All roads lead to Pretoria on Friday 26 April as FNB UP-Tuks will host FNB Varsity College in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield final. The Stripe Generation showed no mercy in beating FNB WSU while debutants Varsity Shield scored an impressive come-from-behind victory over FNB Madibaz. FNB UP-TUKS 80 – 14 FNB WSU FNB UP-Tuks thrashed FNB WSU 80-14 in their semi-final encounter in Pretoria to remain the only unbeaten side in this year’s Varsity Shield. The Stripe Generation opened the scoring through a try by Henry Till and it didn’t take long for Johannes Mare to score the first of his two five-pointers. The onslaught continued in the one-sided affair as Tuks stretched their lead through fancy pieces of counterattacks. First, it was scrumhalf Chad-Lee Valentine who dummied over the line before Kobus Janse van Rensburg produced a cheeky piece of individual play beating two defenders. Kyle Cyster added his name to the scoresheet on the stroke of halftime. Walter Visser made no mistake from the tee converting all conversions as Tuks took a dominant 35-0 lead at the interval. The home team returned from the break and were awarded a penalty try followed by a try through Juandre Jooste. WSU then lit up somewhat, breaking through the Tuks defence. The result was back-to-back converted tries from Sandisiwe Mkwayimba and Sinethemba Zwelonke. Tuks however weren’t done yet and went on to score six more tries before the final whistle. Janse van Rensburg and Marais completed their brace while skipper Ethan Burger joined the party. Bayanda Ngubane spent most of the match deep in defence and finally broke away in a give-and-go with Cayno February. Substitute Jacobus Louw powered over the try-line to close out the match in emphatic fashion. SCORERS FNB UP-Tuks 80 (35) – Tries: Henry Till, Johannes Mare (2), Kobus Janse van Rensburg (2), Chad-Lee Valentine, Kyle Cyster, Penalty Try, Juandre Jooste, Ethan Burger, Bayande Ngubane, Jacobus Louw. Conversions: Walter Visser (7), Jean-Pierre Wentzel (2). FNB WSU 14 (0) – Tries: Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, Sinethemba Zwelonke. Conversions: Maxwell Klaasen (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Kyle Cyster  (FNB UP-Tuks) TEAMS FNB UP-Tuks: Ethan Lance Burger, Henry Edwin Till, Dian Stephan Coetzee, Johannes Wilhelmus Mare, Cayno Douglas February, Kamohelo Tlome, Haydn Scott Kemp, Juandré Francois Jooste, Chad-Lee Valentine, Walter Visser, Nqubeko Sbongakonke Mkwanazi, Kobus Janse Van Rensburg, Zander Reynders, Bayanda Sinele Ngubane, Tharquinn Thane Manuel. FNB WSU: Ayabonga Spelt, Mangaliso Zixesha, Sinethemba Zwelonke, Kamva Tetani, Hlomla Mihlali Payi, Khanya Solani, Pernell Mandes, Esethu Zenani, Esenam Mniki, Maxwell Klaasen, Simthembile Zozi, Hlumelo Zitha, Awonke Sondishe, Bulelani Nondlwana, Beon Frendel Hartnick. FNB VARSITY COLLEGE 24 – 20 FNB MADIBAZ If ever there was a game of two halves, the semi-final clash between FNB Madibaz and FNB Varsity College in Gqeberha was it. The debutants from Durban managed to turn around a 14-point deficit at half-time in a 24-20 victory over the more fancied Eastern Cape opponents. With a 17-3 lead at the break, few would have bet against Madibaz marching towards the Varsity Shield final. Varsity College had other ideas though. Despite losing their talisman flyhalf Frederick Marx to a red card, they rallied back to score 21 points in the second stanza. There were also huge performances from their back three and the introduction of man-mountain Sonwabo Maseko proved a game-changer in their qualification for the final in their first year in the competition. It was heartbreak for the men from Gqeberha, but they still have the chance to play in the FNB Varsity Cup rugby next year. That all depends on the outcome of their promotion-relegation clash against FNB CUT on 2 May. SCORERS FNB Varsity College 24 (3) – Tries: Sonwaso Maseko, Nkazimulo Mzolo, Nathi Ntuli. Conversions: Tshegofatso Ramaloko (2), Luke Horak. Penalties: Frederick Marx. FNB Madibaz 20 (17) – Tries: Kyle Erasmus, Qurin Cupido. Conversions: Kehan Myburgh (2). Penalties: Kehan Myburgh (2). FNB Player That Rocks: Tshegofatso Ramaloko (FNB Varsity College) TEAMS FNB Varsity College: Daniel Van Huizen, Jacques Marais, Siyabonga Dube, Robert Everson, Werner Coetzee, Juan Steyl, Enzo Van Niekerk, Mandisi Nkutha, Abande Mthembu, Frederick Marx, Nkazimulo Mzolo, Macmillian Mudara, Mbasa Nkonki, Sivuyisiwe Mpendu, Tshegofatso Ramaloko. FNB Madibaz: Endinako Kuse, Kyle Erasmus, Andries Johannes Flemming, Dewald Gerber, Christopher Cikuru Kachungunu, Mzwakhe Kevin Hlupheko, Alwaba Liyema Elam Bobelo, Leon van der Merwe, Mpumelelo Solani Mavuso, Rashied Conrad, Lwando Davane, Troy Delport, Enrique Franks, Qurin Cupido, Kehan Myburgh.

FNB Maties are looking look to cement their dominance in women’s rugby and defend their title when they take on FNB UFH in the final of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women in Pretoria tomorrow (14:00). Head coach Johann Zeier believes his side did well throughout the season even though they are a new group. “The season has been good to us so far, we’ve had our challenges along the way but have managed to keep the ball rolling. We’ve worked really hard to get where we are. “The squad is different this year but they have seriously stepped up to the plate. They have really impressed me with their ability so far. All the challenges we threw at them in pre-season were handled very well. It is a tough competition to be in but I fully back our preparation.” It is an away final for both teams. Zeier says it would have been good if they could have played at home. “We finished top of the log so would have liked a home final, but it is out of our control. The game being in Pretoria doesn’t take anything away from what we are aiming to do. Our preparations are looking on par, we had a great week and the team is looking forward to the final.” Maties skipper Liza Slabbert switched from playing hockey to rugby and is eager to win it for Maties this year, as well as for her sister, Nina, who could not be with the winning team last year due to injury. “I have always loved sport and the outdoors. I played hockey throughout high school so it just made sense for me to continue playing at university. I played for two years before joining Maties Rugby. “Our season has been mostly positive, except for a few injuries. We have put in a lot of time and effort to get to where we are. I am very proud of the ladies and how far each one of them has come. “We have worked very hard for this opportunity, so all I want is for everyone to give it their all and enjoy the moment and leave everything out on the field and don’t come off with any regrets.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

FNB UFH says they are ready to face defending champions FNB Maties in tomorrow’s final (Friday 26 April) of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women in Pretoria. Kick-off is at 14:00 at the Tuks Stadium. Captain Sivuyiseko Makhomazi shared her perspective on their journey, expectations and the significance of the women's tournament with Varsity Rugby. "The results have been pleasing, from the first win against (FNB) UJ. Our fitness levels helped us fight the whole 80 minutes. It wasn't one of the toughest games, but we made mistakes. We'll aim to be more clinical in the final.” UFH comprehensively beat FNB UWC in their next match before wiping the floor with FNB Tuks in the semi-final. Makhomazi acknowledges they will have to be on their game against Maties, especially where strategy and focus are concerned. "Their backline is fast, and we'll need more strength to counter. Discipline will be crucial, as it will win us the game. On the importance of the tournament in the growth of the sport among women, Makhomazi says: "It opens opportunities for us, like playing for the Springboks. The competition is growing, and being part of it is fun.” Coach Ntyatyambo Mkhafu echoes Makhomazi’s statements, saying their journey exemplifies the empowerment and growth that women's rugby brings, and they aim to make their mark on the field come Friday. “Our results have been fantastic, with notable improvements in scores. The final against Maties will be a fierce battle. We anticipate a close game with plenty of action. The women's tournament is a game-changer. It's about growth, both on and off the field." by Thembela Tangana

The stage is set as all roads lead to the Tuks Stadium in Pretoria on Friday afternoon (17:30) when high-flying FNB UP-Tuks take on FNB Varsity College in the final of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield final. Tuks have not lost a single this season displaying relentless performances mixed with exciting rugby. Solid upfront, the Stripe Generation forwards have been a huge hurdle for their opponents. In-form hooker Edwin Till praises his side for the outstanding rugby they have played. “I’m quite privileged to be able to score a few tries this season, I have to give credit to my team (as) without them it would not be possible. It’s definitely a goal to score a few more in the final, if any way I can help the team I will do so.” He does however in Varsity College they face a rather stubborn side. “A final is a different game, everything you achieved throughout that’s on hold for now, it all comes down to the final. We know it’s going to be a big clash, Varsity College did well to make a come-back (last time) with 14 men on the pitch … they will be a big challenge (but) we must focus and give our best. “We knew what they are going to bring to the table, they’re impressive. The previous time we played them, they mauled well, and I think we can do a better job in defending and stopping their mauls.” Till believe Tuks are ready to be back in the FNB Varsity Cup next year. “We are ready to go back. We were ready before the Shield season, we just had to go through this road. I think if we played Varsity Cup this season, we would’ve competed well, we are a good side. Next year we will be back with a bang, now the focus is on the final, the preparations are going well, and we will be playing in front of our fans.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

Before the start of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield, not many would have taken a gamble and predicted that FNB Varsity College will make it all the way to the final in their debut season. And yet this is precisely where the Comets find themselves after a superb season. Last week they travelled to Gqeberha and beat FNB Madibaz in a pulsating semi-final. Now they are ready to take on FNB UP-Tuks in Friday’s final in Pretoria. Kick-off is at 17:30. Forwards and assistant Robin Swanepoel says his team are facing a tough task in that the Pretoria giants are yet to lose a game this year and have had the advantage of working together longer as a team. “Tuks have been together for three years during which they won the FNB Varsity Cup with that same side. We’re a side that’s been put together for about seven months now. So that’s a huge factor.” Despite a hefty defeat (21-75) in their meeting earlier in the season, the Durban-based side managed to run in three tries, proving that the defensive lines of the Stripe Generation can be breached. Swanepoel didn’t hold back in praising the Tuks management but at the same time also briefly mentioning his team’s plan to capitalise on their opponent’s ability to concede points. “Yes, Tuks are a very well drilled side. Coach Dewey Swartbooi, I have a lot of respect for him, he is an exceptionally good coach. We are approaching this game with the mindset of keeping our systems in place. We are sticking to the things we can control and not the things we cannot control.” Without wanting to divulge too much of the tactics Varsity College will use for this David and Goliath final, Swanepoel emphasized his team are not going to simply lie down and be run over. “They are a very physical side on attack. In fact, they are brutal at times. But you know what, the determination and belief I’ve seen in this VC Comets side in the last three fixtures certainly does not point to a story of a side that’s going to backdown or lie down and be run over by anyone. We all know the outcome of the David and Goliath story.” by Mpendulo Letsoalo

FNB UFS Shimlas are the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup champions after beating FNB UCT Ikeys 45-42 in an epic final at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. The Shimlas snatched the win on the stroke of full-time thanks to an Ethan Wentzel penalty, giving them their title since 2015. Shimlas scrumhalf Jandré Nel was named the FNB Player That Rocks and judging by his face after the game, one could see it truly was a matter of blood, sweat and tears that led the team of Bloemfontein to this fantastic moment. The Ikeys got off to a very fast start with Keagan Blanckenberg and Jonathan Roche scoring for the visitors. Nel stuck back for the Shimlas with his first try before the hooker Liyema Mgwigwi also got in on the action for the hosts. Rethabile Louw dotted down from an intercept and Duran Koevort sliced through the defence for his five-pointer for UCT. Ethan Wentzel then scored for the hosts while Mgwigwi completed his brace on the stroke of half-time. Ikeys had their noses in the lead by 31-26. A defining moment in the game was Nel’s second try early in the second half, which was later upgraded to a point-of-origin try. Siviwe Zondani also scored for the home team. Bryan le Roux levelled matters for the Ikeys and they could have won the game with two minutes to play, but Ntokozo Makhaza missed the conversion. With the game level at 42-42 it was heading to extra time, but two minutes after the hooter, the Shimlas were awarded a penalty. What was arguably the most important kick of his life, Wentzel split the uprights to hand his team the well-deserved victory. SCORERS FNB UFS Shimlas 45 (26) – Tries: Jandre Nel (2), Liyema Mgwigwi (2), Ethan Wentzel, Siviwe Zondani. Conversions: Ethan Wentzel (4). Penalties: Ethan Wentzel. FNB UCT Ikeys 45 (31) - Tries: Keagan Blanckenberg, Jonathan Roche, Rethabile Louw, Duran Koevort, Bryan le Roux. Conversions: Ntokozo Makhaza (3). Penalties: Ntokozo Makhaza (3). FNB Player That Rocks: Jandre Nel (FNB UFS Shimlas) TEAMS FNB UFS Shimlas: Ntokozo Hlophe, Liyema Mgwigwi, Francisco Dos Reis, Reinier Juan Martin Viljoen, John Raymond Stopforth, Sobe Siyambuka Nakhane Ningiza, Pierre-Raymond Freddie Uys, Kwezi Dlamini, Jandre Nel, Ethan SJ Wentzel, Asanda Sihle Kunene, Zane Bester, Nkoka Sydney Luvuyo Ngobe, Siviwe Zondani, Michael Jnr Kurt Annies. FNB UCT Ikeys: Luthando Solomon Woji, Keagan Jordan Blanckenberg, John Kelly Ifechukwu Okonkwo, Reynhardt Wouter Crous, Johan Van Rhyn, Siphumezo Dyonase, Taariq Mohammed Kruger, Laro Delport, Asad Moos, Alexander Vermeulen, Ntokozo Sibusiso Makhaza, Jonathan Roche, Joshua Michael Boulle, Rethabile Donovan Louw, Duran Ryan Koevort. FNB Overall Player That Rocks: Ntokozo Makhaza (FNB UCT Ikeys) FNB Back That Rocks: Matthew Fortuin (FNB NWU Eagles) FNB Forward That Rocks: Enos Ndiao (FNB UCT Ikeys) Suzuki Rookie Of The Year: Likhona Finca (FNB UJ)

Maties have claimed the title in this year's FNB Varsity Cup Cheerleaders that Rock competition. The competition formed part of this year’s Varsity Cup and Varsity Shield tournaments and included cheerleading squads from most participating universities battling it out for the top Cheerleading spot in varsity rugby. Officially judged by SAMCA (South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association), who evaluated each cheerleading team's performance based on a new set of criteria, Maties’ victory marks a shift from last year's winners, UCT, who now find themselves in 3rd place after winning the competition in 2023 with the cheerleading squad from CUT being placed second. Chris Wilding, SAMCA National Cheerleading Team Head Coach, shared his insights into the judging process, highlighting the importance placed on crowd leading and engagement this year, “Maties secured the top spot not only for their impressive crowd coverage but also for their commendable technique. Maties demonstrated good adherence to the criteria, displaying strong crowd interaction and leadership during their performances." Wilding also acknowledged the hard work of the runners-up, CUT, noting their commitment to meeting the competition's criteria. He praised CUT for their strong visuals, effective crowd engagement, and contributions to the lively atmosphere during game nights. Public engagement contributed to the overall scoring, with 5% of the total score coming from online voting. UWC were the frontrunners in online voting, securing an impressive 17% of the total votes. Congratulations to Maties for their victory, and kudos to all the participating teams for their hard work and dedication in making this year's competition a success.

UPDATE: VOTING IS NOW CLOSED AND THE RESULTS OF THE POLLS AS OF 1PM ON 23 APRIL WILL DECIDE THE WINNERS. The FNB Varsity Shield 2024 finalists are confirmed and given the unbeaten season FNB Tuks has had so far it's no surprise that several players from the Stripe Generation are in the running for FNB Player of the Tournament awards. They will face FNB Varsity College in the final on Friday 26 April, but before that we ask the coaches and fans to vote for the top players of the year. The FNB Varsity Shield coaches have selected the nominees and now the public can have their say and vote for who wins the 2024 overall FNB Varsity Shield Player That Rocks award, the FNB Back That Rocks and FNB Forward That Rocks award winners. As in previous years all eight FNB Varsity Shield head coaches were asked to nominate three players in each category and were not allowed to nominate a player from their own university. The nomination process is weighted with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The votes were then added up and the three players with the most points in each category are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winner in each of the categories. You can cast your votes below from Saturday 20 April until 1pm on Tuesday 23 April and the winners will be the players with the most votes at the deadline. UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED AND SCREENSHOTS OF THE RESULTS TAKEN AT 1PM ON 23 APRIL WILL BE USED TO DECLARE THE WINNERS. UPDATE: VOTING IS NOW CLOSED AND THE RESULTS OF THE POLLS AS OF 1PM ON 23 APRIL WILL DECIDE THE WINNERS. The winners will be announced after the FNB Varsity Shield final on 26 April and they will receive a cheque powered by FNB eWallet. FNB Overall Player That Rocks - R10 000 FNB Back That Rocks - R7 500 FNB Forward That Rocks - R7 500

UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED AS OF 1PM ON 23 APRIL. On Friday 26 April we find out who will be crowned 2024 champions when FNB Tuks take on FNB Varsity College in the final and in the build-up we cast the spotlight on the players who had the most notable debut performances and are in the running to be named as the Suzuki Rookie of the Year. To qualify as a rookie, a player must have made his debut in 2024 and not taken the field previously in a Varsity Shield game. The coaches of all 8 teams were asked to nominate the players who made the biggest impression in their debut this season and the three players with the most nominations are now being put to a public vote. Here are the three players who received the most nominations from the coaches for the Suzuki Rookie of Varsity Shield 2024. The public can now cast their votes from Saturday 20 April until 1pm on Tuesday 23 April and the winners will be the players with the most votes at the deadline. Vote below for the player you think is the most deserving of this year's Suzuki Rookie Of The Year award. UPDATE: VOTING HAS ENDED AND SCREENSHOTS OF THE RESULTS TAKEN AT 1PM ON 23 APRIL WILL BE USED TO DECLARE A WINNER. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the FNB Varsity Shield final on the 26 April and will receive R4 000 from Suzuki.

FNB NWU Eagles used their lineout maul to devastating effect to earn a 39-36 win against FNB UFS Shimlas Young Guns in Bloemfontein to be crowned the 2024 FNB Varsity Young Guns champions. NWU won the humdinger after the hooter with hooker Hanro Venter crashing over for his fourth try. The visitors took an early lead with Venter scoring a converted try in the fifth minute, but UFS equalised minutes later through their loose-head prop, Adriaan van Niekerk. Venter scored again to see his team hold an eight-point lead, however, tries by Thomas Dreyer and Stephanus Linde switched things back into UFS’ favour. Angelo Daniels scored a crucial try on the stroke of half-time to claw things back for NWU, with the score 24-20 in favour of UFS. A try by Pieter Coetzee and Venter’s third edged the Eagles ahead after the players returned to the field for the second half. With ten minutes left to play, the home team regained the lead through a brilliant individual try by Keehan Etson and the mood started to shift back towards Shimlas. It was however Venter and the Eagles who had the last laugh with the hooker's fourth try to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. One also has to give NWU flyhalf Michael Mostert a lot of credit for his pinpoint kicks to the touchline to set up the well-functioning lineouts and mauls. SCORERS FNB NWU Eagles Young Guns 39 (20) – Tries: Hanro Venter (4), Angelo Daniels, Pieter Coetzee. Conversions: Michael Mostert (3). Penalties: Michael Mostert. FNB UFS Shimlas 36 (24) - Tries: Adriaan van Niekerk, Thomas Dreyer, Stephanus Linde, Keehan Etson. Conversions: Shaun Ray (4). Penalties: Shaun Ray. FNB Player That Rocks: Zack Serfontein (FNB NWU Eagles Young Guns) TEAMS FNB NWU Eagles Young Guns: Onalenna Benedict Katake, Hanro Venter, Jason Daniel Oosthuizen, Johan Derrick Van Zyl, Johannes Hendrik Van Der Merwe, Juan Baard, Aqeel De Bruyn, Stephen Seth Taylor, Zack Serfontein, Micheal John Mostert, Angelo Daniels, Pieter Coetzer, Ashwen Franklin Damons, Senekane Mmuse, Jamiane Dampies. FNB UFS Shimlas Young Guns: Adriaan Johannes Van Niekerk, Bukhosi Dhlamini, Loyola Uzile Mtwa, Katlego Khumo Lobakeng, Sandile Nzuza, Stephanus Lourens Linde, Marno Gray Stopforth, Liam Chezney Shamburg, Christoffel Jacobus Visser, Shaun Peter Ray, Keehan Nahum Etson, Thomas Frederik Dreyer, Henry James Jonker, Benedictus Marion Claassen, Gunter Van Rensburg.

The last time FNB UFS Shimlas played in the final of the FNB Varsity Cup, they had a 20-year-old loosehead prop anchoring their scum. The name – Retshegofaditswe Nché. Ox Nché as he is affectionately known, played a huge role back in 2015 when Shimlas thrashed FNB NWU Eagles 63-33 in the final and were crowned champions. The impressive performance of the Thaba Nchu-born ex-learner from HTS Louis Botha in Bloemfontein led to his inclusion in a 37-man South Africa Under-20 training squad. He subsequently featured in a friendly match (31-24) against a Varsity Cup Dream Team that was named after the 2015 competition. The 28-year-old, who has since racked up 26 Tests for the Springboks, made his mark as one of the world’s strongest scrummagers at the Rugby World Cup in France last year. He was hugely influential in laying the foundation for South Africa being crowned world champions for an unprecedented fourth time. Nché shared his thoughts with Varsity Rugby on that final in 2015. “For me, at the time a 20-year-old, playing in the Varsity Cup was a big achievement. I played with a lot of guys who had to wait until their final year to play for the Varsity Cup firs team, so for me, it was an absolute honour and privilege. “Coach Franco (Smith) taught us a lot of things, the believe in each other, how much it would mean for the Free State and for the Varsity (to win). It was against Shimlas’ oldest rivals, Pukke (Eagles). “That’s where everything started for me, to have the mindset of how I can become the absolute best I can be.” Besides Nché being a product of Varsity Cup, the coach of the 2015 victorious Shimlas side was Franco Smith who also attended UFS and wore the Springbok jersey in nine test matches. Smith went on to coach the Cheetahs (2015-2019) before becoming the head of High Performance of Italy. He is currently the head coach of Glasgow Warriors in Scotland. Remembering the 2015 Varsity Cup final, Smith said he will always be grateful towards Shimlas because they gave him an opportunity to put a stamp on his coaching career in South Africa. “I have great memories of that final. I remember we were down 8-20 in the first strategy break … but after that the boys changed things around. Our set pieces were working well which allowed us to play with width and get the offload game going. “The stadium was filled with almost the whole of Bloemfontein. It was not just students but the whole Free State family coming out to support us was something special for me. “That win meant a lot for some of the boys. I ended up signing them for the Cheetahs the season after that and we won the Currie Cup in 2016. “A lot of those boys were involved again including Ox. He was a 20-year-old when he started back then. He kicked on and it was great to have coached him for a long time at the Cheetahs.” Smith said he always placed a huge emphasis on the set piece, especially the scums, and that is where Nché came into his own. “Ox fitted in nicely. He not only laid the foundation up front but also had the ability to move around the park. That is what made him the special Springbok player that he is currently. A lot of players got an opportunity through the Varsity Cup which is a great testament to what the competition has done for South African rugby.” by Adnaan Mohamed

FNB UCT Ikeys will have to dig deep as taking on FNB UFS Shimlas in the final of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup on Monday 22 April in Bloemfontein won’t be an easy task. Kick-off is at 19:00. This is according to fullback Duran Koevort. "I think you can expect much of the same from us as in the semi-final (against FNB NWU Eagles), our willingness to play and go at it for the full 80 minutes. "I think we all know the game against Shimlas will be a tough one and now playing them in a final and away from home will make it that much tougher, but Ikeys will be well prepared and come out fighting on Monday night." This is a back-to-back final appearance for the Cape Town-based side, losing in last year’s final against the Eagles. In 2021 they stumbled at the last hurdle against FNB UP-Tuks. Ikey Tigers’ leading points scorer Ntokozo Makhaza says the team will play to the best of their abilities. "I wouldn’t say it will be a repeat (of last week) because Shimlas is a different team to the Eagles. We’re excited for the game. Last week was a good performance, but we think we can play better, and we want to do that on Monday." Flanker Enos Ndiao adds that the team has done its homework and can match the standard of Shimlas. "We have a lot of respect for them and what they’ve done in this competition. They’ve got a really good pack and quick backs so I’m sure they’ll plan well for us. We’ll look to remain patient with the ball in hand and stop their set piece. "We just believe we’ve gone on this journey of a lot of highs in the past few years for some players and others this season. The main thing for us is although we’ve had our highs, we haven’t reached the peak which is lifting the trophy. "Ultimately it’s been the goal, and it would be so special for us to do it this year.  We know it’s not just about us but about our families, supporters and coaches and it's going to fuel us come Monday." by Ayanda Frances Felem