FNB Varsity Shield
FNB Rhodes will be hoping to change their fortunes heading into the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield competition after ending sixth in last year’s competition and avoiding relegation by just a point.
2022 results: Win: 1 Lost: 5 Log position: 6th
Coach James Winstanley says the team from Makhanda are feeling confident heading into the tournament despite the performances shown last year.
The competitive edge is seen to be a key factor and Winstanley says that his players have to be mentally strong this time around, after assigning too much value to teams that didn’t exist last season.
“I think we need to stop playing against the jersey, and start playing against the people in the jersey. We should have won many more games last season if the players went into games with a competitive mindset.”
Rhodes will need a shift in their mentality early on in 2023 as their first match this year is against FNB UWC on 16 February.
Winstanley didn’t want to commit to naming any new players that may be brought into the team this year, as he is awaiting the final registration of certain players.
Simelela Mbanzi will captain Rhodes in this year’s competition. His selection was down to the team as Winstanley reiterated that the team need to believe in their leaders.
FNB Rhodes face a tough challenge in their opening fixture taking on former champions FNB UWC at the Rhodes Great Field on 16 February.
2023 fixtures HERE.
by Aiden Daries
