FNB UP-Tuks will host FNB WSU in Pretoria and FNB Madibaz are at home in Gqeberha against FNB Varsity College in the semi-finals of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield. The action is set for Friday 19 April.
Here are some of the standout players from round 7.
Jean-Pierre Wentzel (FNB UP-Tuks)
The Stripe Generation finished top of the Varsity Shield log and will therefore return to the FNB Varsity Cup competition. They left the best for last, beating FNB Madibaz in their last round-robin match. Jean-Pierre Wentzel played a pivotal role in controlling their attack and executed the game plan to perfection. His aim was also on target, landing eight conversions in the try fest.
High School: Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool
Provincial Representation: Provincial U20/21
Mandisi Nkutha (FNB Varsity College)
Varsity College surprised all and sundry with their top-four finish in their debut season in the Varsity Shield. Eight-man Mandisi Nkutha led his team's forward assault in the victory over FNB WSU with a hard-hitting performance. In what was a clinical performance, Nkutha carried the ball over the advantage line on numerous occasions.
High School: Hoërskool Noordheuwel
Provincial Representation: U13 Craven Week, U16 Grant Khomo Week, Provincial U19, Provincial U20/21
Thando Cele (FNB UKZN)
It was touch and go until the last second, but UKZN managed to squeeze out a narrow win against FNB CPUT in their last round-robin match of the tournament. The diminutive Thando Cele was a star for the KZN team, using his small stature and speed well. He was good at directing and shifting the tempo of the game.
High School: Curro Hillcrest High School
Provincial Representation: IPT 2018 & 2019 (Sharks Youth Club)
Aswen Rademeyer (FNB TUT)
The season didn’t go according to plan for TUT with the Pretoria-based team finishing bottom of the log. Despite only one victory and defeat in their last game against FNB UFH, Aswen Rademeyer put in a solid performance. He kept his side in contention, converting four out of four penalties while at the same time also kicking for territory.
High School: Hoërskool Overkruin
Provincial Representation: U16 Grant Khomo Week, U18 Academy Week, Eastern Province u/15 and Eastern Province u/15s
For a full fixture list, click HERE.
