HUMANSDORP – From the dusty streets of Humansdorp to the biggest stage in Eastern Province club rugby, Humansdorp’s Kruisfontein United Rugby Club are the 2026 Score Grand Challenge champions.

Carren Leander, media and communications representative for Kruisfontein United, said 19 September will forever hold a special place in the history of the “Purple Family”, as Kruisfontein United’s First Team lifted the coveted Score Grand Challenge trophy at Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha.

Three teams reach finals

This achievement, however, was about far more than one final.

Leander said Kruisfontein United entered the day with all three senior teams competing in their respective finals, a remarkable achievement for a community rugby club and a reflection of the depth, commitment and growth within the club.

She said the Second Team and defending champion First Reserve Team did not get the results they had hoped for in their finals, but simply reaching the final stage was an achievement of which the club is immensely proud.

First Team claims victory

Then came the final dance.

Leander said the First Team faced PE Harlequins with the hopes of an entire community behind them.

“After months of hard work, sacrifices, injuries, victories and challenges, Kruisfontein United completed their journey by being crowned 2026 Score Grand Challenge champions after winning 29-27 against PE Harlequins,” said Leander.

She said the victory adds another chapter to a club that was established in January 1992 through the amalgamation of four rugby clubs from the Humansdorp community.

“For Kruisfontein, rugby has always represented more than what happens between the four white lines. It represents community, brotherhood, opportunity and pride,” said Leander.

Purple Family behind the team

She said this championship belongs to every player who pulled on the purple jersey, every coach who sacrificed hours preparing their teams, the management and executive members working behind the scenes, the sponsors and partners who continued believing in the club, and the supporters who followed the team week after week.

“Most importantly, the championship belongs to the people of Kruisfontein and Humansdorp,” said Leander.

“The Purple Family stood behind their teams throughout the season, and on finals day, their presence and voices once again reminded the players exactly who they were representing.”

Captain Solomon Manxodidi said this win was special.

He said last year they fell short because he believed their preparation was not good enough, but this year the players worked hard.

“The players showed more maturity this season. They were ready for this game,” said Manxodidi.

A victory marked by emotion

Leander said the championship also carried deep emotion following the passing of Shane “Socks” van Vuuren, a member of the Purple Family who was laid to rest on the same day.

“Kruisfontein United players had the honour of carrying his purple coffin before later taking the field and becoming champions,” said Leander.

“It was a day of tremendous sadness and tremendous pride, one that the club and community will not easily forget.”

Leander said Kruisfontein United extends its sincere appreciation to its coaches, players, executive committee, management, medical and support staff, media team, sponsors, families and every supporter who contributed to the 2026 campaign.

She said the club also acknowledges its opponents throughout the competition and congratulated PE Harlequins on reaching the Grand Challenge final.

“For the young boys and girls watching from the streets and stands of Kruisfontein, this victory serves as another reminder that where you come from does not determine how far you can go,” said Leander.

“From the dusty streets of Humansdorp, call us champions.”

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