FNB UJ survive relegation axe after comeback win over FNB Madibaz

Josh du Toit’s late try rescued the Orange Army from relegation as they had to come from behind to seal a 24-21 victory over FNB Madibaz in the promotion relegation play-off match between the 7th placed FNB Varsity Cup team and the 2nd placed FNB Varssity Shield team.

UJ and Madibaz battled it out for a spot in the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup campaign. The Johannesburg side came in as favourites however the Gqeberha outfit remained up to task.

It was UJ who showed early signs of hunger and determination and were awarded with a try early in the opening half. Good territorial kicking from Alzeadon Felix puts UJ forward pack in good position to pressure Madibaz. Damian Baker powers over the try-line.

The Johannesburg side kept piling pressure on Madibaz and quickly doubled their lead through Kamo Molefe. Deadly attacking play from Alzeadon Felix and Adriano Jackson perfectly sets up Kamo Molefe who flew over the try-line for UJ’s second.

Madibaz proved to be ready for the battle quickly as they responded with back to back tries from Jaden Witbooi and Lwando Davane.

First Witbooi dotted down from a quick counter attack with a point of origin try before Kyle Erasmus sets up Lwando Davane who easily placed it in the middle. David Manuel’s troops took a slender 2-point lead at the break.

The halftime team talks proved to be stringent from both sides as the tight affair continued. UJ returned gun blazing with a strong maul as they were awarded a penalty try 10 minutes into the second stanza.

It was the battle of forwards with Madibaz coming out top to regain their leads five minutes later. Leon van der Merwe powered over in between the sticks.

With relegation looming and no time left on the clock UJ had to fight back from behind and capitalized on Madbiaz’ unforced errors. Just five minutes remaining UJ pulled a well-executed maul Josh Du Toit dotted it down the seal the victory.

Scorers:

FNB UJ – 24 (12)

Tries: Damian Baker, Kamo Molefe, Josh du Toit. Conversions: Lyron Milborrow (2)

FNB Madibaz – 21 (14)

Tries: Jaden Witbooi, Lwando Davane, Leon van der Merwe. Conversions: Alzeadon Felix.

TEAMS

FNB UJ:

Damian Baker, Ryan Marimo, Ali Gqaza, Jaden Baillie, Josh Du Toit, Siyemukela Ndlovu (captain), Kamo Molefe, Dylan Viljoen, Liam Rowan, Alzeadon Felix, Ughan Africa, Reuven Ferreira, Adriano Jackson, Sifiso Dlamini, Oela Blaauw.

FNB Madibaz:

Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, AJ Flemming, Calvin Bosch, Martinus Strydom, Sean Van Zijl, Dewald Gerber, Leon van der Merwe (captain), Cameron Doyle, Layron Milborrow, Bukho Pantsi, Lwando Davane, Edward Kruger, Jaden Witbooi, Raashied Conrad.

By Lehlonolo Ditshego