In-form Maroon Machine eye semi's ahead of big clash against Eagles

 FNB Maties will be hoping their recent Cape derby win over FNB UCT Ikeys in Round Five will be the catalyst for qualification to the FNB Varsity Cup semi-finals.

The Maroon Machine avenged defeat in last season's final to Ikeys by comprehensively beating them in testing conditions at the Green Mile. That win moved Maties into third place on the log, putting them in the thick of the chase to the last four.

Stellies are set to play host to table-toppers, the FNB NWU Eagles in Round Six but will know that the Eagles will be full of confidence following their win over FNB Tuks. NWU blew the competition wide open with that victory and will be looking for another win over a title contender.

Maties are intent on trying to build some consistency, having shown some patchy form during the campaign. They’ll be looking to do something they’ve failed to do all season long, winning three fixtures in a row – luckily they’ll be able to have the backing of the home support at the Danie Craven.

Stellenbosch winger, Ryan Manuel, says his side have been boosted by the win in Cape Town, “It was a game we needed to win and to come away with that sort of result really gave us a lot of confidence in what we are doing as a group”.

The 22-year-old added that their derby victory was vital to their semi-final ambitions, “that win was massive for us when it comes to a semi-final spot and our place on the log. But we’ve got another big game on Monday against Pukke which is important for us to make the semis”.

Manuel admitted that the team are motivated to give their supporters a solid showing at the Danie Craven but knows that the Eagles will take some stopping. “It’s always a tough match going up against the Eagles, home or away. They are currently top of the log so we know they will come with a lot of confidence. We prepared really well and are looking forward to an intense game.”

By: Kieryn Thompson