For the unbeaten Wits Blues the FNB Varsity Shield semi-final against Madibaz is just another game

Exactly a year ago, FNB Wits got relegated from the FNB Varsity Cup after a poor season in South Africa’s premier varsity rugby competition. It was a tough and painful period for the Johannesburg side, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Fast forward a year later, and the Wits Blues have earned automatic promotion to the Varsity Cup and have a semifinal berth against FNB Madibaz at home.

“Reaching the semifinal is a massive achievement, the boys are feeling good, calm and relaxed,” captain, Latica Nela said.

“We don’t want to make the occasion bigger than it is. For us, it’s just another rugby game. We are focused, we want that home final, but we need to produce a solid performance this week.”

Nela and his troops have undoubtedly been the best team in the competition. They’ve played an entertaining brand of rugby, entertained weekly, and scored a bucket-load of tries.

The skipper says the bond in the team is second to none, and that translates to their performances on the park.

“Besides the hard work the management and team have put in, the most important thing that has got us over the line is how close we are as a squad,” he revealed.

“It’s unique, I haven’t been part of a squad like this. The boys look out for each other on and off the field, and we have good relationships.

“That helps a lot, and it’s personal – we all have a common goal. We have become like a family in many ways, and we rely on each other so much.”

The Wits Blues are unbeaten at home and will rely on their passionate supporters to come out in numbers on Friday.

They’ll come up against a resilient Madibaz side looking to make history and upset the tournament favourites. Nela says they know what to expect.

“Madibaz are a good side, but they are coming up to altitude, and we are going to use that to our advantage.

“We want to make them chase and see if they can keep up with us. We will be ruthless, we want to dominate set pieces, kicking play and every facet of the game.”

Kick off at the Wits Rugby Stadium is at 17:00.

By: Avuyile Sawula