Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi is setting his sights on Currie Cup victory, seeking redemption after successive near misses at Ellis Park. Last year, the Lions suffered a narrow defeat to Griquas, losing 27-25, following a tight loss to the Sharks the previous year, who clinched the title 16-14 in extra time. As the Lions prepare to launch their 2026 season against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next Sunday, Nkosi is focused on reaching the final slated for September 12, aiming to triumph in rugby’s oldest competition.
“We are preparing to play in the final on September 12. That has to be our mindset,” Nkosi emphasized, indicating a strong determination to overcome past disappointments. The Lions are not just looking back but forward, having made significant strides by reaching the Vodacom URC quarter-finals last season and set to compete in the Investec Champions Cup for the first time.
“We need to find a way to get to the final again and hopefully it’s a case of us succeeding at the third attempt.”
The Currie Cup remains a pivotal element of the Lions' strategy, not just for its prestige but as a cornerstone for broader ambitions. “By nature, we have a few goals that we want to achieve in the Currie Cup,” Nkosi stated, underlining the team's aspirations. “Ultimately, we really want to be extremely competitive. Our goal is to win the tournament.”
The Lions are gearing up for a season where the stakes are high, and the expectations are even higher. With a history of close finishes and a trophy case that hasn't seen a new addition since 2015, the pressure is on for Nkosi and his squad to deliver a performance that turns aspiration into achievement.
As the team prepares for their opener in Bloemfontein, fans and players alike are hopeful that this season will mark a new chapter of success for the Lions, potentially culminating in a long-awaited Currie Cup victory.