Despite watching the first match of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup from the sidelines, regular FNB UFS Shimlas captain, Thabang Mahlasi, says he was inspired by his team’s performance in earning a hard-fought 26-25 win over FNB UP-Tuks in Pretoria during round 1.
Mahlasi who led the Shimlas with distinction during the 2022 Varsity Cup season, has been off for a lengthy period after sustaining an Achillesheel injury.
The Cheetahs contracted player says that if all goes well, he will be back in training with the Shimlas soon, with Monday night’s victory increasing his desire to start playing again.
“An Achilles injury is not the easiest thing to come back from, but I've been working hard on my rehabilitation and I think that I’m in a really good position now,” says the mobile second-rower.
“I'm looking at two to four weeks before I can start playing again, but hopefully I will be able to join the team training sessions in the next fortnight.
“After such a performance against Tuks, I'm itching to get back on the field with the boys. I must say they did me proudly and everyone was desperate to perform.
“It was an important win for us and it was a huge confidence booster, especially at the start of the tournament. That is something that we needed, it is not every day that you beat Tukkies at home.
“That has just set the tone for us for the rest of the season.”
By Morgan Piek
