NELSPRUIT, MPUMALANGA – The Pumas women secured the Women’s First Division (WFD) championship title for 2025, defeating the Leopards Women 21-8 in a compelling final played at Nelspruit Rugby Club on Saturday, August 30.
The Pumas advanced to the final after a dominant semi-final performance, overcoming Griquas 31-22. The Leopards,meanwhile,earned their place in the decider with a stunning upset victory over the defending champions,SWD,winning 24-22 with a late try. The WFD competition featured seven teams – Pumas, Leopards, SWD, Griquas, Griffons, Limpopo Blue Bulls, and Valke – each playing a single round of league matches.
Despite a closely contested try-scoring count of one apiece, the Pumas controlled the match, capitalizing on a penalty try and three prosperous penalty goals. Sandisile Mkhabela contributed all of the Pumas’ points from the kicking tee, while Ntombi Mhlongo scored their conventional try. The host team established a significant lead, entering halftime ahead 13-0 after two penalty goals and the penalty try.
The Leopards responded early in the second half with a try from Martha Yokwane and a penalty goal by Verana van Heerden, narrowing the gap to 13-5. Though, the Pumas maintained their momentum, adding another try and a further penalty goal to secure a comfortable victory.
The Pumas had only suffered one defeat during the league stage, a single loss to the Eagirls, demonstrating their consistent performance throughout the season. the Leopards qualified for the top four with a record of three wins and three defeats.
Scorers:
Pumas Women 21 (13) – Tries: Ntombi Mhlongo, Penalty try. Penalty goals: Sandisile Mkhabela.
Leopards women 8 (0) – try: Martha Yokwane. Penalty goal: Verana van Heerden.
