Northam Platinum Holdings has been confirmed as a proud partner of the Pick n Pay Gold Cup, which kicks off this Saturday, 27 September at 16 venues across the length and breadth of South Africa.
SA Rugby confirmed on Tuesday that the mining giant would support the country’s pre-eminent knockout championship for non-university clubs, as the “FA Cup” of community rugby enters a bold new era on the back of unprecedented growth in the grassroots game.
“Mining and club rugby in South Africa have walked a long road together and we are thrilled that Northam Platinum Holdings will continue this tradition,” said SA Rugby CEO, Rian Oberholzer.
“What makes Northam Platinum’s decision to support the Pick n Pay Gold Cup so satisfying is that their undisputed track record of a deep commitment to community aligns perfectly with the grassroots spirit of the competition.
“With additional support from partners such as Northam Platinum, I have no doubt that the Pick n Pay Gold Cup is set to enter a golden – or should I say platinum? – era in which the tournament continues to reach new communities and celebrate grassroots excellence.”
Northam Platinum’s partnership will continue a rich tradition of support from the country’s mining industry for community sport in general and rugby in particular. The company’s valuable involvement in club rugby will be reflected on the field as well, with Limpopo champions Northam Rhinos and the Leopards’ number-one team, Northam Wolves, confirmed in the 32-team Pick n Pay Gold Cup draw.
Rhinos, the 2024 Pick n Pay Gold Cup runners-up and consistently one of the top club sides nationwide, are based at Northam Platinum’s Zondereinde mine, located near the Bushveld town of Thabazimbi. Wolves meanwhile play out of Northam Platinum’s Eland mine, situated just east of the North West town of Brits.
Northam Platinum Holdings CEO, Paul Dunne, said: “Northam Platinum is pleased to partner with SA Rugby and Pick n Pay to host the 2025 Pick n Pay Gold Cup. We are proud to be able to further development and upliftment of our communities, not only in our operational areas, but all communities nationwide.”
Confirmation of Northam Platinum’s support comes hot on the heels of SA Rugby’s announcement that the Gold Cup would be sponsored by national retail chain Pick n Pay for the first time, as part of a four-year agreement that includes becoming Tier 1 sponsors of the world champion Springboks.
The 2025 Pick n Pay Gold Cup also marks the 50th anniversary of the inaugural national club championship, when FNB Maties beat Durban Collegians 28-20 in the 1975 final.
Two-time defending champions Naka Bulls (2023 & 2024) will be aiming for a hat-trick of titles this year after defeating Northam Rhinos in last year’s final – a result the platinum miners will now have more incentive than ever to reverse.
The 32 teams are divided geographically into northern and southers sections of 16 sides each, with the last team standing from each section contesting the grand final next month.
Northam Rhinos open their Pick n Pay Gold Cup campaign on Saturday when they host Welkom Rovers – another club steeped in mining tradition. Wolves, meanwhile, will continue the mining theme when they welcome fellow Leopards clubs Sibanye. Kick-off times for all 16 matches will be confirmed in the coming days.
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The Confederation of African Rugby is the governing body of rugby union within Africa and currently has 37 members. It runs various rugby tournaments within Africa including the CAR Super 16 and the Africa Cup.
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