Reflecting on last season’s approach, the FNB WSU head coach Thembani Mkokeli made it clear that short-term gains were never the priority, underlining a long-term vision that now begins to take shape as WSU head into the 2026 Varsity Shield campaign with greater clarity, purpose, and ambition. Mkokeli says the bigger-picture approach has laid a stronger foundation, one built on development, cohesion, and a squad now ready to turn long-term vision into tangible results in 2026. “Last year season we could have easily chase win percentage, but we decided not to becoz there was a bigger picture,” said WSU head coach Thembani Mkokeli.   “We were building squad depth, i mean in certain positions we had to find or expose some players to find out if they are good enough to play in this tournament.” With their focus firmly on the bigger picture this season, WSU are determined to take it game by game while steadily building towards a playoff push. “The teams’ expectations this season is to be on the playoffs of the competition,” he said. “Our strategy is to take it game by game and week by week cover all the areas that we need to cover in order for us to reach our standards. Preparations and training have been good there is a good energy and good team spirit to the team and there is a good connection.” Lukhangele Tshayi will captain the side this season. Highly respected by his teammates and equally respectful in return - he brings strong leadership qualities, composure, and a steady presence that makes him a natural choice to lead the team forward. “Our squad at the moment have eight players that represented Border U/21 who the champions in 2025. At this point we some players that earned a provincial contracts for this season with Border Bulldogs,” concluded Mkokeli. Walter Sisulu University will kick-off their campaign on Friday, 13 February at 7pm against recently relegated FNB Wits. Fixtures and tickets HERE .   FNB WSU PROVISIONAL SQUAD Ahlule Zokoza, Amyoli Beja, Aryikwei Mvano Robert Quao, Asenam Mniki, Asisipho Jim, Axola Mtalana, Azasakhe Puwani, Bukho Hani, Bulelani Amyoli Nondlwana, Emihle Mbacwana, Inathinkosi Mhlakaza, Isiphe Mbini, Khanyiso Mncono, Khonaye Mbakaza, Liyabona Kasibe, Liyema Ndlazi, Lisakhanya Yawa, Lizole Hebe, Lukhangele Tshayi, Luvo Zindela, Luzuko Fumba, Lwandile Majozi, Mangaliso Zixesha, Mihlali Nohoyeka, Ntandazo Mboniswa, Owen Posholi, Papama Mda, Paseka Mokoena, Qhayiya Makalima, Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, Sinentlahla Kesa, Sinethemba Buhlungu, Siyamtemba Ncapayi, Sipho Hobosch, Sosulwe Mqonci, Thembela Folo, Yoyisa Mahobe.

The FNB Varsity Cup has once again pushed the boundaries of rugby innovation with the introduction of the exciting new Tap or Kick rule for the 2026 season. Long regarded as the tournament that leads the way in shaping the modern game, the FNB Varsity Cup continues to experiment with laws designed to promote attacking rugby and produce pressure moments that create unforgettable fan experiences. Tap or Kick delivers exactly that. What is Tap or Kick? After scoring a try, the attacking team now has a choice: Kick for the traditional two-point conversion, taking their total to seven points, or Tap and launch an immediate attacking play from the 22-metre line for the chance to score an additional try worth five points. If the Tap option is successful a team can walk away with a full 10 points from a single scoring sequence. It’s rugby’s version of a power play. High risk, big reward. How it Works: Once a try is scored, the team has 20 seconds to decide between Tap or Kick. If they choose Tap: Play restarts from the 22-metre line in line with where the try was scored. The defending team must retreat 10 metres. The attacking side has 120 seconds to score. No scrums, lineouts or drop goals are allowed during this period. If the attacking team loses possession or infringes, the opportunity ends immediately. If the defending team wins the ball and scores during that two-minute window, they earn five points themselves, adding another layer of drama. Each team may use the Tap option twice per half — use it wisely or lose it. The rule also introduces additional scoring variations: A successful Tap following a Point Of Origin (POR) try results in a potential 12-point haul. If a penalty try is awarded and the team chooses to Tap, the automatic conversion does not apply. The try is worth five points, with the opportunity to add five more via Tap.   By introducing Tap or Kick, the FNB Varsity Cup reinforces its reputation as the most forward-thinking university rugby competition in the country. It is not just about identifying tomorrow’s stars, it’s about shaping how the game is played tomorrow.

With Sabelo Kolanisi at the helm, the Blues charge into the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield season driven by renewed belief, clear purpose, and an unshakable hunger to make their mark. The former Walter Sisulu and Border Under-21 assistant coach brings fresh direction while building on an already solid foundation. According to Kolanisi, preparations have been intense, focused, and a clear reflection of the squad’s determination to raise their standard this season. “Preparations have been going smoothly. Most of last year’s players are still here, and they’ve combined very well with the new players,” said Kolanisi. “The team spirit is there - the players are eager to learn under the new coaching staff.” Continuity could prove vital for the Blues, with 80 percent of last season’s squad retained. The combination of experienced campaigners and exciting new talent has strengthened team chemistry. Adding further value is the presence of the former Fort Hare coach who led the team to Varsity Shield glory in 2022 now as a consultant. Our expectation is to reach the semi-final stage this year,” he said. “We have four home games, and we want to collect maximum points there. If we can win at least three games, the rest becomes possible.” “We’re taking every game as a final. Even when we play away, we must come back with points.” An attack specialist, Kolanisi has introduced adaptable tactical plans, including strategies suited for rainy and windy conditions. “We’ve prepared different approaches so that we can adjust and still control the game,” he explained. Players to watch for the Blues include exciting new signings Liyema Ngoyi on the left wing and versatile back Unathi Mayekiso, both expected to make an immediate impact. Providing leadership and experience at the core are captain Liso Jali and powerful lock Liyema Hlithani, who will play key roles throughout the season.   FNB UFH Provisional Squad Salusiwe Gxekwa, Liyabona Matyana, Bulumko Mfundisi, Khanyisa Joni, Michael Ben Mangava, Nonelela Mvuleni, Lunathi Mali, Abongile Yeye, Mivuyo Tywayi, Inga Vellem, Jali Lisolethu, Ndinani Tom, Lakheni Majali, Amile Mkatshwa, Ukho Nomsatha, Lutho Mene, Mihle Mandela, Siyolise Mockson, Mawande Sotewu, Bunono Jamani, Siyamtahnda Sakhela, Liyema Hlitane, Kamva Jengqa, Mila Mkuzangwe, Buzwe Siguqu, Iviwe Kahla, Liyema Ngoyi, Wannies Ru-Che, Liyema Tonjeni, Boitumelo Selonyane, Mihlali-Jama Ndarane, Takudzwa Rushizha, Majila Alizwa, Mbasa Babele, Unathi Mayekiso, Oyisa Odidi, Iminathi Macholi, Banele Ncoyo.   By: Thembela Tangana

VARSITY SHIELD Fixtures & Logs FIXTURES FIXTURES RESULTS RESULTS LOGS LOGS LATEST NEWS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL VARSITY CUP YOUNG GUNS VARSITY CUP WOMEN - Loading - - - - - - - - Pos Team PL W D L TS PD BP PTS FNB Varsity Shield 2026 Sort by Teams Rounds Season 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - - MATCH CENTRE Watch on Loading ROUND 1 Seasons Teams Rounds Season 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Loading 00:00 Loading Live Loading - - Loading BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Loading ROUND 1 Varsity Cup Varsity Shield Young Guns Varsity Cup Women Tickets Teams Fan Zone News Videos Photo Gallery About © 2023 Varsity Cup. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions | VC Way | LATEST VIDEOS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL FNB Varsity Shield final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Varsity College vs FNB Madibaz - 11 April 11 Apr 2025 Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Varsity College vs FNB CPUT - 4 April 07 Apr 2025 Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Madibaz vs FNB UWC - 4 April 07 Apr 2025

Varsity Cup Varsity Shield Young Guns Varsity Cup Women Tickets Teams Fan Zone News Videos Photo Gallery About © 2023 Varsity Cup. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions | VC Way | VARSITY CUP Fixtures & Logs FIXTURES FIXTURES RESULTS RESULTS LOGS LOGS Seasons Teams Rounds Season 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Loading 00:00 Loading Live Loading - - Loading BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Loading ROUND 1 LATEST VIDEOS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL FNB Varsity Cup final: FNB Maties vs FNB UCT - 14 April 2025 15 Apr 2025 Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Maties vs FNB UFS - 7 April 08 Apr 2025 Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Tuks vs FNB UCT - 7 April 08 Apr 2025 LATEST NEWS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL VARSITY SHIELD YOUNG GUNS VARSITY CUP WOMEN - Loading - - - - - - - - Pos Team PL W D L TS PD BP PTS FNB Varsity Cup 2026 Sort by Teams Rounds Season 0:00 Loading Loading Loading - - MATCH CENTRE Watch on Loading ROUND 1

FIXTURE TYPES 15:00 Wed, 10 Jun FNB WITS 9 0 FNB WITS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 15:00 Wed, 10 Jun Live FNB WITS 9 0 FNB WITS BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg 15:00 Wed, 10 Jun FNB WITS FNB WITS 17:00 BUY TICKETS Watch on Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg YOUNG GUNS Fixtures & Logs FIXTURES FIXTURES RESULTS RESULTS LOGS LOGS LATEST NEWS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL VARSITY CUP VARSITY SHIELD VARSITY CUP WOMEN FNB Young Guns 2026 - Loading - - - - - - - - Pos Group A Teams PL W D L TS PD BP PTS - Loading - - - - - - - - Pos Group B Teams PL W D L TS PD BP PTS Sort by Teams Rounds Season 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - - MATCH CENTRE Watch on Loading ROUND 1 Seasons Teams Rounds Season 00:00 Loading Loading Loading - BUY TICKETS Watch on Loading 00:00 Loading Live Loading - - Loading BUY TICKETS MATCH CENTRE Watch on Loading ROUND 1 Varsity Cup Varsity Shield Young Guns Varsity Cup Women Tickets Teams Fan Zone News Videos Photo Gallery About © 2023 Varsity Cup. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions | VC Way | LATEST VIDEOS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL FNB Varsity Cup captains introduce the #ShowUs campaign 2023 03 Feb 2023 Don't miss the 2022 FNB Varsity Cup final! 28 Oct 2022