FNB Varsity College outside centre MacMillan Mudara has racked up a string of impressive performances for his side despite the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield being their debut season. Affectionately dubbed ‘The Winter Soldier’ by his teammates, the Harare-grown talent admits he is currently living out his dream and relishes making his position his own. “Growing up in Harare, the idea of playing rugby in South Africa seemed like a distant dream. Attending Lomagundi College, I was inspired by rugby icons like Tonderai Chavanga and Tendai Mtawarira, who paved their way to the Springboks. Their journeys motivated me to aspire to that level of play. “I take great pride in my role as a 13. It's a role I relish, contributing to the team's success while constantly striving to elevate my game. I am immensely grateful for the platform it provides me to develop and showcase my skills.” The Northwood Old Boy also praised his old mentors for his rugby prowess, while simultaneously acknowledging the influence of Varsity College coach Jeremy McLaren. “Transitioning to Northwood Boys High School in South Africa (from Zimbabwe) provided me with the platform to hone my skills further. Under the guidance of coaches Grant Bashford and Dick Muir, I gained invaluable knowledge and understanding of the game. “The belief instilled in us by coach Jeremy McLaren and his team has truly fortified our resolve as a team, reminding us that we are mighty men of valour, capable of overcoming any obstacle.” With a place in the semi-final looming, Mudara says his team will remain grounded on a strong foundation. “Each game in this competitive campaign has presented unique challenges and tests, and these tests have strengthened the bond that unites us. Every game holds significance for us. Our foundation is strong, and we trust that by staying true to our values and efforts, the results will follow suit.” by Mpendulo Letsoalo

A career-ending debilitating knee injury hasn’t stopped assistant FNB Maties coach Craig Barry, from pursuing his dream of winning the FNB Varsity Cup. Even though Barry represented the Maroon Machine with distinction in three Varsity Cup finals, he was unlucky not to be on the winning side in a final. In 2021 the 31-year-old outside back picked up a serious knee injury that forced him to hang up his boots. He decided to take up coaching in 2022 and has already tasted success with Maties winning the Western Province Super League Club title last year. “I was medically advised to stop playing in terms of the longevity of use on my knee,” says Barry. “The cartilage in my knee was seriously damaged. With rugby being a contact sport, it would just have become worse. The long-term effects would have been devastating. Coaching was always something that I wanted to do when I stopped playing one day. However, it came a bit earlier than I expected.” Barry says he always showed a keen interest in coaching while he was still playing and equipped himself with the necessary qualifications to become a rugby coach. He also thinks it's to his advantage to have played recently because he can relate from a player and coaching perspective. “I have a World Rugby Level 2 coaching certificate, the highest being Level 3 which will allow me to one day become a head coach. To coach here at Stellenbosch is much easier because not too long ago I was in a similar position to the players. They also find it easy to resonate with me because the game hasn’t evolved that much since I stopped playing.” Barry is a strong believer that a rugby player must study while playing the Varsity Cup because many players develop quite late, especially when they pick up a severe injury early on in their careers. “Some players are not noticed at school and only get spotted on a Monday night whilst playing Varsity Cup. Also, if rugby does not work out for them as a profession, one can always fall back one’s studies and get their degree as well as continue with post-graduate studies. “I can proudly say that my success in my career can be attributed to Maties Rugby and the opportunities that the Varsity Cup gave me.” Barry says his short-term goal is to learn and grow as a coach whilst picking up as much experience as possible from Maties head coach Kabamba Floors. “I am still very young and to be part of something as exciting as the Varsity Cup is a massive privilege. I ultimately just want to improve as a coach and evolve to lead an organisation like Maties. “Kabamba is a coach that knows what to do. He is particularly good with people. He knows how to speak and work with people, especially the younger generation of kids that are still growing into becoming men.” by Adnaan Mohamed

Continuity is proving to be the rocket fuel that has propelled FNB Madibaz to its successful run in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield campaign. This is the view of captain Leon van der Merwe who pinpoints several aspects that have built confidence within the squad. “I believe that the continuity we have achieved in recent years in the squad is paying dividends as we have a good blend of youth and experience.” More senior players within the setup meant that it was easier for newcomers to slot in as they could, in effect, watch and learn, Van der Merwe says. This has created a strong connection between the players, which has led to better on-field performances. According to Van der Merwe, the chemistry extends to his role as the leader. “The support I have received as captain this year has been incredible. Our leadership group, the management and the players have all made it easy to captain the team while focusing on my game.” Van der Merwe says Madibaz pride themselves on their defensive systems. “We are comfortable on defence and our focus is on transition play from defence to attack. “We back our defence to force a mistake from the opposition and that gives us a chance to counter from the turnover before they have had a chance to set their defence system.” The captain highlights the 29-7 victory over FNB TUT as there was no doubt they had gone into that encounter with a target on their back. “It was good to beat them away from home. We knew it was going to be tough because many teams have gone to Pretoria and failed to win.” Van der Merwe says the dominant display by their forwards in front of a partisan crowd was the difference between the two sides. “Our performance in the first half against TUT was excellent, especially from the forwards as we scored two maul tries and two tries from pick-and-go situations.”

Wearing the orange jersey of FNB UJ, the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup is Likhona Finca’s first taste of premier university rugby. The centre, who hails from Westville Boys High, says the switch from high school rugby to Varsity rugby has been a different ball game. “It has been quite tough. It’s not the same as high school but I was able to adjust well.” Despite the Orange Army languishing at the bottom of the log and out of contention for the playoffs, Finca says he still looks forward to what promises to be a prosperous rugby career. For Finca, the Varsity Cup is just the beginning as he was called up by the Lions to dot pen to paper as part of their scouted players. “I haven’t played for the Lions yet but moving forward my experience in the Varsity Cup will help elevate (me) on that platform.” UJ are in a precarious position on the log but may just have done enough to avoid relegation and come back next year to compete in the Varsity Cup again. “It has been a tough season. Our coaches have been incredible and have done their best and so has the team. Now we need to focus on what lies ahead,” says Finca. The Orange Army’s last match is on Monday 8 April at home against a struggling FNB UWC who are yet to win this season. According to Finca, it will be business as usual. “The mood does not change when we face them. As much as they haven’t won a game this season, they are not going to back down. Last week (against FNB Wits) we also went into that match without a single win this season and look how it turned out. So, anything can happen in that game. We just have to stick to our plan.” by Karabo Peter

With one round to go in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition, the teams for playoffs have now been decided. FNB UP-Tuks thrashed FNB TUT in the penultimate round-robin matches while FNB Madibaz survived a late comeback by FNB Varsity College. FNB WSU sneaked past FNB CPUT and FNB UFH scored a comfortable victory over FNB UKZN. FNB UP-TUKS 81 – 10 FNB TUT Log leaders FNB UP-Tuks ran riot against FNB TUT at the Tuks Stadium, beating their Tswhane neighbours 81-10. The Stripe Generation wasted no time in claiming their territory as they went 12 points just ten minutes into the match. Ruan van Blommestein dotted down and then fed Cayno February for Tuks’ second try of the evening. It was clear early on that it would be a long night for the Vikings when Tuks Ethan Burger and Kyle Cyster also registered their names on the scoreboard. Bayanda Ngubane and Kobus Janse van Rensburg joined the party adding their names among the try scorers. Walter Visser easily converted three and Chad-Lee Valentine also added his sharp boot in the mix to hand Tuks a healthy 38-0 lead at the interval. The home team picked up where they left off when the players returned to the field for the second half with two powerful mauls as Marco Venter dotted down before Van Blommestein completed his brace. Back-to-back tries from Cyster secured his hat-trick earning him the FNB Player That Rocks accolade. The party was not over as Tuks continued to pile pressure on their neighbours with tries by substitutes Samkelo Myeni, and Henry Till and a second for Ngubane. The visitors only got to visit Tuks’ 22 territory three times and finally got consolation points with a penalty from Aswen Rademeyer followed by a try from Lwazi Dlamini. SCORERS FNB UP-Tuks 81 (38) – Tries: Ruan van Blommestein (2), Cayno February, Ethan Burger, Kyle Cyster (3), Bayanda Ngubane (2), Kobus Janse Van Rensburg, Marco Venter, Samkelo Myeni, Henry Till. Conversions: Walter Visser (2), Chad-Lee Valentine, Jean-Pierre Wentzel (4). FNB TUT 10 (0) – Tries: Lwazi Dlamini. Conversions: Aswen Rademeyer. Penalty: Aswen Rademeyer. FNB Player That Rocks: Kyle Cyster (FNB UP-Tuks) FNB UP-Tuks: Ethan Lance Burger, Ruan Van Blommestein, Jayd Morne Austin, Johannes Wilhelmus Mare, Roald Hattingh, Kamohelo Tlome, Cayno Douglas February, Marco Venter, Chad-Lee Valentine, Walter Visser, Odwa Kenny Moletsane, Kobus Janse Van Rensburg, Tharquinn Thane Manuel, Bayanda Sinele Ngubane, Kyle Edward Cyster. FNB TUT: Mxolisi Nzama, Jandre Van Zyl, Lawrence Nong, Lwazi Dlamini, Thato Mopedi, Knowledge Chaira, Ajay Lottering, Kgomotso Maribana, Olwethu Prence, Ayabonga Zakwe, Vuyani Vanqa, Dwayne Zeeland, Sean-B Kagiso Tshego, Junior Malaza, Mauritz Maritz. FNB MADIBAZ 25 – 19 FNB VARSITY COLLEGE Second versus third on the log was always going to produce some fireworks and, while the game was scrappy at times, it was not short of explosive moments. In the end, FNB Madibaz managed to hold on for a 25-19 victory over FNB Varsity College at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha. The half-time score was 18-5. The home team gained the ascendancy early on in both halves and this ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. Their defence was particularly impressive near their goal line while they also made the most of their attacks inside their opponents’ 22. Kehan Myburgh had his kicking boots on all afternoon, landing some sensational penalties and conversions to keep the Nelson Mandela Bay students ahead. Varsity College, playing in their first Varsity Shield season, has already gained a reputation for never giving up and they were no different in this match. They refused to lie down in the face of scoreboard pressure and were rewarded for their efforts with some memorable forward tries, albeit too late to claim the victory. SCORERS FNB Madibaz 25 (18) – Tries: Qurin Cupido, Kyle Erasmus, Mpumelelo Mavuso. Conversions: Kehan Myburgh (2). Penalties: Kehan Myburgh (2). FNB Varsity College 19 (5) – Tries: Jacques Marais (2), Nathi Ntuli. Conversions: Frederick Marx, Luke Horak. FNB Player That Rocks: Leon van der Merwe (FNB Madibaz) FNB Madibaz: Endinako Kuse, Kyle Erasmus, Sbulelo Roji, Marthinus Johannes Strydom, Christopher Cikuru Kachungunu, Mzwakhe Kevin Hlupheko, Alwaba Liyema Elam Bobelo, Leon van der Merwe, Mpumelelo Solani Mavuso, Rashied Conrad, Henry Edward Frederick Kruger, Troy Delport, Enrique Franks, Qurin Cupido, Kehan Myburgh. FNB Varsity College: Daniel Van Huizen, Jacques Marais, Siyabonga Dube, Garren Müller, Werner Coetzee, Juan Steyl, Enzo Van Niekerk, Mandisi Nkutha, Abande Mthembu, Frederick Marx, Nkazimulo Mzolo, Macmillian Mudara, Mbasa Nkonki, Sivuyisiwe Mpendu, Tshegofatso Ramaloko. FNB WSU 23 – 19 FNB CPUT FNB WSU consolidated their fourth position on the log after they edged FNB CPUT 23-19 in Bellville. The scores were tied 12-all at the half-time break. An early first-half onslaught from the home side saw them holding most of the ball and playing most of the rugby deep inside WSU territory, resulting in Keenan Williams powering across the try line for the first score of the match. Ntsako Mhlanga then dove across at full length from close range after being denied earlier. Keewan Titus succeeded with the conversion attempt. This handed CPUT a 12-point lead heading into the final five minutes of the opening half. WSU levelled matters through tries from Maxwell Klaasen and Asisipho Jim with Klaasen converting one. The opening minutes of the second half belonged to WSU’s defensive resolve which meant CPUT had to work hard to get any points. It eventually came when Ayabulela Zono dove across the try line from a ruck that formed just metres under the crossbar. Jayson January added the extras. A penalty and an unconverted try by Klaasen, which completed his brace, handed WSU a one-point lead as the final quarter of the match approached. He slotted another one to seal the victory with four minutes left on the clock. SCORERS FNB WSU 23 (12) – Tries: Maxwell Klaasen (2), Asisipho Jim. Conversion: Klaasen Penalties: Klaasen (2) FNB CPUT 19 (12) – Tries: Keenan Williams, Ntsako Mhlanga, Ayabulela Zono. Conversions: Keewan Titus, Jayson January. FNB Player That Rocks: Maxwell Andrews (FNB WSU) TEAMS FNB WSU: Sinethemba Zwelonke, Yandisa Myokwana, Ayabonga Spelt, Lutho Mampunye, Kamva Tetani, Khanya Solani, Pernell Mandes, Esethu Zenani, Esenam Mniki, Maxwell Klaasen, Bulelani Nondlwana, Hlumelo Zitha, Awonke Sondishe, Asisipho Jim, Beon Frendel Hartnick. FNB CPUT: Emihle Akho Benya, Lihle Lindisipho Kula, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga, Lwando Woji, Duke Somila Shasha, Lungelo Lethukuthula Kubheka, Ayabulela Zono, Jayson January, Keewan Titus, Keenan Williams, Wiehan Kruger, Iwaan Bloys, Danielle Israel Padiachy, Keene Munnick. FNB UFH 30 – 10 FNB UKZN FNB UFH managed to claim their second victory of the season when they beat FNB UKZN 30-10 at the Davidson Stadium in Alice. It was a high-intensity encounter from the outset with UKZN initially relying on their pace. The home team then found their rhythm, testing their opponents’ defence with relentless pressure. The visitors however were the first to score with a penalty by flyhalf Khanya Kama. UFH's dominance began to show when captain and hooker Kamvelihle Fatyela scored two tries in the space of ten minutes through their powerful driving mall. The half-time score was 10-3. UFH continued their momentum in the second half with Okuhle Pangwa and Salisiwe Gekwa adding tries, showcasing skilful play and quick hands. Lakheni Majali also contributed with a try, demonstrating strength and pace. Despite UFH's failure to convert any conversions, they maintained control of the game. UKZN attempted a comeback through a try by Wela-Aphumile Mnata Takata, but UFH's quick follow-up play secured their final try by Cyril Mphatsoe, sealing the victory. SCORERS FNB UFH 30 (10) - Tries: Kamvelihle Fatyela (2), Okuhle Pangwa, Salisiwe Gekwa, Lakheni Majali, Cyril Mphatsoe. FNB UKZN 10 (3) - Tries: Wela-Aphumile Mnata Takata. Conversion: Khanya Kama. Penalty: Khanya Kama. FNB Player That Rocks: Kamvelihle Fatyela (FNB UKZN) TEAMS FNB UFH: Mesuli Sinovuyo Samkele Nzima, Kamvelihle Fatyela, Bulela Magopeni, Cinga Nqotyana, Kamvelihle Gcweka, Anda Simanga, Mpho Kensly Jnr Ramahala, Yanga Gazi, Sinalo Jivana, Apiwe Sidloyi, Okuhle Pangwa, Ryan Kelly Maree, Lakheni Majali, Salusiwe Gxekwa, Cyril Mphatsoe. FNB UKZN: Benjamin Maseko, Sikhona Ndulini, Ulrich Cameron Walker, Mthomboyolo Buzani, Nhlakanipho Ntando Hleloluhle Mathonsi, Wela-Aphumele Mnata Takata, Tinotenda Mazhindu, Amahle Dlamini, Thando Sphesihle Cele, Khanya Junior Kama, Thato Tshepang Matsoso, Siso France, Singele Mihlayenkosi Mkhize, Jarryd Nicholls, Cham Zondeki.

Former FNB UJ player Shaun Williams has certainly made a name for himself since competing in the FNB Varsity Cup for the Orange Army. He currently represents the Blitzboks and was part of the squad that brought home the gold medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Varsity Cup spent some time with Williams. During your time in the Varsity Cup, you played fifteens and sevens. How did that help your overall performance? “As a sevens player, you tend to work harder. Being in the UJ set-up it was tough, fitness and condition-wise with coach Stefan van Deventer who is currently with the Lions. It helped me going into fifteens to be well conditioned and be sharp on the field.” You received a call-up for the SA 7s Academy in 2020. How did the Varsity Cup’s competitiveness prepare you for that? “2020 was my year with UJ. So I told myself to go out and enjoy rugby because I don’t know how many more games I will have for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, Covid happened as I was enjoying my rugby and during that time I got a call from Juan Schoeman and I am glad I answered.” As a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, when you look back on your time playing in the Varsity Cup, did you ever think that this would be your reality? “Not. I had an interview at the UJ and Wits derby in 2020. The guy asked if I see myself in Tokyo 2020 and I said to him ‘Not really, I first need to have my goals set up’ and he said ‘You’ll never know where you will end up.’ So looking back to that Commonwealth squad that was a highlight in my career.” Fifteen caps as a Blitzbok, what else do you look forward to? “To take it week by week, tournament by tournament. And creating momentum … to hopefully qualify for the Olympics.” by Karabo Peter

With just one victory in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition, FNB TUT will try to move out of the relegation zone when they face Tshwane neighbours and log leaders FNB UP-Tuks at the Tuks Stadium tonight (Friday 5 April) at 19:00. The Vikings are currently sixth on the log, level on points with FNB UKZN and one point above bottom team FNB UFH. The Pretoria outfits’ only success came way back in round two when they beat FNB WSU 20-10 at home in the TUT Stadium. TUT centre Vuyani Vanqa says they need to believe in themselves more. “I think as a team we should believe in one another’s powers more and when a team knows if I break a run, someone is there to clean (out). “Even though we have been on a losing streak, there are so many positives we can take from those losses. We still believe that we change things around, we need to believe that we can win. “Our position on the log is a reflection of our character and not our capabilities. If we can change our attitude and our character, we surely expose our great abilities as a united TUT Vikings team.” With only the one victory under their belts, Vanqa hopes his team leaves everything on the field against the Stripe Generation. “For this clash, I am looking forward to seeing TUT click as a team and play our best. We want to say after the match that we gave our best and did not surrender. “Every week has been better than a week before when it comes to our preparation, this is one of our best weeks going into to Tshwane derby. The mood in the camp is very positive and focused. We are facing a bigger game.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

It is the battle of the Tshwane neighbours when log leaders FNB UP-Tuks and FNB TUT meet tonight (Friday 5 April, 19:00) in the penultimate round-robin match of the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. Tuks vice-captain Ethan Burger, one of the top try scorers this year, says the Stripe Generation find themselves where they are because they went back to basics. “This year we have gone back to basics, we are doing what our team does well and we’re starting to enjoy the game again and to believe in ourselves as players and as a team. We have not taken anything for (granted), we know that despite being relegated the Varsity Shield is not an easy competition to compete in. “Every week is a new challenge and to be able to perform to the best of your ability you can’t afford to be comfortable and be complacent because that’s when the game of rugby humbles you like it did to us in the past season.” Burger represented the Bulls at the U19 and U21 levels after being scouted at the St Stithians Rugby Festival in 2018. Since then his hopes of playing in a professional rugby set-up have just grown, he says. “My aspirations for rugby are to take the next step in my rugby career and play professionally. I want to strive to be the best possible player that I can be and that involves aspects both on and off the field. “There’s a few guys now I have played alongside in the Varsity Cup who have made it to the professional level and I am incredibly happy for them. If I were to get a professional contract, it would be a dream come true and I would be blessed to be given such an opportunity to play at a higher level. It has always been my dream and it’s something that drives and motivates me because I do want to take the next step and compete at a professional level.” Burger relishes his form and thanks his teammates for it. “I’ve always considered myself a strong ball carrier, that’s what I feel is one of my strengths. I love to have the ball in my hands and be able to make plays and challenge the opponent's defence. My form comes from my team and teammates around me, I can’t do it alone out there just like the guy next to me can’t.” by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

FNB Wits have fallen short of what they had envisioned for themselves in their 2024 FNB Varsity Cup campaign. The Witsies currently sit in fifth spot on the log, ahead of their last round-robin match on Monday 8 April against FNB UFS Shimlas in Johannesburg. Head coach Hugo van As has expressed his disappointment in the way the season has played out. “Our season has not gone the way we were hoping and planning to be after round 6, especially the loss against UJ, which was a big blow to us and has now obviously put us out of semi-final contention. This is very disappointing, and the squad are also disappointed with where they now find themselves.” Even though Van As says that the team’s chemistry has been good, other factors have been at play in where they currently find themselves. “We picked up quite a few injuries, especially in key positions and personnel, which I believe has had an impact. This includes our initial captain Ngia Selengbe. We had 2 or 3 major injuries in key positions that had a real effect on the team.” All is not lost though as Van As believes the youngsters coming through is a good opportunity to build for the future. “I don’t want to use lack of experience as an excuse because our motto and what we stand for is when the moment comes, you’ve got to come with an available player. However losing players in key positions like 2, 9, 10, and 12 isn’t great, including our 4 and 5 locks with one or two loose forwards. That is however an opportunity for us to invest in the future and an opportunity for the next player to make use of the chance.” Wits will have one last chance to give it their all and cement a fifth-place finish with a win over Shimlas, who are playing for a home semi-final. “The team will want to finish strong in the last round and it’s a home game and I think it's important for us to finish strong,” says Van As. by S’fiso Nyawo

With just one round-robin round left of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup competition, defending champions FNB NWU Eagles look set to host a home semi-final courtesy of their position at the top of the log. The Potchefstroom-based team have only lost one match, against FNB UFS Shimlas in Bloemfontein (26-35). Their remaining fixture on Monday 8 April is against FNB UCT Ikeys at home. Varsity Cup spent some time with prop Matome 'Dux' Manyama, and he opened up about his rugby journey, highlighting the need for patience as he waited for his opportunity to wear the Eagles’ jersey. That finally came when he made his debut in the opening round against FNB Maties. The Polokwane-born player says it was an emotional moment for him. “It was surreal for me playing against Maties at the Danie Craven Stadium (in Stellenbosch). I experienced a range of emotions, filled with joy. It was a significant match against Maties, one of the best teams in the competition, but it all boils down to knowing your job and executing it well. My teammates also supported me." Manyama didn’t get any game time last year and he admits it wasn’t easy. "Being on the side line was difficult, let alone not making the bench, so it was tough not playing. Each day I’m told my time will come, and that was tough, but I just told myself that I need to stay patient and sooner or later, things will happen." The Eagles forward also praised the role that Matimu 'Ganji' Manganyi has played in his career. "One of the people that played a role in my rugby career so far is Matimu Manganyi. He used to study here (at NWU) but he is coaching at Maties now. He is someone I look up to, and he helps me a lot. I also draw inspiration from professional players like Ox Nché, Ellis Genge and Andrew Potter." by Lesiba Dikhoba

After quitting rugby following a stint for the FNB Wits Young Guns in 2019 and 2020, FNB Madibaz flanker Mzwakhe Hlupheko says he thanks coach David Manuel for giving him his second shot at FNB Varsity Shield rugby. The burly loose forward moved to the Friendly City last year and says he revels in the spirit that surrounds the squad, having bought into Manuel and his management team’s plans for the future. “The camaraderie and team environment are great and the players are feeding off that. Most importantly, all of us are working together towards achieving the goals.” The 23-year-old Hlupheko, an honours student in labour relations and human resources at Nelson Mandela Bay University, acknowledges that he may not be the quickest or most talented on the field but takes immense pride in his work ethic. “I truly believe that no one can outwork me. My work-rate is one of my strengths.” He also has a reputation for being able to read the action out on the pitch better than most. “My top priority is knowing my role within the structure that we play. Then, during the game, it’s all about executing to the best of my ability.” Being recognised for his livewire efforts, like with his Player That Rocks award in the game against FNB WSU, has further energised him, says Hlupheko. “It was a great feeling, especially seeing how excited my teammates were for me. It is a moment I will cherish. “We all know that defence is a team effort, but I feel like I was rewarded for my efforts on defence and also for turnovers made in the ruck.” Hlupheko says he has found the Varsity Shield increasingly tough. “It has become much more structured and it is difficult to beat anyone. Teams have to grind it out every week to make sure they win on Friday and it’s often just a matter of which side puts in a better performance on the day.”

Promising FNB Maties winger Paschal Ekeji has made a successful return to rugby after a long injury lay-off. The 21-year-old speedster played two Currie Cup games for Western Province in 2022 before picking up a knee ligament injury which has kept him on the sidelines for more than a year. Maties head coach Kabamba Floors, says Ekeji is a highly talented player and it would be a great pity if he was lost to Western Province rugby. “Paschal is a good kid with a great attitude who has been here (Maties) since he left school and came into the WP junior structures. He had a three-year contract, but because he didn’t play last year it was not renewed. I think WP is making a big mistake if they don't hold on to him. He is finishing his honours degree this year. If he moves now, he will be lost to another union.” Ekeji is originally from Nigeria but grew up in Bloemfontein where he attended Grey College and played for Free State in the Craven Week and earned a bursary at Stellenbosch University. Paschal also has a younger brother, Pretorius Ekeji, who is currently in matric at Grey College. Like Paschal, Pretorius is also a talented winger who has already represented the Free State at Craven Week last year and is destined to join the Maties and WP juniors ranks. Floors likened the Ekeji brothers to dynamic loose forwards Vincent and Emanuel Tshituka, who first made a name for themselves at the Lions and have now moved to the Sharks. “We work and develop these players from the age of 18 until 23 in the Varsity Cup. I therefore think it will be great if the big unions work more with the universities to bring more players like them through,” says Floors. by Adnaand Mohammed