The stage is set for an epic showdown as WITS host Pirates in the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge Final. Both teams, finishing 3rd and 4th in the league, defied expectations with impressive semi-final victories, taking down league leaders Randfontein and NWU, who had finished 1st and 2nd, respectively.
The final will take place at Empire Road, where fans can expect exciting, high-paced rugby. Adding to the intrigue is the battle between former teammates. Pirates’ captain Aidynn Cupido and fellow ex-WITS player Keagan Lailvaux will return to their former home turf, now facing off against a WITS side led by Setshaba Mokoena. The matchup between Aidynn and Setshaba, both playing inside centre, is particularly fascinating as Setshaba joined WITS as a junior when Aidynn was a senior.
The match will kick off at 21:15, and fans can watch live at the WITS Rugby Stadium or catch the action on the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge YouTube channel. For those attending in person, there will be plenty of excitement off the field as well, with the Castle Lager Scrum a Bakkie competition and the Castle Lager Kick for Case offering fans a chance to participate.
With both teams peaking at the right time, the 2024 Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge Final promises to be a thrilling contest. Will WITS defend their home ground, or will Pirates, led by their former WITS stars, claim the title? One thing is certain – rugby fans are in for a spectacular finale.
