A CURRIE CUP JOURNEY THROUGH A FAN'S LENS

IF YOU spend most of your life living in a small town, visiting a big city can be intimidating, even overwhelming.

- DANIE VAN DER LITH

But according to DFA sports reporter Danie van der Lith, facing giants makes one realise that having a big, courageous heart gives you an unexpected edge.

Van der Lith visited the Fidelity ADT Stadium (Ellis Park) on the Griquas' historic day of glory and shares his first impressions. Don't be surprised at his use of the word "overwhelming" ... it's intentional!

Arriving in Johannesburg, ahead of the 2025 Currie Cup final, we the Griqua supporters quickly checked into the hotel, changed, and prepared ourselves for the day. For me, during the trip and the ride to the stadium, the tension grew with every turn of the bus's tyres.

Ellis Park ... just wow!

Then the moment came. I disembarked from the bus, and Ellis Park stood before me. An overwhelming, intimidating first for me.

This was not Suzuki Stadium. It was far, far bigger. A colosseum. A place that has hosted giants.

Together with my friend and colleague from OFM, Morgan Piek, we walked up one of the staircases.

"Let me show you something," he said, taking me to the media box. The view took my breath away. The entire stadium stretched out before me. Though still mostly empty, it already felt alive. I stood in awe, like a child in a candy store, soaking up the atmosphere.

Walking through the tunnel where legends had run out for decades was overwhelming. The grass looked immaculate, a photographer's dream, shimmering under the Jozi sun.

I set up my camera gear to the side behind the posts, testing angles and snapping warm-up shots, making sure that everything was perfect. Slowly, the crowd filtered in and the stadium filled. To my right, the Griqua supporters stood tall, dressed in peacock blue, flags in hand, faces filled with anticipation.