A few weeks may have passed since the Pumas lifted the SA Cup trophy, but Jimmy Stonehouse isn’t the type to bask in yesterday’s glory. No, the Pumas’ veteran head coach has already flipped the page—and he’s not just reading it, he’s writing the next chapter at full tilt.
Tucked away at the Queens River Adventure Camp near Barberton, Stonehouse and his charges are deep into pre-season mode, laying the foundations for what promises to be a grittier, more gruelling Currie Cup campaign.
“Hi, Renaldo. We’re at Queens River Adventure Camp just outside Barberton. Great place to be,” Stonehouse began in a message to former pumas player Renaldo Bothma “The weather’s not really playing along. It’s very cold. But the guys are pushing through.”
That blend of blunt honesty and bulldog determination is classic Jimmy. The cold may be biting, but the Pumas are biting back.
The SA Cup? That’s Last Month’s Paycheck.
Stonehouse doesn’t mince words when reflecting on their recent triumph. “Coming to the SA Cup, the celebrations are gone. It’s like last month’s paycheck—it’s finished, over,” he said.
It’s a typically no-nonsense analogy from the man who’s made a career out of getting the most out of underdog squads. For Stonehouse, trophies are nice, but preparation is sacred.
The SA Cup victory was special. It reminded fans and pundits alike that the Pumas are no longer just plucky spoilers—they’re a force. But as Stonehouse put it, “We’re preparing for the new stunt in the Currie Cup. Looking forward to it, training hard.”
A Higher Bar Awaits
There’s no sugar-coating the leap from the SA Cup to the Currie Cup. The latter is the pinnacle of domestic rugby in South Africa, a battle where every mistake is punished and every opportunity must be taken.
“We know very well that the Currie Cup won’t be the same as the SA Cup,” Stonehouse admitted. “It will be on a different level. The quality will be different, the tempo will be different.”
And yet, there’s a quiet confidence in his tone. The Pumas may not have the budget of the Bulls or the Stormers, but they’ve got something you can’t buy—grit, unity, and a coach who demands the absolute maximum.
Grinding It Out in the Lowveld
Training in the scenic, if chilly, Barberton area might sound idyllic, but this is no team getaway. It’s a full-throttle pre-season grind designed to break comfort zones and build cohesion.
“We will reveal soon who the new guys are in the squad,” Stonehouse teased. “But at this moment, we’re only focusing on going forward, training hard and getting everyone on the same page.”
If previous seasons are anything to go by, fans can expect a few surprise inclusions and perhaps a breakout star or two. Stonehouse has a knack for turning unknowns into names worth remembering.
Eyes on 2025
With the Currie Cup 2025 campaign on the horizon, the Pumas are aiming not just to compete—but to make statements. The squad’s core remains strong, bolstered by rising talent and seasoned campaigners. And behind it all, Stonehouse is steering the ship with the steady hand of a man who knows exactly what’s required.
Whether the Pumas will replicate their SA Cup success at the elevated Currie Cup stage remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—they won’t go down wondering.
Because under Jimmy Stonehouse, the Pumas aren’t here to take part. They’re here to test every opponent. And maybe—just maybe—lift another piece of silverware come season’s end.
