Former Blitzbok to captain FNB Wits as they look to bounce back from relegation

FNB Wits will be eager to turn their fortunes around in 2026 after a tough FNB Varsity Cup 2025 season saw the University Of Witwaterstrand unceremoniously relegated to FNB Varsity Shield competition. The Wits Blues will kick off their campaign against FNB WSU in East London on Friday, 13 February and will be looking to make a statement.

The side will be captained by former Blitzbok player, Latica Nela, who has been impressed with how his troops have conducted themselves during pre-season.

“The preparations have been extremely tough, but it’s allowed the guys to form new beliefs and bonds,” he said.

“As a team, we feel confident, and the new players have brought so much-needed energy that has revived the team. We believe we can do well.”

Wits has managed to retain some key players from last season but will welcome youngsters such as Appiah “Archie” Ndzengu and Timmy Oluwole - two players to watch. The side is known for playing an exciting brand of rugby and giving the ball some air while bashing it upfront with their strong forwards.

Nela said their supporter can expect more of the same.

“I won’t reveal much, but there are areas we’ve worked on that we think we can be a threat in, and cause teams’ trouble.

“I think our supporters will love many parts of our game, and their support for us will be massive. I urge them to come out in numbers.”

Nela attended Hilton College and represented the Sharks at age group level before joining the SA Sevens Academy.

He had a stint in the Sevens game but moved over to 15s and is currently contracted to the Lions while studying at Wits. This will be his first Varsity campaign with the side, and it’s an opportunity he’s relishing.

“There are different aspects to rugby, and I think Varsity rugby is so exciting,” he added.

“It brings out more of the type of rugby I want to play. I can’t wait to see what I can contribute to the team, and how far we can go.”

Wits provisional squad (subject to change)

Ronan Dutton, Ricardo Brandao, Miguel Smith, Meyer Opperman, Connor White, Sam Bruwer, Dylan Piek, Ruan Welman, Bonga Nxumalo, Hayden Munnery, Johannes Marthinus Oosthuizen, Nokuthenda Mapungwana, Lilitha Ganu, Joshua Ferreira, Camden-Jay Schoeman, Liam Santos, Christopher Kachungunu, Jamaal Feldman, Adem Niewenhoudt, Joshua Van Vreden, Marko Kok, Gideon Diedericks, Appiah Ndzengu, Drew Bennet, Giacchino ''Rekkie'' Gerber, Matthew Coetzee, Dustyn Holmes, Lindani Dweba, Kevon Chirwa, Timi Oluwole, Tirhani Masondo, Keith Chirwa, McMillan Mongwana, Kamohelo Mangaliso Ncunca, Raymond Gordon, Latica Nela.

By: Avuyile Sawula