FNB Varsity Shield 2026 began in dramatic fashion on Friday with high scoring matches as UKZN met SPU, the 2025 runner’s up Madibaz took on CPUT, while UFH clashed with UWC and WSU met WITS at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.

FNB UFH 12 – 38 FNB UWC
The Varsity Shield clash between FNB UFH and FNB UWC produced a high-octane contest, with both teams playing at full intensity from the opening whistle, but it was the visitors who walked away with all the points on Friday after the match, held at an undisclosed venue. It was an entertaining encounter with both teams showing flashes of quality. However, UWC’s clinical finishing and control proved decisive as they powered to a convincing 38-12 victory.

Scorers:
FNB UFH: (0) 12
TRIES: Ukho Nomsatha, Chris Gqobhoka.

FNB UWC: (21) 38
TRIES: Marciano Forbes X2, Shilubane Nhlamulo, Juma Amisi, Hlomla Ncana,
Damon Leighton.

FNB Player of the Match: Marciano Forbes (UWC)

Teams:
FNB UFH: Mawande Sotewu, Inga Vellem, Mbasa Babele, Mpho Ramahala, Liyema Hlitane, Alizwa Majila, Michael Mangava, Yanga Gazi, Abongile Yeye, Siyamthanda Sakhela, Liyema Ngoyi, Lisolethu Jali, Takudzwa Rushiza, Bulumko Mfundisi, Ukho Nomsatha.

FNB UWC: Qelile Hlonela, Marciano Forbes, Graigan Matroos, Alexander-Jaco Van Der Merwe, Melumzi Mandongana, Melvin Diedericks, Danston Cloete (C), Leighton Damon, Dwayne Badenhorst, Nhlamulo Shilubane, Juma Amisi, Denver Van Wyk, Hlomla Ncana, Keith Syster, Aaron Swartz (V).

 

FNB CPUT 30 – 20 FNB Madibaz
FNB CPUT produced a spirited comeback to defeat FNB Madibaz 30-20 on Friday at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, overturning an early setback that included two costly yellow cards in a dramatic momentum shift. FNB Madibaz opened the scoring in the ninth minute, then added to their advantage to go 10-0 up. FNB CPUT responded with some attacking play and managed to take the lead before half time. Madibaz fought hard but could not keep up with the hosts, who secured a composed 30-20 victory.

Scorers:
FNB CPUT: (17) 30
TRIES: Samukelisiwe Madonsela X2, Lindisipho Kula, Reuben Noble, Dwayne Atkins.

FNB Madibaz: (10) 20
TRIES: Johan van Zyl, Dewald Gerber, Qurin Cupido, Mtika Oliphant.

FNB Player of the Match: Samukelisiwe Madonsela (CPUT)

Teams:
FNB CPUT: Emihle Akho Benya, Lindisipho Lihle Kula, Kieran Delaan Naidoo (C), Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga, Abongile Kude Golela, Lazola Amahle Makaula, Simphiwe Gift Thabede, Yibanathi Daki, Jayson January, Reuben Thorne Noble, Samukelisiwe Sandile Madonsela, Mbuso Maseko, Jacquin Farrol Jacobus, Dwayne Grant Atkins, Noah Matthe Pekeur.

FNB Madibaz: Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, Lihlumelo Mantewu, Dandre Van Jaarsveld, Luan Verster, De Wet Goedhals, Johan van Zyl, Dewald Gerber (V), Chad Weimann, Layron Milborrow, Emihle Zaza, Qurin Cupido, Edward Kruger (C), Mvelo Fipaza, Raashied Conrad.

 

FNB UKZN 46 -15 FNB SPU

FNB UKZN stormed to the top of the log after an emphatic 46-15 victory over FNB SPU at Howard College Rugby Stadium on Friday. The Durban side ran in eight tries in a dominant display, leaving no doubt about their intent for the 2026 Varsity Shield. The Gemmies tried to respond with their three tries, but FNB UKZN’s powerful forward pack and clinical finishing kept the home side in control throughout the match.

Scorers:
FNB UKZN: (22) 46
TRIES: Eloko Kayekeze, Jordan Ramsay X2, Frederick Maglas, Ayanda Ngubane, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, Jovawn Visagie.

FNB SPU: (5)15
TRIES: Ntokozo Ndwalane X3

FNB Player of the Match: Frederick Maglas (FNB UKZN)

Teams:
FNB UKZN: Abulele Bolotini, Jordan Ramsamy, Ntokozo Ngema, Ndabezinhle Ngubane, Mzwandile Khawula, Aphelele Dlamini, Mthomboyolo Buzani (C), Lian Lochner, Juan Viljoen, Ntobeko Mhlongo, Minehle Mfanelo Ngcamu, Siso France.

FNB SPU: Liam Harmse, Jan Potgieter (C), Emile Noble, Kwandokuhle Dlamini, Tumelo Papane, Tyron China (V), Kabelo Keagile, Joshua Vomberg, Dwayne Lubbe, Calvin Paulsen, Raees Sahabodien, Enzo Machaba, Jaiden Faviers, Michael Prinsloo, Sithabiso Dube.

 

FNB WSU 27 – 27 FNB WITS

FNB WSU and FNB Wits played out a thrilling encounter at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Friday, with both sides delivering an attacking spectacle. The match saw a total of eight tries, with FNB WSU crossing three times and FNB Wits, five. In the end, the match finished in a hard-fought 27-27 draw, a fair reflection of the evenly matched sides. Both teams showcased skill, determination, and resilience, leaving fans excited for what the rest of the 2026 Varsity Shield season has in store.

Scorers:
FNB WSU: (24) 27
TRIES: Thembela Folo, Lukhangele Tshayi
DG: Lukhangele Tshayi
CON: Isiphe Mbini

FNB Wits: (5) 27
TRIES: Liam Santos, Ayanda Bonoyi, Dustyn Holmes, Bonga Nxumalo.

FNB Player of the Match: Lukhangele Tshayi (WSU)

Teams:
FNB WSU: Mihlali Nohoyeka, Mangaliso Zixesha, Yoyisa Mahobe, Luvo Zindela, Azasakhe Phuwani, Siyamthanda Ncapayi, Khonaye Mbakaza, Sipho Hobosch, Thembela Folo, Lukhangele Tshayi, Asisipho Jim, Paseka Mokoena, Bulelani Nondlwana, Ahlule Zokoza, Isiphe Mbini.

FNB Wits: Ricardo Brandoa, Dylan Piek, Meyer Opperman, Thinus Oosthuizen, Hayden Munnery, Liam Santos, Christopher Kachungunu, Jamaal Feldman, Gideon Diedericks, Matthew Coetzee, Ayanda Bonoyi, McMillen Mongwana, Lindani Dweba, Dustyn Holmes, Latica Nela.

You can catch up with the log and see all fixtures: HERE.

Courtesy Varsity Cup