The 2023 FNB Varsity Cup competition got underway yesterday with a few close encounters between some of the top university teams in the country. Here are a few selected standout players from round 1.
Jurie Matthee (FNB Maties)
It was JurieMatthee who relieved the faithful Matie supporters from certain heartache as he slotted the vital match-winning penalty in the last seconds of the tight tussle with FNB UCT Ikeys in Stellenbosch. The flyhalf also scored a try and kicked two conversions and his form in the weeks ahead will be crucial.
Asanda Kunene (FNB UFS Shimlas)
It took Shimlas’ Asanda Kunene just five minutes to make his mark in the match against defending champions FNB UP-Tuks when he went over for the first of his two tries. The winger also played a defensive role in limiting the opposition’s abilities on the attack.
Jonathan Viljoen (FNB UJ)
The accurate boot and nimble feet of flyhalf Jonathan Viljoen played a huge part in UJ being in front going into the halftime break against FNB NWU Eagles. This was thanks to his two tries, three penalties and conversion that kept his team in the game to avoid a huge gap between the two teams.
Mark Snyman (FNB Wits)
Mark Snyman scored twice for Wits during the try-fest against FNB CUT. The flanker was simply outstanding, solid in defence, carried the ball well and was strong in the contact.
Through his unbelievable work rate, he kept the revs up for the full 80 minutes. Snyman thoroughly deserved the accolade as the FNB Player That Rocks.
