From champions in 2022 to bottom of the log after four rounds in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. This has been the story of FNB UFH in this year’s competition.
Captain Kamvelihle Fatyela describes the atmosphere in the team as “intense”, emphasizing the significance of every upcoming match.
"Every game is a must-win game," he says. "Our goal is clear – to see ourselves playing in the playoffs," Fatyela added, underlining the team's determination to take each game as it comes.
Fatyela has expressed a personal desire to lift the Varsity Shield trophy once more before concluding his tenure in the competition.
"It's my last year playing in the competition, I would appreciate lifting the trophy for the UFH family once again," he remarks, highlighting the sentimental significance of the journey ahead.
Fatyela credits UFH's resilience and unity in overcoming early challenges.
"(It is about) not giving up and sticking together as a unit through hard times."
He also acknowledges the team's adaptability and perseverance as well as the learning curve for first-time players in the competitive Varsity Shield environment.
Addressing the importance of the upcoming fixture against FNB WSU, Fatyela emphasized its significance beyond the log standings.
"Pretty much, if we want to achieve our goal, we have to win all the remaining games.”
Fatyela further underscored the emotional depth of the derby encounter against their Eastern Cape neighbours.
"It truly shows how important and memorable that game will be and what it means to us as players and the coaches too.”
The match between UFH and WSU is set to kick off at 15:00 on Friday 22 March.
by Thembela Tangana
