Fresh off a convincing victory against the Border Bulldogs, the Airlink Pumas are heading into another critical weekend clash — this time against the Leopards at Olën Park. But if anyone thinks Coach Jimmy Stonehouse is taking this match lightly, think again.
Speaking to us over the phone, Stonehouse made it clear: the Leopards are no walkover.
They also got something to prove. I don’t think it’s a weak team — they’ve got home advantage,” he stated, reflecting on the Leopards’ unpredictable strength and their motivation to upset the Pumas’ momentum.
The Pumas come into the fixture with confidence, buoyed by recent form and the return of one of their stalwarts, Willie Engelbrecht. But for Stonehouse, it’s not just about names on paper — it’s about maintaining discipline and structure on the field.
Last week was great, especially in the first half,” Stonehouse admitted. “But then little small things creeped in — players going off-script. If you’ve got a structure and everyone sticks to it, you’ve got a great team. But as soon as guys start doing their own thing, that’s when problems start.”
Willie’s Return: A Boost or a Battle?
Engelbrecht’s return to the Pumas is a headline-grabber, and rightfully so. Known for his aggressive tackles and relentless work rate, the loose forward is looking to reignite his best form after a stint with the Stormers that Stonehouse suggests didn’t quite hit the mark.
It’s a huge boost to have Willie back,” Stonehouse said. “What he brings — in leadership, in presence — is invaluable. But it’s not going to be easy for him. Our current loose forwards are playing top-quality rugby. He’s going to have to prove himself all over again.”
The coach didn’t mince words about what he expects from Engelbrecht — a return to the fearless, physical style that made him such a force in the Pumas jersey before.
That aggressiveness, those tackles — that was his biggest asset. I haven’t seen that recently, and I hope he brings it back.”
Selection Headaches for All the Right Reasons
One of the more refreshing “problems” Stonehouse faces is selecting a final squad from a group of players who are all performing at a high level.
There’s a lot of guys putting their hands up. It’s going to be tough picking that final team for the big ones.”
It’s a dilemma every coach wants — hungry players fighting for spots, internal competition pushing standards higher, and a sense that the team is moving in the right direction.
Eyes on the Bigger Picture
For Stonehouse and his men, every game is more than just 80 minutes on the park. It’s part of a broader mission — building a cohesive, structured, and competitive unit capable of challenging for silverware.
And while the match against the Leopards is just one step on that journey, it’s a crucial one.
We know what’s waiting for us,” Stonehouse said. “It’s not going to be easy, but if we stick to our structure, play the way we know we can, we’ll be a tough side to beat.”
As the weekend draws near, all eyes will be on Olën Park to see whether the Pumas can keep their momentum — and whether Willie Engelbrecht can reignite the fire that made him one of the Pumas’ most feared enforcers.
