The Airlink Pumas extended their winning run in the SA Cup 2025 with a 50-35 victory over Valke in an exhilarating try-fest at Barnard Stadium. The match saw a total of 12 tries, with the Pumas’ superior finishing and relentless attack proving too much for a valiant Valke outfit.
First Half: Valke Start Strong, Pumas Fight Back
Valke flew out of the blocks, Mbembe Payi (12’) and Musa Tshabalala (18’) both crossing for well-executed tries, converted by Keagan Fortune, who also slotted an early penalty. The hosts built a 22-19 halftime lead, with Valentino Wellman (27’) adding a third try before the break.
However, the Pumas kept themselves in the game with crucial scores from Sampie Swiegers (4’), Darren Adonis (20’), and Jay Cee Nel (36’). Clinton Swart’s boot kept them within touching distance going into halftime.
Second Half: Pumas Pull Away
The visitors came out firing after the break, as Llewellyn Classen (43’) crashed over just minutes into the second half, swinging momentum their way. Valke responded briefly through a try from Abulele Ndabambi (46’), converted by Fortune, but it was all Pumas from then on.
Ross Braude (48’, 69’) bagged a brace, while Sango Xamlashe (62’) and Darren Adonis (78’) sealed the deal. Swart converted five of the eight tries, ensuring the Pumas hit the 50-point mark despite some missed kicks.
Key Performers
- Ross Braude (Pumas) – The scrumhalf scored two crucial second-half tries.
- Darren Adonis (Pumas) – Bagged a brace, including a late try to put the game to bed.
- Keagan Fortune (Valke) – Kicked accurately, contributing 15 points (3C, 3P) to keep his team in the fight.
Final Thoughts
Despite Valke’s promising first half, the Pumas’ fitness and attacking quality shone through as they outscored their opponents 31-13 in the second period. With this win, the Pumas further cement their place among the SA Cup frontrunners, while Valke will need to regroup after yet another high-scoring defeat.
