New FNB Madibaz captain says job is rooted in service not status

New FNB Madibaz captain Eddie Kruger leads his side into the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield campaign with a clear ambition - to guide the team toward promotion and secure a place in the prestigious FNB Varsity Cup competition.

They missed promotion by the narrowest of margins last year when FNB UJ, who finished seventh on the Cup log, sealed their fate with a pick-up try a mere six minutes from time.

The team from Mandela University earnt their shot at qualifying and the Shield playoffs after an impressive campaign that saw them finish second in the final standings.

They went one step further by winning their semifinal before becoming undone in the final.

The 22-year-old midfielder who succeeds Leon van der Merwe and believes the example set by the latter will stand him in good stead as he enters his fifth and final season with the Gqeberha team.

“My game has developed a lot over the years,” he reflected on a journey that started in 2022 with the Young Guns.

After showing early promise, he was drafted into the first XV for the team’s FNB Varsity Cup encounter against FNB UFS Shimlas that same year.

“I feel far more comfortable now in understanding how a system should be played and my role within it,” he said.

His skills have no doubt improved since that debut but, more importantly, he has learnt how to serve his team on and off the field by weaving a thread of common sense into his leadership style.

The Madibaz have gone all in during the pre-season, even sacrificing time with family and friends.

“It’s been tough but also really enjoyable. We’ve got some young, exciting players coming through and there’s definitely a bright future for Madibaz rugby.”

Eddie - a nickname he prefers over Edward was born and bred in the Friendly City and learnt much about himself and the sport he loves while at Pearson High.

These days the honours student in development studies, who stands 1.85m tall in his togs and weighs in at 83kg, admits he is getting better at balancing the demands of academics and elite sport as he matures.

Kruger says being entrusted with the captaincy is humbling and deeply meaningful and that the job is rooted in service rather than status.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to lead this team. My philosophy is simple - a leader plays for those around him,” he said.

“It’s about being willing to fight for and with your teammates.

“Playing with Leon and being led by him was truly a blessing. His will to fight to the very end was inspirational and beyond rugby.”

Log and upcoming fixtures HERE.

By: Jesica Slabbert