It has been a rollercoaster ride of note in the FNB Varsity Shield for FNB TUT for the last couple of years. From third on the log in 2021 to last in 2022, the Vikings are eager to get compete for top honours once again.
There are six debutants in their squad this year, sure to learn a lot from experienced outside centre Malcolm Langa. The 2023 competition has so far yielded one win and one loss for TUT, and Langa reckons it’s a good start.
“There are some things that we need to fix and I believe we can do better, we have a good team this season.”
With Varsity Shield being one of the best platforms for young talent to showcase their capabilities, Malcolm says he moved to TUT in 2021 in a quest to further his studies and play the game he loves.
“I started playing rugby in primary school when a friend of mine invited me for rugby practice. Playing for a team like the Vikings is an honour for me, it feels like home here. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after matric (Hoërskool Waterkloof) and I was approached to come and play for TUT. It is like a dream come true now for me to be able to play rugby and study here.”
Boosted by the new coach, Kennedy Tsimba, the Vikings will be looking to turn around their fortunes following a disappointing campaign in 2022, says Langa.
“Everything is different this year, there is a lot of pressure especially if you are new in the Varsity Shield tournament. This is my third season in Varsity Shield but I still feel the pressure.”
by LehlogonoloDitshego
