The FNB Varsity Cup captains look ahead to this year’s tournament that kicks off on 20 February.
FNB CUT IXIAS
Xavier Swartbooi
What does it mean to be captain of your team this year?
It is an enormous opportunity for me, and I am very grateful for this opportunity to captain this amazing side.
What are your expectations for this year’s tournament?
We will be doing a lot better this year than last year. We are just looking forward to playing a brand of rugby that excites everybody.
Who will score the most tries for your team?
It will be me or Ricoman Titus.
Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards?
I think it will be Charles Williams.
Which player in the team should we be following on social media?
Jaquin van Wyk, he’s the clown of the team.
What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign?
It has opened my eyes for when I go back home to give back to the community and try and show up for the people that need us the most.
FNB Maties
Gift Dlamini
What does it mean to be captain of your team this year?
It means a lot. I’ve been in the system for five years and to be able to lead the guys is a true honour and it feels great to carry their hopes and dreams.
What are your expectations for this year’s tournament?
I don’t think we’ll dwell too much on last year’s final. We are expecting to go all the way and play some great rugby.
Who will score the most tries for your team?
I’ll have to go between JurieMatthee and WaqarSolaan.
Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards?
Juan Beukes and Waqar Solaan.
Which player in the team should we be following on social media?
WaqarSolaan.
What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign?
It is about raising awareness and being involved in the fight against GBV and child trafficking, making sure that the community is aware and that we are part of it.
FNB NWU Eagles
Ruan Swiegers
What does it mean to be captain of your team this year?
It is a huge privilege for me to lead the team in this year’s Varsity Cup tournament. It’s been a dream of mine since I can remember and now being captain, makes it even more special.
What are your expectations for this year’s tournament?
We want to win the tournament. That is our main goal. Everything we do is towards our main goal and that is to win. I believe we can do it with the squad we have.
Who will score the most tries for your team?
The whole NWU team. We’ve got a big pack of forwards and a few speedsters in the backline.
Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards?
Riaan Genis. He is a special talent as a fullback.
Which player in the team should we be following on social media?
All of us. Calvin Clack has a few sideshows.
What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign?
It is important to show what we as a team and as individuals can do in a positive way to help the community and give back.
FNB UCT Ikeys
Luthando Woji
What does it mean to be captain of your team this year?
It is a big responsibility to lead the team and especially the Ikey Tigers, an institution I’ve wanted to go to my whole life. It is something I’m willing to take head-on.
What are your expectations for this year’s tournament?
We want to take it came by game, the most important game is your next one and for us, it’s against Maties in the first match. And then we go from there.
Who will score the most tries for your team?
Duran Koevort.
Who will collect the most FNB Player that Rocks Awards?
Enos Ndiao.
Which player in the team should we be following on social media?
Enos Ndiao.
What is the importance of the #ShowUS campaign?
I think it’s important to bring attention to gender-based violence and everything that’s happening in the country. I think it’s vitally important to make our voices heard.
