FNB Varsity Shield
After a bumpy 2022, the FNB TUT Vikings have roped in the services of former Blue Bulls and Cheetahs flyhalf Kennedy Tsimba for the 2023 Varsity Shield competition.Tsimba won the Varsity Young Guns with Tuks in 2022 which saw him receiving offers from unions across the country but he, however, chose to go across town to the TUT campus.
“It was a difficult decision considering I am coming from Tuks, the enemy. I think it was worthwhile because there’s a lot of potential here and that is the only reason I made the switch.”
Tsimba says it was the culture and passion that attracted him to the Vikings, and he can work with that.
“There are a lot of good players here. I have a mixed group of players, those continuing from last year and then there is a group that’s coming with me from Tuks, as you know it happens with coaches all the time.”
The Vikings have had their struggles over the years in their ambitions to become a feared rugby institute. It has never materialised, and this is something Kennedy is determined to change.
"My main goal is to win the Varsity Shield and take the team to Varsity Cup. I keep telling the players that every trophy I have been involved in, I have won. I hope to continue that record.”
TUT begin their 2023 campaign with a trip to FNB Madibaz, an encounter that Kennedy says is important for his troops to get the feel and intensity of the tournament.
“I think it’s one of the teams that came from the top and they have a good coach, I am expecting it to be a tough challenge, but we are now focusing on ourselves.
"We ran against the Blue Bulls in our preparations, and they were impressed which is encouraging for us.”
2023 fixtures HERE.
