While FNB CUT Ixias are currently sixth on the log in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup, there is a strong belief in the team, and they are positive that they can still make the playoffs.
Reaching the semi-finals will be a tough ask from the team from Bloemfontein though. Mathematically it is still possible, but it will require solid victories in their last round-robin games and a favour or two from other teams.
Ixias’ remaining games are against defending champions FNB NWU Eagles (Monday 25 March) and the week after they will have to deal with five-time champions FNB Maties.
This past Monday (18 March) they went down 40-59 to city neighbours FNB Shimlas in an absolute humdinger. The famous Ixias fighting spirit and grit came to the fore again and they did expose a few of the Shimlas’ weaknesses.
Ixias captain and hooker Albertus Venter feels that the sprint in the camp remains high and they will take it one game at a time.
“From here it is only going upwards. We'll focus on the mistakes that we made, fix it and work on it and then target the game against the Eagles next.
“The possibility of reaching the semi-finals will be tough, but if we dig deep and we work hard I think we can do it. It's not impossible.”
When asked which of his players impressed him the most during the Bloemfontein derby, Venter took the diplomatic route but indicated exactly what his players meant to him.
“All of the boys put a smile on my face. That second-half fight is something that you get from a lot of teams.
“I love these boys - they put their bodies on the line for each other. I cannot ask for more than that.”
