After falling at the last hurdle in the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup final, losing to FNB NWU by just two points, FNB UCT coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says his team is power-hungry this year.
The Ikeys’ 2024 campaign kicks off on 19 February with an away game against FNB UFS Shimlas in Bloemfontein.
Dawson-Squibb says the Ikeys players have been going hard at it in their training sessions.
“So far preparations have been going pretty well. Obviously you lose a couple of guys, but we've still got a really nice core of our squad from last year and you can see the guys are looking cohesive and connected. There is still work to be done, but I would say we're looking pretty good at the moment."
Speaking to Varsity Cup from their training camp at Hermanus, Dawson-Squibb says they are putting the emphasis on training as best they can.
"I think if we train well, we put ourselves in a good position to do well. Off the field, we had a nice campaign launch where we climbed Lion's Head, did a tour of the Bo Kaap and we had a fantastic talk at the DHL Stadium.”
Dawson-Squibb says his charges know what to expect against a tough Shimlas side in a little under three weeks.
"Against Shimlas you know what's going to come. If it's dry, it will be very fast, attacking and high-tempo rugby. They, you know, they sort of turn themselves into the great entertainers of the competition, which is cool.
"It's a nice place [Bloemfontein], we enjoy playing there. Last year we went there in the semi-final and we played a really good game of rugby, so I think what we'll try and do is bring real intent and intensity to the Shimlas game."
SQUAD LIST (subject to change)
Adam De Waal, Alexander Castle, Alexander Vermeulen, Asad Moos, Asive Qhawe Soji, Bruce Campbell, Bryan Le Roux, Cameron Whitson, Christopher Pittawey, Compion von Ludwig, Duran Koevort, Enos Ndiao, Ethan Cole Wasserfall, Golden Ziyanda Msipha, Hlumelo Ndudula, Isaiha Louw, Jared Connor Hansen, Johan Lombard, Johan van Rhyn, John Kelly Okonkwo, Jonathan Roche, Joshua Boulle, Joshua Miller, Jovan Bekker, Keagan Blanckenberg, Keenan Mills, Kian Daniel Davis, Laro Delport, Lezane Davis, Luca Luciano De Leo, Luke Burger, Luthando Woji, Matthew Anthony Beckett, Matthew Macleod Smith, Mhleli Khethuxolo Khuzwayo, Mika Schubert, Ntokozo Makhaza, Rafiek Petersen, Rethabile Louw, Reynhardt Crous, Riaan Genis, Rihaz Fredericks, Rupert Holmes, Seth August Christian, Sinengomso Brawen, Siphumezo Dyonase, Taariq Kruger, Thabiso Molekwa, Thomas Francois de Lange, Thomas Nel, Tian Vorster, Wandile Mlaba, Xola Nyali, Justin Damonze.
by Ayanda Frances Felem
