Former FNB CPUT sensation Caine Stadler has used the platform the FNB Varsity Shield offers to so many players to sign their first professional contract. Hailing from the idyllic Swartland town of Mamre, Stadler is currently playing his rugby in Gori, Georgia. His journey with the Bellville-based team began in 2019. Despite setbacks in 2020, he rejoined in 2021, marking his debut in 2022 against FNB Rhodes. Looking back on his time at CPUT, he emphasises the growth and learning experience, cherishing memories like winning on his debut. "In 2020 I did not play for CPUT because I was a late applicant and [by] that time the pre-season already started, so they already had the squad for 2020. I decided to focus on my studies and played for Mamre Rugby Club in my hometown and the same year I also played U19 for Boland and was included in the U21 squad." Choosing CPUT was not solely about rugby for Stadler, it was a strategic move to balance rugby achievements with academic success. "I decided to play for CPUT because I want to get something behind my name career-wise besides rugby achievements.” He transitioned to Georgia after declining an offer in 2022 to complete his studies. Eventually joining Gori Rugby Club at the end of 2023, Stadler embraced the challenge of being the only South African in the team. Adapting to language barriers and the colder European weather has been a notable challenge. Throughout his CPUT journey, Stadler found inspiration from his mother, father, and broader family as his strongest and most loyal supporters, for which he is extremely grateful. On the CPUT front, it has been all the coaches and support staff in the team. Stadler's advice to current CPUT players echoes the theme for the 2024 campaign: "There is no place like home." Looking ahead, Stadler aspires to secure a professional rugby contract in South Africa, combining experience from Georgia with a settled career. His dream season involves hard work, discipline, and a fulfilling rugby career. by Lyndon Julius

Even though the buck stops with FNB Madibaz captain Leon van der Merwe, he will rely on widespread support from his teammates when they launch their 2024 FNB Varsity Shield campaign. In announcing the captain for the season, Madibaz head coach David Manuel said, “Van der Merwe is my samurai”, and it is clear the eighth man will play a big role. The 22-year-old is familiar with the responsibility after stepping in for the incumbent, Arnouw Nel when he was ruled out of the competition due to a long-term injury. Van der Merwe says he wants to engineer a situation where the whole team understands that they would have to roll out their match strategy as one to have any chance of success. “Being captain is both an honour and a responsibility. The position involves leading by example and being able to motivate the team to strive for success.” He says his leadership philosophy emphasised communication within the team as well as with the coaching staff, “plus a lot of hard work”.  “I believe in empowering others and making decisions that benefit the team but I also understand that I’m the person who needs to make the final call.” Van der Merwe, who grew up in Durbanville and matriculated from Paarl Gymnasium in the Western Cape, says the squad had an intensive build-up.  “We are looking forward to the upcoming Varsity Shield season and are determined to show that our resilience and hard work will produce the required results. We’ll have to bring our A game week in and week out,” the eighth man said. With kick-off for the first matches looming, Van der Merwe has a final message for Madibaz fans, whom he once referred to as “our 16th player”.  “They have always been incredible and their support means everything to us. As we gear up for this season, we’re counting on their cheers and energy to fuel our determination on the field.” He asked supporters to join them in striving for success together as their presence made all the difference. “See you at the Madibaz Stadium!”

With preparations having gone smoothly, FNB UFH Blues are all set for the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield season with several exciting young players joining the team. Coach Sive Maxham says the addition of young players has been fantastic since it has allowed them to incorporate new strategies into their style of play. “At first we thought it would be a challenge having new young players on the team, but with the experience of the old players, things are running smoothly and their collaboration is awesome, all in all, it was a positive challenge.” Maxham also shared some thoughts on the new coaching staff. “We are obviously a young coaching staff who have managed to introduce new things in our system which will bring back the culture of the Blues and achieve greater things than ever before. “Based on what I've seen in practice, we expect nothing less than the playoffs. I commend the boys for their positive attitude, work ethic, and willingness to fight for each other at training. I believe that if we keep this positive attitude, great things will come our way this season.” According to Maxham there are several players to look out for. “Kamvelihle Fatyela (captain), Aphiwe Sidlayi (flyhalf), and Kamvelihle Gcweka (loose forward) have played a pivotal role in structuring our team and, of course, with the assistance from other players to fulfil their potential. “We will go out there and fight as a collective and raise the university’s flag once again”. UFH Blues will kick off their 2024 campaign at home against former FNB Varsity Cup champions FNB Tuks on Friday 23 February at the Davidson Stadium. Provisional Squad (subject to change) Aphiwe Sidloyi, Buhlebethu September, Bulela Magopeni, Bulelani Thanki, Bulumko Mfundisi, Bunono Jamani, Chulumanco Boya, Cinga Nqotyana, Cwenga Makwati, Cyril Mphatsoe, Hlumelo Banzi, Inga Vellem, Kamva Jengqa, Kamvelihle Fatyela, Kamvelihle Gcweka, Khonaye Mbakaza, Kwanele Hlobongwane, Lakheni Majali, Licebo Ngwentle, Lilitha Mdladlana, Liyema Tonjeni, Mbasa Babele, Mziyabulela Bathu, Okuhle Pangwa, Onke Ntontela, Ryan Maree, Salusiwe Gxekwa, Samkele Nzima, Sibusiso Javu, Sinalo Jivana, Sinawo Nofemele, Sithuthuzele Madondile, Siyabonga Koki, Tinasixolile Jokani, Wanga Mngculo. by Thembela Tangana

Scrumhalf Abande 'AB' Mthembu will captain FNB Varsity College in their debut season in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. Mthembu, the former Westville Boys' High School Head Boy, is no stranger to leading from the front and says he is looking forward to the challenge. "It's a real honour for me to be the captain for the Varsity College side in the Varsity Shield. Being nominated during the USSA week last year by my teammates and given the history I have with coach Jeremy (McLaren) makes it even more special to me. It's a huge privilege for me to be able to represent this team both on and off the field.” Mthembu comes into the squad with Varsity Cup experience having played for FNB Maties in 2021 and returns to Durban to lead the Varsity College side. "They say that things come full circle, and having been schooled here and now I'm back here representing this team in my hometown is a fantastic opportunity for me. We are showing people that there are opportunities here in Durban for players that want to make it, and we want to create a legacy where players can come and express themselves,” says Mthembu. Mthembu believes that his side is heading in the right direction. "Our preparation has been great, and our fitness is right where it needs to be at this stage, and we can only grow from here. We are taking it step by step and everything that we are doing is one day at a time, one session at a time until we get to where we need to be.” All teams want to play exciting rugby and entertain the crowds. For Mthembu, he's confident that his team will produce their unique style of rugby. "If we had to say what our brand of rugby is, I would say it's about expressing ourselves.”

As winners of the 2017, 2018 and 2023 FNB Varsity Shield titles, FNB UWC hopes their return to top-tier status in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup competition will be a successful one. UWC alumnus Tristan Leyds recently made a sensational debut for the Blitzboks, scoring on the first day of competition at the Australia HSBC SVNS tournament. As the younger brother of Springbok and La Rochelle wing, Dillyn Leyds, Tristan's journey from the UWC jersey to international sevens stardom is a testament to the impact of his time at the university. Reflecting on his experiences in the Varsity Cup, Leyds says: “Some of the best memories I created at UWC are the moments I shared with teammates, playing alongside schoolmates and guys whom I shared the field with during Currie Cup games and age group provincial games. It was definitely like a reunion for the guys." For Leyds, the camaraderie and shared history among players created a special bond, contributing to the team's success on the field. The Varsity Cup provided a platform for Leyds to showcase his talent and build lasting connections within the rugby community. Leyds says it is important for UWC to focus on building the right foundation. "It is important for them to do well. Yes, we always want to be the best in everything we do, but for UWC, it is not about winning the tournament. What is more important is to build a solid base this year and remain in the competition." Leyds believes that the team's success lies in playing to their strengths. "I think UWC should not put too much pressure on themselves to chase the tournament and then end up falling off. I think they can do well. I believe that they could make playoffs if they play towards their strengths." Looking back at his time donning the UWC jersey, Leyds express a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie. "I would say it was nothing short of spectacular because the personnel we had in the team were players that have played U/21 Currie Cup with each other. We had a good understanding of each and everyone’s type of game. We had loads of fun during the Varsity Shield, but we were matched up at the back when we got to the Varsity Cup." Leyds' journey from UWC to the international sevens stage exemplifies the transformative impact that playing for UWC can have on a player's career. As the university strives for success in the Varsity Cup, Leyds stands as a shining example of the talent and potential that UWC nurtures within its rugby ranks. by Lyndon Julius

The 2024 FNB Varsity Cup competition got underway yesterday with a victory for defending champions FNB NWU Eagles, a few close encounters and one massive defeat. Here is our selection for the standout players from round 1. Aphele Madaka (FNB NWU Eagles) The Hermanus-born scrumhalf was a live wire on attack for the Eagles, providing quick service from the ruck. He also kept the Maties’ defence guessing with quick tap penalties and sniping runs. His service to his backline and ball runners was crisp and his diminutive stature did not stand in his way of making great defensive reads, enabling the defending champions to start with a victory. Septimus Dercksen (FNB CUT) The inside centre from Ixias was oftentimes used as a human battering ram to get the ball up the field. Coupled with his hard work on defence against FNB UJ, it made for a classic centre performance and an important part of the victory over the Orange Army. Hassiem Paed (FNB Wits) The former Bishops scrumhalf was in impressive form getting over the try line for Wits' bonus point try, handing them a runaway victory over FNB UWC. The livewire number nine kept his forwards on the front foot with quick service from the base of the ruck as well as controlling the set pieces with much aplomb. Ntokozo Makhaza (FNB UCT Ikeys) The Ikeys kicker remained cool, calm and collected slotting it over from all corners of the park while FNB UFS Shimlas could only watch. His seven penalties and one conversion saw him contribute a total of 23 points. This ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams.

FNB NWU Eagles got the defence of their title off to a winning start in the first round of the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup competition with a hard-fought away victory over Maties. FNB UCT Ikeys beat FNB UFS Shimlas in Bloemfontein and FNB CUT did the same with FNB UJ while FNB Wits trashed newcomers FNB UWC in Cape Town. FNB NWU EAGLES 23 – 12 FNB MATIES FNB Varsity Cup Champions NWU FNB Eagles got the defence of their title off to an almost perfect start after beating FNB Maties 20-12 in front of a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. Despite it being a rather low-scoring affair, the Eagles were full value for being the more industrious team on the attack. The visitors also put up a staunch showing on defence to shut out a Maties attack that at times seemed toothless and without the real X-factor. It was the Eagles who had all the right moves, with the playmaking pair of Aphelele Mdaka (scrumhalf) and Zinedine Robinson (flyhalf) pulling the string. The Eagles also played with a bit of reckless abandon, with flyhalf Zinedine Robinson not afraid to send the ball out wide for his wingers to chance their arm. The attacking pressure would eventually pay off in the 21st minute when Robinson threw a lovely inside pass to left winger Naiden Jaarts to score the Eagles' first try and silence a partisan Maties crowd. And nine minutes later the Eagles would extend their lead when Ezekiel Ngobeni crashed over for the visitors' second five-pointer. In the 35th minute, changes by Maties coach Kabamba Floors paid off when Vernon Matongo crashed over after a pick-and-go in front of the Eagles' try line. The start to the 2nd half mirrored that of the first, with no team able to get an early breakthrough in terms of points scoring. The only difference was that Maties seemed to have the upper hand, with the Eagles having to soak up the pressure with desperate defence. A second Robinson penalty in the 67th minute would add to the scoreboard pressure, with Maties running out of answers on attack. And when Charles Wiliams slotted a third penalty to further extend the Eagles' lead, the writing was on the wall. Not even a consolation score by Zuko Poswa in extra time could hide the disappointment on his Maties teammates' faces. SCORERS FNB Maties 12 (7) - Tries:  Vernon Matongo, Zuko Poswa. Conversion: Juan Mostert. FNB NWU Eagles 23 (14) - Tries: Naiden Jaarts, Ezekiel Ngobeni. Conversions: Zinedine Robinson (2). Penalties: Zinedine Robinson (2), Charles Williams. FNB Player That Rocks: Zinedine Robinson (FNB NWU Eagles) TEAMS: FNB Maties: Prince Rotondwa Mulea, Siyasanga Ngubelanga, Friedrich Cornelius Weilbach, Matthys Jacobus Bernardus Kitshoff, Matthew Gray, Eric Chris Basson, Louw Nel, Roland Leonard van der Heever, Ezekiel Mzamane Ngobeni, Juan Mostert, Matthew Emile Van Schalkwyk, Aydon Colin Topley, Ryan Marcus Manuel, Paschal Uzoma Ekeji, Hofmeyr Gideon Retief. FNB NWU: Matome Molebogeng Manyama, Chyle Van Zyl, Ntobeko Thabiso Shezi, Stephan Krugel, Franco Marais, Arminn Posthumus, Tian Van Zyl, Calvin Clack, Aphelele Emihle Madaka, Zinedine Robinson, Naiden Jaarts, Arnoldus Christiaan Vlok, Matthew Luke Fortuin, Keano Ricardo Windvogel, Shaun-Christian Baxter. FNB UCT IKEYS 38 – 32 FNB UFS SHIMLAS FNB UCT Ikeys drew first blood in the 2024 Varsity Cup by beating FNB UFS Shimlas 38-32 in a hard-fought contest in Bloemfontein. The Shimlas outscored the visitors in the tries department, but it was ultimately their discipline that let them down as the left-winger for the Ikeys, Ntokozo Makhaza landed no less than seven penalties. The home team were the first to score with tighthead Riaan van der Merwe crashing over for an unconverted try. The team from the Mother City struck back almost immediately with a double whammy with flankers Taariq Kruger and Siphumezo Dyonase both crossing the tryline. Kwezi Dlamini, who is expected to do well this season, scored for the Shimlas from a quick tap, while Makhaza slotted two penalties for the visitors. Zane Bester’s try for Shimlas made it a one-point ball game, but Makhaza nailed another penalty for the Ikeys to hand them a 21-17 lead at the break. In the second stanza, starting flyhalf Ethan Wentzel and scrumhalf Jandré Nel managed to score two more tries for the hosts. It was however cancelled out by a try from the Player That Rocks, Rethabile Louw, and a further four penalties off the boot of Makhaza. SCORERS FNB UFS Shimlas 32 (17) – Tries: Riaan van der Merwe, Kwezi Dlamini, Zane Bester, Ethan Wentzel, Jandré Nel. Conversations: Ethan Wentzel (2). Penalties: Bradley Giddy FNB UCT Ikeys 38 (21) – Tries: Taariq Kruger, Siphumezo Dyonase, Rethabile Louw. Conversations: Ntokozo Makhaza. Penalties: Makhaza (7) FNB Player That Rocks: Rethabile Louw (FNB UCT Ikeys) TEAMS: FNB UFS Shimlas: Ntokozo Hlophe, Liyema Mgwigwi, Riaan Jacobus van der Merwe, Pierre-Raymond Uys, Reinier Viljoen, Cornelius Hermanus Smit Volschenk, Siyambuka Sobe Nakhane Ningiza, Kwezi Dlamini, Jandré Nel, Ethan SJ Wentzel, Siviwe Zondani, Gideon Jooste Nel, Zane Bester, Kirwin Curtley Du Preez, Michael Annies. FNB UCT Ikeys: Mhleli Khethuxolo Khuzwayo, Keagan Blanckenberg, Bryan Justin Le Roux, Enos Ndiao, Johan van Rhyn, Siphumezo Dyonase, Taariq Mohammed Kruger, Laro Delport, Riaan Genis, Kian Davis, Ntokozo Sibusiso Makhaza, Joshua Boulle, Rethabile Donovan Louw, Luke John Burger, Duran Ryan Koevort. FNB CUT 23 – 19 FNB UJ Dogged defending from FNB CUT as well as poor discipline from FNB UJ handed the former a handy 23-19 victory at home in Bloemfontein. Early penalties by Juan Arnold Smith gave the Ixias breathing room with the Orange Army shut out for the whole of the first half. Speedster Zachery Bester sliced through the visiting defence to score the first try of the game. A second-half resurgence from UJ ensured that the game wasn't without its twists. Tries from UJ's Prince Nkabinde, Likhaya Tengimfene and Marius Coetzee kept the pressure on the hosts. Ultimately, Ixias stayed strong at the back to remain unbeaten against their opponents since 2019. SCORERS FNB CUT 23 (13) - Tries: Zachery Bester, Adielson Gouveia. Penalties: Juan Arnold Smith (2), Christiaan Rheeder. FNB UJ 19 (0) Tries - Prince Nkabinde, Likhaya Tengimfene, Marius Coetzee. Conversions: Rowan Malgas Player That Rocks: Janco Cloete (CUT) TEAMS FNB CUT: Albertus Human Venter, Tokelo Oratile Ntaopane, Sisipho Nofuya, Asekho Phindile Marubelela, Kevin Strydom, Tjaart Jurie Van der Walt, Tsebano Edward Stemer, Jacobus Johannes Cloete, Triveno Swartz, Juan Arnold Smith, Zachery Bester, Septimus Dercksen, Liam Prinsloo, Adielson Gouveia, Natanael Young. FNB UJ: Roedolf Fouche Schoeman, Mauritz Swart, Heiko Peter Eugene Pohlmann, Tiaan Wessels, Marius Coetzee, Testimony Boluwatife Dodo, Philip Apea Adu, Kamohelo Rorisang Molefe, Kgothatso Sono, Rowan Malgas, Prince Nkabinde, Likhaya Tengimfene, Siphesihle Austin Nkabini, Meyer Kriel, Boldwin Hansen. FNB WITS 66 – 10 FNB UWC It was a near-perfect start for FNB Wits when they outsmarted newcomers FNB UWC 66-10 in Bellville at the UWC Sport Stadium. A healthy 31-10 halftime lead meant the visitors had secured the bonus point when the siren sounded. Nine tries to a solo 38th-minute try from UWC's second rower Louan De Lange is a testament to an all-around clinical and disciplined display of rugby by the visiting side. Relentless attacking phases by the visiting side forced the home team to make several tackles in the opening quarter of the match with loose forward Kelvin Kanenungo and scrumhalf Hassiem Pead making sure Wits got across the advantage with ease. The home side's woes were compounded when their captain Tasriq Mynhardt sustained an injury in the first half forcing him off the field. Wits scored three tries to one in the final ten minutes of the opening stanza. Ngia Selengbe, Pead, and veteran second-rower Cal Smid added their names to the try-scoring sheet. Setshaba Mokoena kept the scoreboard ticking over with three successful conversions from his five attempts. The visitors picked up the pace where they left it in the opening half, Grobbelaar completing a brace of tries with a try apiece coming from Kabelo Mokheti and Elizee Kwitonda. Mokoena's accuracy off the tee kept the distance between the two sides growing on the scoreboard. As the final ten minutes of the match approached, FNB Wits crossed the 50-point mark when Kwitonda crashed over from close range. UWC made a few promising runs but the defensive resolve and discipline from the visitors meant that they were restricted to a solo first-half try. SCORERS FNB UWC 10 (10) – Tries: Louan De Lange Conversions: Conwill Conradie Penalties: Conradie FNB Wits 66 (31) – Tries: Marno Grobbelaar (2), Kelvin Kanenungo, Ngia Selengbe, Hassiem Pead, Cal Smid, Kabelo Mokheti, Elizee Kwitonda, DeWet Fourie (2). Conversions: Setshaba Mokoena (5), Tireque Apolles FNB Player That Rocks: Mark Snyman (FNB Wits) TEAMS FNB UWC: Hlonela Qelile, James Hermann Coetzee, Keanuh Cameron Michaels, Michail Kasfikis, Carel Van der Merwe, Almore JNR Abraham Scott Kuilders, Louan De Lange, Romuad Nsombamanya, Conwill Brooklyn Conradie, Aaron Benjamin Swartz, Hlomla Ncana, Emile Silvis, Zhaun-Jacques Johan Brynard, Will Bradford Vraagom, Tasriq Mynhardt. FNB Wits: Elizee Kwitonda, Marno Grobbelaar, Sibusiso Shongwe, George Lawson St Leger Devenish, Cal Smid, Kelvin Kanenungo, Dewet-Grant Fourie, Lindokuhle Ncusane, Mogamad Hassiem Pead, Kabelo Mokhethi, Liyema Matyolweni, Mark Dilan Snyman, Ngia Selengbe, Dustyn Matthew Holmes, Setshaba Mohlakoane Mokoena.

Newcomers FNB Varsity College are coming into the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition with high hopes and expectations. The men from Durban’s promotion did not come by fluke, but rather as the result of a consistently impressive run throughout the build-up games into their debut season. Head coach Jeremy McLaren believes his team has taken the new challenge head on and they are excited for what lies ahead. “It’s a really nice opportunity and a blessing for us to now be part of this campaign. We are preparing ourselves mentally as strong as we can. I think there’s a lot of aspects to the game, so we are trying to cover the mental aspects, the human aspects and the physical aspects.” “With everything being new to us, we’ve taken the challenge by the horns. We are excited about it (promotion) and I think we will grow very strong as Varsity College. It’s still early days,” McLaren adds. Varsity College made a big statement at the USSA Championships putting together a string of big scores, a notable one being the 63-0 victory over their city rivals, Durban University of Technology (DUT). Their USSA run earned them a promotion/relegation match where they were victorious over the now-relegated FNB Rhodes by a narrow margin of 12-10. McLaren says they relish the ticket into their first Varsity Shield opportunity. “We will always respect any opposition and I think we played well in the sense that we were motivated by the opportunity to be able to play in the Shield campaign. I always say we have to crawl before we walk and at the moment we are crawling and we will slowly walk. “We will play a good brand for our people to watch and enjoy. As a team, we will do our best to make everyone proud. We don’t want to be too loose and get ourselves knocked out of the Shield campaign. We will bring the fight.” Varsity College’s first test will be at home in Durban against FNB TUT on Friday 23 February. PROVISIONAL SQUAD (Subject to change) Abande Mthembu, Benjamin Brett Field, Bunono Jabavu, Cade Latham, Chumani Nxoyi, Dallyn Johannes Beukes, Daniel Hendrik Van Huizen, Dyllan Nienaber, Enzo Van Niekerk, Erich Carl Ortmann, Ethan Hill, Frederick Nicolaas Marx, Garren Muller, Jacques Theron Du Toit Marais, Johan Cilliers Viljoen, Joshua Aising, Juan Orde Steyl, Laythan Sheehan, Laython Nel, Luke Christopher Horak, Macmillan Zvikomborero Mudara, Mandisi Nkutha, Mbasa Larry Nkonki, Michael Ayibongwe Ngwenya, Michael Jonathan Horak, Okuhlekodwa Asibonge Meyiwa, Philani Dwayne Khoza, Robert Anton Everson, Sivuyisiwe Mpendu, Sonwabo Maseko, Steven Scott, Thabo Njapha, Thendo Netshidzati, Thobelani Jili, Tshegofatso Ramaloko, Werner Coetzee. by Mpendulo Letsoalo

With the 2024 season of the FNB Varsity Cup kicking off this Monday 19 February we take a look at the player to watch in each of the teams. Here is our selection for the players we think will be bring the heat and deliver outstanding performances. FNB NWU - Arminn Posthumus The dynamic flanker played in huge role in helping the Eagles lift the trophy and they will be looking to him once again to dominate the rucks and mauls if they are to be crowned back-to-back champions this year. He also has the ability to carve open the defence so keep an eye out for his snipping runs. FNB UJ - Prince Nkabinde An absolute tank on the wing for the UJ orange army who has bulldozed his way over the line to score some memorable tries like this. FNB Wits - Setshaba Mokoena Don't sleep on the Wits fullback who has ability to produce spectacular runs from the deep. FNB Maties - Grant De Jager The maroon machine centre made his debut last year and immediatley made an impression and was named as an FNB Impact player. The Junior Bok will be looking to dominate the midfield this season. FNB UWC - Conwill Conradie The UWC scrummie was instrumental in marshalling the team to win the FNB Varsity Shield tournament unbeaten last year and be automatically promoted to the Cup competition. He was named as the overall FNB Player of the Tournament and you can expect him to be heavily involved once again as the Cape side return to the top tier. FNB CUT - Zac Bester The Ixias centre was simply unmanageable last season and caused endless problems for opposing defences. He broke the line at will and scored several outstanding tries. FNB UCT - Enos Ndiao The Ikeys made the final last year and one of their breakout players was young Enos Ndiao who was a powerhouse in the forwards and a driving force of most of their tap and go set plays. He was nominated for the Suzuki Rookie of The Year award so expect big things from him in his second season. FNB UFS - Kwezi Dlamini A top try scorer for the Shimlas last year and a crucial part of their success in making the semi-finals. The loose forward will no doubt be making good use of his speed and power this season. The FNB Varsity Cup 2024 tournament kicks-off on Monday 19 February and you can see see all the FIXTURES HERE.

Conditioning has been at the centre of FNB WSU’s fitness regimen in preparation for the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield Competition. Head coach Thembani Mkhokheli, who took up the top job at the beginning of last season, says despite losing key players, the spirit amongst the team remains high thanks to a handful of decent warm-up games. “So far preparations are going pretty well. Obviously, you lose a couple of players due to them graduating, but we still have a really nice core of our squad of 2023, though a lot of work still needs to be done.” Also critical to the squad’s preparations has been the clarification of roles and responsibilities for each player’s position, and the subsequent building of confidence. Mkhokheli says the warm-up games against NMU, Berlin Tigers, UFH and the Border Bulldogs over the last couple of weeks have played an integral part in helping the squad implement its strategies and tactics in real-match scenarios. “We have to make sure everyone is clear and confident about their role when it comes to our attack and defensive play. We’re very lucky to have quite a few players who played for the Border Under 21 squad last year. This is a testament to a team talented enough to go far in this year’s competition.” This year marks Mkhokheli’s seventh year in coaching circles. He made his debut in 2017 following his appointment as Border Under 20 head coach. Another opportunity would come knocking as he was roped in to be a part of the SA Rugby Academy defensive coaching staff. In 2018 he moved from the junior ranks to the senior ranks when he became Border’s assistant coach, a position still holds. As a player, Mkhokheli represented the SA Emerging Sevens team in 2005 and played over 100 games for the Border Bulldogs senior team as a fly-half and fullback. WSU start their 2024 Varsity Shield campaign with a match at home against FNB UKZN on Thursday 22 February at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (Subject to change) Yandisa Mahobe, Sinethemba Zwelonke, Regiano Buis, Lwandile Nathi Majozi, Dayton Berndt, Ayabonga Spelt, Mangaliso Zixesha, Sibulele Manyube, Siphamandla Jaza, Yandisa Myokwana, Lutho Mampunye, Kamva Tetani, Axola Mtyali, Azasakhe Puwani, Esethu Zenani, Khanya Solani, Kwazi Ngwaqa, Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, Pernell Mandes, Hlomla Payi, Sinethemba Buhlungu, Lizole Hebe, Asenam Mniki, Ethan Flucks, Simamkele Luphondo, Isiphe Mbini, Maxwell Klaasen, Sosulwe Mqonci, Qhayiya Makalima, Lilitha Nxanga, Hlumelo Zitha, Awonke Sondishe, Axola Mtalana, Bulelani Nondlwana, Beon Hartnick, Asisipho Jim, Anganathi Kiswa, Sikho Gaushe, Simosethu Capa, Simthembile Zozi, Zenande Mdledle, Malakhiwe Xolo, Lisolethu Valisi, Lukhangele Tshayi. By Thando Cezula

Following a difficult campaign last year, FNB UKZN is looking to bounce back in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield competition. The men from KwaZulu-Natal could only muster a single victory from their seven matches, leaving them second from the bottom on the log and just above the now-relegated FNB Rhodes. Speaking to Varsity Shield, new head coach Naseeb Abrahams lifted the lid on some of the reasons behind the disappointing season last year and the preparations his team has made ahead of the upcoming season. “Time was an issue. We didn’t have the time we desired and enough prep under our belt in the lead-up to the competition last year, especially since a number of our more experienced players had left the team. So we were probably behind from the beginning. “We’ve really worked hard on the strength and conditioning of the team this year which was one of the areas where we felt we were behind in last year. There have been massive improvements all-round from the team.” Abrahams acknowledges the Impis will be forced to come back stronger if they plan to make it out of the round-robin stages this year. “Our biggest change is that we have put a major focus on restoring the culture of the Impis, our values, and what we stand for as a team. This is going to be one of the toughest Varsity Shield campaigns in a long time but we are proud of what we are going to be bringing on this season. We are excited for what lies ahead.” UKZN’s first match is against FNB WSU at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Thursday 22 February. PROVISIONAL SQUAD LIST (subject to change) Uli Walker, Ben Maseko, Mumbo Nzama, Merlyn Bishop, Thabiso Ncube, Mbongeni Geco, Tarriq Osman, Qhawe Nxumalo, Simamukelo Mkhwanazi, Jordan Ramsay, Nhlakanipho Mathonsi, Wilhelm Fenkse, Yolanda Miya, Walter Moyo, Olothando Booi, Amahle Dlamini, Tinotenda Mazhindu, Mthomboyolo Buzani, Sikhona Ndulini, Wela Takata, Wandile, Zak Smith, Thando Cele, Minenhle Ngcamu, Khanya Kama, Jarryd Nicholls, Russel Fick, Singele Mkhize, Lusanda Ndlovu, Zamokuhle Zulu, Somanga Jho, Thato Matsoso, Ntobeko Mhlongo, Kwandile Mthethwa, Cham Zondeki, Ovayo Jezile, Milowo Matebese, Ntokozo Ngema. by Mpendulo Letsoalo

After missing the semi-finals of last year’s competition by just two points, FNB UJ head coach Jonathan Mokuena believes that his charges have had enough time to bounce back and prepare for the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup. “[There’s been] a lot of excitement, obviously. It’s been a long, almost 20 weeks of preparations. There is excitement now that the boys are ready to go and measure themselves against the teams that they are going to play.” The Orange Army head into the season without some of their marquee players, such as Mpho Kubheka, former co-captain Kelvin Kanenungo, Shaun Bexter and Elijah Kwitando. “We have lost about six players to other universities and it’s something we cannot control. Those are quality players. That experience you don’t pick up overnight. It comes with time, it comes with investing in them. They will be missed but it is an opportunity for the new kids to step up,” says Mokuena. UJ has never lifted the coveted trophy, however, Mokuena hopes that this is the year they tell a different story. “That is ultimately our goal, and we want to make the university proud.” According to Mokuena, the squad’s numerous warm-up games leading up to the showpiece, including their encounter against the Northam Platinum Rhinos, which saw them win by a whopping 59-14 was an indicator of areas that the team still needs to improve. It also showed how the players handle pressure. “I wanted to see what the players are like when the environment is a challenge. When we played Rhinos, we were on a bus for three hours, played the game and then on the bus for another three hours. For me it’s to see their character. Of course, you cannot simulate the real thing, but we tried to create as close to the game.” The Orange Army will travel to Bloemfontein to face FNB CUT on Monday 19 February in their opening game of the 2024 season. PROVISIONAL SQUAD (Subject to change): Ughan Africa, Philip Apea Adu, Damian Baker, Oela Blaauw, David Cary, Kirwan Cupido, Marius Coetzee, Shah Jehaan de Jongh, Sfiso Dlamini, Testimony Dodo, Likhona Finca, Athini Galada, Ali Gqaza, Dieter Groenewald, Bian Janse van Rensburg, Kamva Kalipa, Kurtley Kiewit, Meyer Kriel, Bandile Lekhuleni, Janiel Losper, Rowan Malgas, Ryan Marimo, Kamohelo Rorisang, Divan Moss, KB Mothlajwe, Walter Moyo, Francois Pretorius, Aiden Muller, Siyemukela Ndlovu, Prince Nkabinde, Ace Nongongo, Len Pelser, Liam Rowan, Jody Schambreel, RF Schoeman, Riaan Swart, Franco Schutte, Keagan Smith, Andrew Siminyu, Christopher Sjoblom, Kgothatso Sono, JP Swanepoel, Mauritz Swart, Eric Taute, Indi Tyeda, Likhaya Tengimfene, Connor van Buuren, Tiaan Wessels, Katlego Xaba by Karabo Peter