UKZN Impi survive promotion relegation playoff to remain in FNB Varsity Shield

FNB UKZN retained their spot in the FNB Varsity Shield competition as they decisively beat challengers FNB DUT, 68–14, scoring 10 tries in the KZN Derby for promotion in Durban.

The Impi didn’t take too long to get the scoreboard rolling as they picked up two quick early tries were in less than 5 minutes into the game. Wela-Aphumelele Takata being the first man to go over the white wash, while Jovawn Visagie scored the second try following a beautifully worked run, slicing through the DUT defense. UKZN fly-half, Siso France converted both early tries.

DUT managed to get some life on the scoresheet as Andiswa Seme stole a quick run to dot down on the far right. Sxolile May successfully converting the try.

FNB UKZN added two more tries before the half ended curtesy of Olwakhe Mlambo and Jovawn Visagie tries which were successfully converted by France. In between these two tries, FNB DUT scored the second and final try of the after when Luvuyo Chizama sprinted powerfully from almost 40m out to the try line. May was once again successful with the kick.

Halftime came with the score looking hopeful for FNB DUT as they trailed by a thin margin of 28–14.

The second half saw FNB UKZN smash in 6 more tries, as Jovawn Visagie bagged two more tries in the match. FNB DUT looked helpless as they could not hold back the Impi attack as the final whistle blew giving FNB UKZN the 68–14 victory and ensuring their safety from relegation and retaining their spot in the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield competition.

FNB UKZN: 68 (28)

Tries: Wela-Aphumelele Takata, Jovawn Visagie (4), Olwakhe Mlambo, Zac Smith, Jordan Ramsay, Luthando Mhlongo, Tinotenda Mazindhu.

Conversions: Siso France (7), Juan-Lee Carolus (1), Tinotenda Mazindhu.

FNB DUT: 14 (14)

Tries: Andiswa Seme, Luvuyo Chizama.

Conversion: Sxolile May (2)

FNB UKZN: Ntokozo Ngema, Jordan Ramsay, Ulrich Walker, Michael Ize-Iyamu, Mthomboyolo Buzani ©, Wela-Aphumelele Takata, Aphelele Dlamini, Mzwandile Khawula, Zak Smith, Siso France, Madikane Hlumelo, Russel Fick, Jovawn Visagie Olwakhe Mlambo, Minenhle Ngcamu

Replacements: Sikhona Ndulini, Siyanda Dlamini, Owethu Mntwelizwe, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, Tinotenda Mazindhu, Milowo Matebese, Juan-Lee Carulos, Amahle Dlamini, Mzwandile Khawula, Luthando Mhlongo.

FNB DUT: Siphamandla Jiyana, Siphamandla Ngubane, Lwando Mabandla, Mongezi Langa, Andiswa Seme, Mzomuhle Ntuli, Siyabonga Madonsela, Kwanda Makhoba, Simphiwe Khumalo, Sxolile May, Kamo Gcaba, Masiphile Zikhali, Luvuyo Chizama, Yayha Menacere, Inganathi Dyeshana.

Replacements: Murunwa Mphaphuli, Joel Gyeke-Darko, Thabani Khumalo, Zekhethelo Mahlobo, Luntu Mbhele, Simphiwe Ngcobo, Luyanda Ngubane.