Ikey Tigers ready to bounce back at home and kickstart title defense

The start to the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup campaign didn’t go according to plan for defending champions, FNB UCT Ikeys. Robbie Fleck’s side lost out on the road to FNB UP-Tuks who claimed an impressive 16-point win.

Despite the disappointing start, the Ikeys remain optimistic, heading into Round two where they’ll run out on the Green Mile for the first time this season as FNB CUT visit the Cape.

FNB UCT captain, Enos Ndiao, says the team are excited to kickstart their title defense in front of their supporters.

“This fixture’s an exciting for us because it’s our first home fixture and another chance - to get better, play better, grow as a team and get our first win. We are obviously feeling disappointed about the loss and not just the loss but the performance,” said Ndiao.

FNB UCT’s coaching staff have pinpointed the team’s shortcomings, putting the team through their pace on the training ground ahead of CUT’s visit. The 24-year-old flanker explained, “there was a lot of good in that game and we’ve identified the things that we need to work on so that we can get the desired outcome and results.”

The Ikey Tigers were left frustrated after coming up short against FNB UP-Tuks with the UCT captain admitting that his side failed to take their opportunities.

“We had a couple of entries into their 22 and there was just a bit of frustration - that we couldn’t get it across the line when we had chances to capitalize,” he said.

The defending champions had a shaky start, but their leader admitted that excitement in rife in the camp ahead of their first home game.

“The mood in the camp has still been competitive and still been this excitement and hunger for more”.

The FNB UCT flanker believes this home fixture will serve as a mental boost.

“The Green Mile has been a bit of a fortress, I think the last time we lost there was in 2024. We know it’s a tough place to come and play. As much as there is excitement, there’s a bit of expectation to go out a perform really well”.

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By: Kieryn Thompson