo is only 23 years old, which makes him young in a broad sense. He also noted that Cairns, Delport, and Francis, who is also 23, have significant experience in the first division class, and hopes they can support their younger teammates. Rabz, as an experienced player, should also get enough time and make a significant contribution to the game.
