FNB Maties got their 2025 FNB Varsity Cup campaign off to a winning start, clinching a nail-biting 41-37 victory over defending champions FNB UFS (Shimlas) at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday evening (17 February).
From the first minute both teams produced exciting, end-to-end rugby. Every time Maties scored the Shimlas responded quickly, making for an entertaining contest.
The home side led 22-16 at half-time in a fast-paced, action-packed match.
The intense humidity and heat led to several handling errors, with Maties struggling more as a result of the sweaty ball, while Shimlas slipped a number of tackles in the first half.
Despite these challenges, Maties’ five tries and a penalty try two minutes before the final whistle were enough to withstand the Shimlas’ relentless pressure.
Maties head coach Kabamba Floors can be particularly pleased with the character displayed by his youthful squad, which included 17 debutants and had an average age of just 21.
The home side’s tries were scored by Elridge Jack, Ezekiel Ngobeni (FNB Player That Rocks), Luan Botha, Armand Combrink and Joel Leotlela.
- The team’s next match will be in Potchefstroom against FNB NWU Eagles at 19:00 on Monday 24 February.
