The FNB Varsity Cup 2025 season has kicked-off with a bang as FNB Maties avenged their semi-final loss to FNB UFS last year with a nailbiting victory over the defending champs at the Danie Craven in Stellenbosch. FNB CUT claimed crucial points away from home and newly promoted FNB UP-Tuks pick up a bonus point win on their return to the competition. In Cape Town the Ikey Tigers match against the NWU Eagles was postponed as the teams were warming up after a student protest at the Green Mile.
Maties 41-37 Shimlas
FNB Maties marked their 150th anniversary in spectacular fashion, securing a thrilling 41-37 victory over the defending Varsity Cup champions, Shimlas. Fans were entertained with a fast paced match as both teams produced exciting, end-to-end rugby from the first minute. Maties head coach Kabamba Floors had lots to smile about with the character displayed by his youthful squad, which included 17 debutants with an average age of just 21.
Scorers:
FNB Maties 41 (22)
Tries: Elridge Jack, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Luan Botha, Armand Combrink, Joel Leotlela.
FNB Shimlas 37 (16)
Tries: Kirwin du Preez 2, Marnus Winter.
FNB Player That Rocks: Ezekiel Ngobeni (Maties).
Teams:
Maties: Prince Mulea, Armand Combrink, Herman Lubbe, Zuko Poswa, Carel van
der Merwe, Fortune Mpofu, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Ezekiel Ngobeni ©,
Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Joel Leotlela, CJ Marx Ryan Manuel Grant de Jager,
Elridge Jack.
Shimlas: Ntokozo Hlophe, Marnus Winter, Ben Pitout, Reinier, Viljoen, Juan Venter,
Henri van Heerden, Yaseen Arendse, Liam Shamburg , Hlumelo Klaas, Bradley
Pierre Giddy, Siviwe Zondani, Alwich van der Linde, Nkoka Ngobe
UJ 13 – 29 CUT
FNB UJ kicked off their 2025 Varsity Cup campaign with a case of déjà vu, suffering another defeat to FNB CUT in the highly anticipated opening round. A one-sided contest at UJ Stadium, saw the visiting team bring a wealth of experience to the pitch, securing a convincing 29-13 victory.
Scorers:
FNB UJ 13 (3)
Tries: Adriano Jackson, Liam Rowan.
FNB CUT 29 (17)
Tries: Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Tokelo Ntaopane, Devinto Vergotine, Juan Smith, Malcom Lamont.
FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Smith (CUT)
Teams:
UJ: Angelo Dube, Ryan Marimo, Bian van der Rensburg, Jaden Baillie, Josh du Toit,
Dylan Viljoen, Siyemukela Ndlovu ©, Kamo Molefe, Berwyn Bosch, Mihle Matinise,
Ughan Africa, Reuven Ferreira, Sifiso Dlamini, Adriano Jackson, Asemahle
Mafenyana.
CUT: Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Tokelo Ntaopane, Sisipho Nofuya, Asekho
Marubelela, Kevin Strydom, JT van der Walt, Jakobus Cloete, Francois Bester ©, KT
Sono, Juan Smith, Adielson Gouveia, Liam Prinsloo, Zachery Bester, Liam Pekeur,
Devinto Vergotine.
Wits 8 – 35 UP-Tuks
UP-Tuks opened their Varsity Cup campaign with a bonus point win over hosts FNB Wits at a wet Wits Rugby Stadium. Conditions were difficult, with the continuous drizzle making the playing surface slippery. However, this didn’t stop the UP-Tuks from securing a 35-8 victory.
Scorers:
FNB WITS 8 (8)
Tries: Chris Kachungunu
FNB UP-TUKS 35 (14)
Tries: Allister Williams (3), Christiaan Vlok, Munashe Dukuswa.
FNB Player That Rocks: Dillion Smith (UP-TUKS)
Teams:
WITS: Ricardo Brandao, Justin Amos, Sibusiso Shongwe, Kgoposto Matlena, JD Hattingh, Joshua van Vreden, Chris Kachungunu, Thomas Beling, Drew Bennet, Tireque Apolles, Ngia Selengbe, Setshaba Mokoena (C), Liyema Matyolweni, Dustyn Holmes, Tirhani Masondo.
UP-TUKS: MJ Nel, Allister Williams, Johan Louw, Lilitha Matsiliza, Roald Hattingh, Kamohelo Tlome, Haydn Kemp, Dillon Smith (C), Chad-Lee Valentine, JP Wentzel, Munashe Dukuswa, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Christiaan Vlok, Ambesa Zenzile, Tharquinn Manuel.
You can see fixtures, results and logs: HERE
You can buy tickets: HERE
Courtesy Varsity Sports and Varsity Cup
