Maties skipper excited by semi-final ‘spectacle’ in Potch

FNB Maties travel to Potchefstroom for a semi-final date against FNB NWU Eagles as they look to make back-to-back FNB Varsity Cup finals. The men from Stellenbosch seem to be peaking at the perfect time, having won their last four on the bounce.

The Maroon Machine are aware of the tough task awaits them at the Fanie Du Toit Stadium where the Eagles are unbeaten this campaign. Maties captain Ezekiel Ngobeni, revealed his excitement at going toe-to-toe with the pride of Potch.

“Exciting to be going again against Pukke. Both teams have obviously gotten a taste of each other, so going to the Fanie will be a spectacle” said Ngobeni.

Maties prevailed by four-points when the sides squared off in Round Six but they had the luxury of playing in their own backyard. Ngobeni believes another closely contested encounter is on the cards but isn’t expecting a different approach from the Eagles, “They will definitely be more up for the challenge as the occasion will demand that but not much will change in the span of one week”.

The 21-year-old revealed, “the prep has been very sharp, every individual has really been focused on their roles and ensuring we do it well”. Maties will not be short on confidence after scoring wins in each of their last assignments away from home.

“The confidence and belief within the squad is definitely building as we go week by week so we’re truly reaching close to the potential within the squad. The hard work has been done, this time of the competition is all about really enjoying the moment” said the Maties scrumhalf.

Stellies are no strangers to the last four of the competition where nervous energy plays a big role in the result.  Relying on that experience could help them get the job done in Potch according to Ngobeni, “Excitement and nerves are part of the game but within those components – the main focus remains to play a brand of quality rugby”.

With each passing week, Stellies have grown in stature, and they’ll be looking to reach a second successive final. “The beauty of this competition is that you learn as the weeks go by, so based on the learnings, the squad will look to adapt to the conditions and really contribute to making the day a true success”.

By: Kieryn Thompson