FNB CPUT faced a daunting challenge in the 2026 Varsity Shield as they squared off against the FNB University of Fort Hare (UFH) Blues.

Displaying remarkable resolve, the UFH Blues excelled in the second half, ultimately overpowering FNB CPUT with a striking performance that saw them rack up an impressive seven tries, while CPUT managed four in response.

The exhilarating match unfolded at the lively Davidson Stadium in Alice, where passionate fans filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored the significance of the contest. In a display of skill, teamwork, and relentless determination, the UFH Blues secured a well-deserved victory, finishing the game with a commanding score of 41-22.

This defeat marked the second consecutive loss for FNB CPUT, following a tough battle against FNB Sol Plaatje University (FNB SPU) just a week prior at their home ground. The team is now left to reflect on their challenges as they seek to regroup and improve for their upcoming matches.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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FNB WSU produced a clinical first-half performance before holding off a spirited second-half comeback from FNB CPUT to secure victory in Bellville.

The All Blacks opened the scoring early in the game when Sandisiwe Mkwayimba crossed the line for a clean try and Isiphe Mbini added the conversion to give the visitors an early lead.

Mkwayimba struck again in the finishing off another attacking move to extend their advantage. The successful tap and kick play pushed the score even further for the visitors.

Just before the break, Lukhangele Tshayi added to the troubles of the Blue Wave with a try followed by a successful conversion, sending FNB WSU into halftime with a commanding lead.

The Blue Wave came out with renewed energy in the second half with Jacquin Jacobus powering over for the hosts’ first try of the evening, with the tap and kick play successful to narrow the gap between the teams.

Momentum began to swing towards FNB CPUT just five minutes later when Yibanathi Daki crossed the line and Reuben Noble calmly slotted the conversion to bring the home side within touching distance.

However, FNB WSU regained control when Tshayi grabbed his second try of the match. The successful tap and play restored breathing room for the visitors, extending the score for them.

FNB CPUT continued to push until the final moments and were rewarded in the dying moments of the game when Noah Pekeur scored a late try, the tap and kick attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 34-22.

Despite the loss, FNB CPUT's second-half fightback showed resilience, while FNB WSU's dominance in the first half proved decisive in securing the victory.

SCORERS

FNB CPUT: (0) 22
Tries: Yibanathi Daki, Jacquin Jacobus, Dwayne Atkins

FNB WSU: (24) 34
Tries: Sandisiwe Mkhwayimba X3, Lukhangele Tshayi.

FNB Player of the Match: Lukhangele Tshayi (FNB WSU)

TEAMS

FNB CPUT: Emihle Akho Benya; Lindisipho Lihle Kula; Kieran Delaan Naidoo; Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga; Abongile Kude Golela; Simphiwe Gift Thabede; Yibanathi Daki; Denley Krid Adams; Jayson January Reuben Thorne Noble; Samukelisiwe Sandile Madonsela; Mbuso Maseko; Jacquin Farrol Jacobus; Dwayne Grant Atkins; Noah Matthew Pekeur.

FNB WSU: Mihlali Nohoyeka; Mangaliso Zixesha; Yoyisa Mahobe; Luvo Zindela; Sandisiwe Mkwayimba; Siya Ncapayi; Khanaye Mbakaza; Sipho Hobosch; Thembela Folo; Isiphe Mbini; Asisipho Jim; Bulelani Nondlwana; Axola Mtalana; Ahlule Zokoza; Lukhangele Tshayi.

Written by CPUT News
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FNB UWC overpowered FNB CPUT 51-32 in a high-scoring FNB Varsity Shield clash at UWC Stadium on Friday evening.

The home side set the tone early, breaking the deadlock in the third minute when scrumhalf Dywane Badenhorst dotted down following a powerful rolling maul, with fullback Aaron Swartz adding the extras. Although FNB CPUT responded through hooker Lindisipho Kula from a lineout drive, FNB UWC’s dominance up front proved decisive.

Centre Hlomla Ncana was instrumental in the first half, crossing twice - including a superb finish in the corner as FNB UWC built a commanding 22-5 halftime lead.

The visitors showed renewed intent after the break, with Dwayne Atkins grabbing two tries to keep FNB CPUT in contention. However, FNB UWC’s forward pack continued to impose themselves, with winger Amisi Juma and substitute Keno Alexander extending the advantage.

Ncana completed a memorable hat-trick in the 69th minute before Leighton Damon and Juma added further tries to seal the result. FNB CPUT fought until the end, adding late scores through Jacquin Jacobus and Yibanathi Phoncana, but FNB UWC had the final say. Swartz, who controlled proceedings brilliantly from the back and contributed valuable points from the tee, was deservedly named Player of the Match.

SCORERS

FNB UWC: (22) 51

Tries: Hlomla Ncana X3, Juma Amisi X2, Dwayne Badenhorst, Keno Alexander, Leighton Damon.

FNB CPUT: (5) 32

Tries: Dwayne Atkins X2, Lindisipho Kula, Philasande Ngcobo, Jacquin Jacobus. Yibanathi Phoncana.

FNB Player of the Match: Aaron Swartz (FNB UWC)

FNB CPUT stunned last year's runner's up Madibaz 30-20 in a thrilling encounter at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville on Friday.

FNB Madibaz opened the scoring in the ninth minute when flank Johan van Zyl crashed over after a series of powerful pick-and-go phases. The conversion attempt went astray, leaving the score at 5-0. The visitors extended their advantage just four minutes later as no. 8, Dewald Gerber, forced his way across the line, but another missed conversion saw them stretch their lead to 10-0.

FNB CPUT responded in the 28th minute as winger Samukelisiwe Madonsela crossed the line, although the conversion was missed, leaving a score of 10-5. Madonsela added his second in the 36th minute after good work with Noah Peuker, and this time flyhalf Reuben Noble converted to give the home side a 12-10 lead. Just a minute later, Noble crossed the line to extend the lead to 17-0, sending his side into halftime with momentum firmly in their favour.

In the second half, FNB Madibaz closed the gap in the 56th minute when centre Qurin Cupido crossed for a try, cutting the deficit to 17-15. FNB CPUT’s forward pack responded with authority just eight minutes later, powering a dominant driving maul that hooker Lihle Kula finished to extend their lead to 22-15.

Winger Dwayne Atkins extended the lead 10 minutes before the final whistle for the hosts – FNB CPUT held a 27-15 cushion. Noble added a crucial penalty in the 77th minute, extending FNB CPUT’s lead to 30-15 and putting the game firmly out of reach.

FNB Madibaz managed a late consolation try through Lukhanyiso Olifant in the stoppage time, but the hosts had already done enough to secure 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)

FNB Varsity Shield 2026 kicks off this Friday and the first game of the season will see FNB CPUT take on FNB Madibaz (Nelson Mandela University) at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville.

The game is scheduled to start at 5pm and will also be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Tickets for the game will go on sale from noon on 11 February via the cashiers in Bellville, District Six and Wellington.

The tickets cost R30 per person and only 2 000 tickets are available. 

The FNB Varsity Shield and FNB Varsity Cup 2026 season was officially launched with a vibrant event at the V&A Waterfront amphitheatre, setting the tone for another epic year of student rugby and what promises to be another unforgettable season.

SuperSport presenter Cato Louw hosted interviews with the captains, giving fans insight into team expectations, leadership roles, and the excitement building ahead of the season which begins on 13 February for the Shield competition and 16 February for the opening round of the Cup tournament. The live show blended broadcast-ready moments with crowd interaction, reinforcing the tournament’s “Who’s NXT?” narrative and spotlighting the next generation of rugby talent.

The launch also featured an explanation of the newly introduced Tap or Kick rule aimed at promoting attacking rugby by giving teams who score a try to go for the conventional conversion or opt for a tap on the 22m line where they will have 120 seconds to score another try and gain a further 5 points.

Written by CPUT News
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In a spine-chilling fixture between longtime adversaries, FNB CPUT and FNB UWC, the home side edged a nerve-wracking match 28-27. For this historic victory, FNB CPUT relied on their game drivers to make the correct calls and on the day, it proved to benefit them.

“We find ourselves adding one percent more effort collectively to achieve our objectives in the tournament,” says team captain, Kieran Naidoo. Kieran says the team is feeling hungry to achieve more, after a tough rebuilding phase last year. “It was very tough to shake off the negativity but through actions and the backing of our coaching staff we were very determined to put CPUT rugby back on the pedestal we found it. It’s a great feeling making history being the first CPUT team to beat UWC, however, we remain humble and grounded as we have not achieved what we want to yet.”

CPUT went into the match with an underdog tag but Kieran says: “We are an isolated camp that is not fazed by labels or titles as we know how distracting it can be. Going into the derby we pulled tighter to each other, after a disappointing performance against Varsity College.”

The modest third-year Sport Management student says the team is not carried away by this victory and they don’t want to think or talk about the final or play offs. We have not thought as far as a play off as yet, we take one game at a time as we know how costly looking too far ahead can be.”

The team has a tough encounter against FNB Madibaz away in Gqeberha on Friday, 28 March and that’s where the team’s focus shall remain says Kieran. “It is incredible working under the coaching staff of coach, Alistair Theys, Ramone Samuels, Jongi Nokwe and Johan Pedro as they have a wealth of experience but allow us as the team to make decisions not controlling our every move, allowing us to grow and develop experience for big game.”

Scorers

FNB CPUT: 28 (18)

Tries: Noah Pekeur, Jacquin Jacobus, Iwaan Bloys.

FNB UWC: 27 (17)

Tries: Conwill Conradie, Bevan Simons, Hlomla Ncana.

FNB Player That Rocks: Denley Krid Adams

The full FNB CPUT were: Nkosephayo Ngema, Kyle Ahrendse, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, Simphiwe Gift Thabede, Nqaba Nkonyeni, Philasande Ngcobo, Denley Krid Adams, Jason January, Oyintando Honour Maseti, Iwaan Bloys, Carick Ethan Kustoor, Jacquin Farrol Jacobus, Noah Matthew Pakeur, Keewan Titus.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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FNB CPUT remains undefeated in this year’s Varsity Shield competition and supporters will be treated to another home game tomorrow night.

The team will face FNB Varsity College in their round 5 match, which is scheduled to take place at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville.

Last week CPUT scored a well-deserved 49-24 victory against FNB UKZN and finished round 4 at the top of the log.

Tomorrow’s match is set to kick off at 19:00 and gates will open at 17:00.

Tickets for the game will be sold at the cashiers on the District Six, Wellington, and Bellville campuses.

Tickets cost R30 per person and only 2 000 tickets are available.

Written by CPUT News

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The FNB CPUT players demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, ultimately earning a well-deserved 49-24 victory against FNB UKZN in round four of the FNB Varsity Shield at the CPUT Sports Stadium on Bellville Campus on Friday night. It was a hard-fought contest, and their effort truly reflects their passion for the game.

After the recent victory, FNB CPUT Coach Alastair Theys expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the team's journey so far. Reflecting on the challenging start from last year, where they faced losses in their first four games, he shared that this season has truly felt like a dream beginning. The players have poured their hearts into these initial matches, striving to improve week by week with the hope of reaching the playoffs.

Coach Theys highlighted that the team's hard work culminated in a standout performance on Friday. He also extended his gratitude to the passionate supporters from the CPUT community and fellow students, acknowledging how their presence felt like having a 16th player on the field. He said the supporters’ encouragement means so much to the team and helps boost their spirits as they continue to grow and aim for success.

“Such has been the dream start of the tournament; the guys have put a lot of effort in the first four games. All we are doing so far; we are trying to improve just to make sure that we improve week by week so that we can achieve our goal of trying to make it to the playoffs.”

In an exciting match, FNB CPUT managed to establish a strong lead over FNB UKZN, going into halftime with a score of 35-10. It's clear that both teams gave it their all, and while the score might reflect a challenging situation for UKZN, the spirit of competition remained strong.

The coach said that it was heartening to see all the hard work the team has been putting into their training come together in such a significant way, resulting in a truly outstanding performance. “I think the big thing for us was that we have told ourselves that we are really going to care for what we are doing, we are going to take care of each other on and off the field and how we do things. And we are going to commit ourselves to the cause, and we are going to create a competitive environment. Everybody must improve; everybody is held accountable.”

He continued: “Our guys have become more mature in the sense in the last couple of months which is a big plus for student athletes.”

In a commendable display of effort, FNB CPUT saw tries scored by Nkosephayo Ngema, Denley Adams (with two impressive tries), Oyintando Maseti (also with two), and Keewan Titus. Their determination truly shone through the match. On the other hand, the Kwazulu-Natal outfit matched their spirit with tries from Tinotenda Mazhindu, Singele Mkhize, and Siso France. Special recognition goes to Oyintando Maseti from FNB CPUT, who was honoured as the FNB Player That Rocks, celebrating his outstanding contribution to the game.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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It’s round four of Varsity Shield and fans can look forward to a home game tonight.

FNB CPUT take on FNB UKZN at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville and kick-off is scheduled for 7pm.

The team remains undefeated having secured their third win in the competition last week, beating FNB WSU 34-20 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London.

Click here for fixtures and logs.

Fans can look forward to another home game next week when the team will face off against FNB Varsity College at the CPUT Sports Stadium on March 14.

Written by CPUT News

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FNB CPUT maintained their unbeaten run in the FNB Varsity Shield tournament after defeating FNB WSU 34-20 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday.

CPUT entered the clash on the back of a nervy 22-20 win over Sol Plaatje in round two in Kimberley. 

Facing a tough and hostile crowd, they began the match slowly but asserted their dominance after the 20-minute mark.

The Cape Town side scored three tries courtesy of Nkosephayo Ngema, Sandile Madonsela, and Jacquin Jacobus. WSU, meanwhile, managed one score by Khanya Solani and a penalty by flyhalf Isiphe Mbini.

The two sides went into the break with CPUT leading 22-8.

It was a tightly contested second stanza with both sides applying pressure and playing some Champagne rugby.

CPUT were, however, the more clinical side in the second 40. They scored two great team tries by Ngema and Jacobus who both secured their braces.

Try as they may, WSU never managed to get a fold hold in the game.

They scored two consolation tries when Solani crashed over after a line break for his second.

The final 10 minutes of the match produced just one try as CPUT claimed a hard fought 34-20 victory. 

SCORERS

FNB WSU: 20 (8)

Tries: Khanya Solani (x2). Asenam Mniki. 

FNB CPUT: 34 (22)

Tries: Nkosephayo Ngema (x2), Jacquin Jacobus (x2), Sandile Madonsela. 

FNB Player That Rocks: Nkosephayo Ngema (CPUT).

FNB CPUT began their Varsity Shield title defence with a 38-7 win against hosts FNB Rhodes.

Two converted tries, by No 8 Eely Pieters and right wing Christopher Andrews, gave the champions a 14-0 half-time lead.

Lock Moegamat Toffar crossed the line early in the second half for FNB CPUT, before the Stallions finally got on the board in the 54th minute, when outside centre Jano Roux scored a converted try.

FNB CPUT claimed their bonus-point try through flank Keanan Solomons and flyhalf Feghon-Leigh Snyders’ fourth conversion made it 28-7. 

Outside centre Björkan Hendricks and replacement Duran Alexander then scored late tries to round off a convincing victory.

FNB Varsity Shield Round 1 results and scorers:

FNB UFH Blues 13 (8) – Tries: Kamvelihle Fatyela, Migcobo Bovu; Penalty: Keith Chiwara.

FNB TUT Vikings 3 (3) – Penalty: Mauritz Maritz
FNB Player That Rocks: Migcobo Bovu (FNB UFH Blues)

FNB WSU All Blacks 22 (22) – Tries: Sicelo Tole, Ayabulela Zono, Lwandile Mapuko. Conversions: Mapuko (2), Penalty: Mapuko

FNB UKZN Impi 23 (8) – Tries: Menzi Mabaso, Tristan Trollip, Devandré Adendorf; Conversion: Jarryd Nicholl; Penalties: Dawro Kock (2)

FNB Player That Rocks: Menzi Mabaso (FNB UKZN Impi)

FNB Rhodes 7 (0) – Try: Jano Roux; Conversion: Siyolise Mabodla.
FNB CPUT 38 (14) – Tries: Eely Pieters, Christopher Andrews, Moegamat Toffar, Keanan Solomons, Björkan Hendricks, Duran Alexander; Conversions: Feghon-Leigh Snyders (4)
FNB Player That Rocks: Feghon-Leigh Snyders (FNB CPUT)

Written by Varsity Shield

FNB CPUT fans can look forward to a bumper weekend with the team playing in two home games – the first on Friday and the second on Sunday night.

In addition, four other Varsity Shield round 5 and 6 games will also be played at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville.

The defending champions will take on the FNB UFH at 17h00 on Friday in Bellville.

The game is expected to be action-packed with FNB UFH currently at the top of the log and FNB CPUT second.

On Sunday FNB CPUT will face FNB UKZN at 19h00 on at the CPUT Sports Stadium.

Both games will be broadcast live on Supersport.

The times for the other games are as follows:

FNB UKZN vs FNB Rhodes at 15h00 on 1 April

FNB WSU vs FNB DUT at 19h00 on 1 April

FNB Rhodes vs FNB WSU at 15h00 on April 3

FNB DUT vs FNB TUT at 17h00 on April 3.

All games will be broadcast live on Supersport.

Tickets are sold online at R20 per day. Click here to purchase.

Supporters T-shirts are sold at the Marketing and Communication Department offices in Bellville for R30 each.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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After leading the FNB CPUT to a 41-10 triumph over their nemesis, FNB University Fort Hare (UFH) in the opening round of FNB Varsity Shield 2025, coach, Alastair Theys, now fancies an outside chance of a spot in the promotional playoffs.

After FNB CPUT roared on home turf, Bellville Stadium, on Friday evening, Theys said their ambitions for the year were to do better than last year, “but we're not promising anything huge, but we want to be in a better space than we have done last year in the tournament”. Prior to last year, the team played in four finals in four tournaments in a row and last year the team almost got relegated, “so our mindset is just getting to a better place, better space and then take it game by game and then hopefully we make [it to the] playoffs and then once you are in a playoffs anything can happen in the playoffs.”

Reflecting on the game against UFH, the thrilled mentor said that was a match that they were looking forward to as the first game of the tournament. “The big aim for us was just to make sure that we started the tournament in a better space than we did last year and the game was tough, Fort Hare is always a physical side, but I think what played in our favour is that we kept the tempo of the game at our pace.” The team started well, especially in the first 20 minutes, and in the 20 minutes after halftime, the hosts came out blazing as well.

The team started their rigorous preparation two weeks before the tournament, focusing on themselves and UFH “because the pre-season was based on self-improvement and self-development and making sure that the team was in the right place beside all the higher education current challenges [in South Africa]. “We started focusing on the first game on Fort Hare”. “I mean we managed to get some footage of their friendly games so we could analyse them and know how, where and what areas to play against them which worked in our favour as well.”

The players and coaching staff’s efforts and the hunger to start the tournament well were the cornerstones for the big win. “The keywords were effort and execution which I think we can't take away from the players that put a big effort in going into the game. From an execution perspective, we executed well but not well enough or not as well as we wanted.”

The coaching staff and players are happy about the good start and the victory and “the way we handled the victory, but I always say to the guys to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. “It was only the first game of the tournament, but it was very important for us to start the tournament on the front foot, and because of the way our tournament has been last year, so getting a good start this year was very important for us.”

In the morning, following their sweet victory against their nemesis, UFH the Theys troops put on their boots in preparation for their next game against the FNB Sol Plaatje University (SPU). “The boys came in and they have done the review and they've done their recovery and medicals so that last night, Monday they could get the ball rolling.”

 “From a preparation perspective going into the SPU game, they have also done well as well as they beat UKZN, and they [SUP] play a similar game to CPUT, but we'll be ready going down to Kimberly.”

Bulelani Mlakalaka, Sport Development Officer, said the match against UFH was one that they took “extremely seriously and personally because we did not get the outcome the last time around in the Eastern Cape”. “The coaching staff is pleased with the path we are taking, but we have identified some faults that we will address for the upcoming away game against SPU. Defensively, the boys showed up and put their bodies on the line, and the points conceded reflect this. On offense, we can be more clinical, which will lead to more scoring possibilities. With all of the hurdles the squad has faced over the last three months, we are pleased with the guys' performance on Friday, but there is still space for development”.

“We can undoubtedly attribute appetite to being back on the winning side and a sense of new beginnings. The last time our boys won a game was probably in February [last year], so we had a tough shield and an even tougher league last year.”

CPUT's crucial top-of-the-log clash with SPU will be on 21 February at 5 pm.

FNB CPUT will be facing FNB Madibaz in the first of today’s Varsity Shield semi-finals.

The game is scheduled to take place at 15:30 in Gqeberha while FNB UWC will take on defending champions FNB UFH at the UWC Sports Stadium at 19:00.

Last year CPUT were seconds away from winning the Varsity Shield trophy for a record-breaking third consecutive time. FNB UFH beat them 28-27 on the stroke of full-time in Alice.

Despite losing two games in this year's round-robin stages, CPUT captain Keanan Solomons believes they have what it takes to beat Madibaz again. CPUT got the better of Madibaz in round four, beating them 35-32 at the very same venue.

"First of all, we are grateful to be in the semi-finals after two losses," says Solomons. "This is the second time playing against Madibaz and we will stick to everything that has worked for us during this campaign. We keep it simple, as with every previous game."

CPUT head coach Alastair Theys is very cautious to not dwell too much on their recent win over Madibaz.

"Beating Madibaz at their home ground does give a bit of an edge to CPUT, but I am sure they wouldn't want it to happen again. We have analysed their last game against UWC and will use this in preparing our game plan.

"Key areas that we will be focusing on is how we attack against Madibaz and the defence strategy that we will be putting in place. It is a semi-final and [it] can go either way but the mindset needs to be 'it is just another game' as this will take the external pressure off our preparation and the game."

Written by Varsity Shield

FNB CPUT will today compete in its fourth consecutive FNB Varsity Shield final in what is expected to be an epic battle against FNB UWC.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15h30 at the UWC Sports Stadium.

FNB CPUT were crowned champions in 2019, beating FNB Madibaz and again in 2021 with a victory over FNB WSU. In 2022 they came close to victory but lost 27-28 against FNB UFH. There were no finals in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

FNB UWC is the only team who has not lost a single game in the tournament this year.

The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Written by CPUT News
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FNB UWC were crowned the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield champions when they held off FNB CPUT for a brave and valiant 24-18 victory in front of a packed UWC Sports Stadium in Bellville.

In a tense and highly anticipated Cape derby, the home side, being the only unbeaten side in the competition this year, was pushed to their limits. A vibrant sold-out Operation Room meant every big hit and hand-off was cheered on by both UWC and CPUT supporters.

UWC, whose resilient and disciplined defensive efforts were standouts throughout the 2023 season, showed no signs of letting up despite a courageous effort from the CPUT side. Not many sides can claim they crossed the UWC try line more than once. Not only did CPUT cross the UWC try line twice, but they got within touching distance of claiming a historic victory.

Upfront, both packs of forwards were having a full go at each other. In the opening 20 minutes, a solo converted try separated the two teams. UWC's set pieces were clinical and they secured a solid platform to launch their potent attacks, but it was met with an equally disciplined CPUT defensive effort.

CPUT hooker Shakes Shasha’s yellow for a cynical infringement was the opportunity that allowed the home side to capitalise on the one-man advantage. The relentless attack after attack from UWC eventually paid off with them opening the scoring in the 14th minute. The try came courtesy of leading try scorer Mauritz Swart, with Conwill Conradie converting.

The sides were evenly poised and some inspirational words from both Paul Treu and Alastair Theys during the first strategy break certainly inspired both sides.

Four minutes shy of halftime, CPUT got their first points when outside centre Iwaan Bloys stretched out his right arm to dot the ball down across the UWC whitewash. The visitors were disciplined in the build-up to their opening try with scrumhalf Hugan Engelbrecht quick to clear the ruck. Linton Maritz failed to convert, and UWC headed to the sheds leading 7-5.

A fired-up UWC came out all guns blazing in the second half, finding gaps with ease and making light work of handing off CPUT defenders.

Swart burrowed his way across the try line for the 11th time in the competition while an earlier try by fellow front rower Riaan van der Merwe handed the home side a 21-11 lead as play headed into the final quarter of the match.

Two penalty conversions, one apiece by Linton Maritz and replacement Ryan George, kept CPUT within touching distance of the home side. Conradie added a penalty of his own to set up an exciting final 10 minutes of the 2023 season. CPUT could however not close the gap.

• FNB UWC 24 (7) – Tries: Mauritz Swart (2), Riaan van der Merwe. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (3). Penalties: Conradie.
• FNB CPUT 18 (5) – Tries: Iwaan Bloys, Darren Alexander. Conversion: Ryan George. Penalties: Linton Maritz, George.
• FNB Player That Rocks: Darren Alexander (CPUT)
• FNB Overall Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC)
• FNB Overall Forward That Rocks: Roland van der Heever (CPUT)
• FNB Overall Back That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC)
• Suzuki Rookie of the Year: Hlomla Ncana (UWC)

Written by Varsity Shield

He has twice celebrated Varsity Shield victory as a member of the CPUT rugby team and this week Anenceba Salman is celebrating a victory of a different kind.

A week after playing in this year’s Varsity Shield final, the dedicated sportsman and CPUT staff member is graduating with a Diploma in Operations Management.

The team leader/supervisor in the Records and Archives Department is currently studying towards an Advanced Diploma in the course.

He is grateful for the opportunities he’s had as part of the CPUT family.

“The time spent at CPUT has been fruitful, educational, emotional and all kinds of fun. I look forward to more years at this university and hope to bring positive change to fellow students and staff. I am what I am today because CPUT has shaped and moulded me this way.”

Anenceba grew up in the Eastern Cape’s Ilitha township and is one of three children. “My mom raised me alone from age eight when my father passed on. I’ve had the unfortunate situation of losing a lot of family on my father’s side…

My mom is and has always been a strong character of a woman whose generally brought a lot of fun energy in the house. There's never a moment I thought that life as an adult would be easier than that of a kid but I was taught to laugh and smile through adversity while counting the blessings of each day. My aim is to be in a better position than [I was] yesterday.”

He started playing rugby in 2011 when he was in Grade 7 at Dale Junior.

“Coming to CPUT, I never thought I’d be playing again in my life but it was watching CPUT play Walter Sisulu University in 2018, that got me interested in playing again. I saw an old Dalian, who played for WSU at the time, beat our defence and told myself that wouldn't happen again under my watch.”

Anenceba has many role models but says he has realised that he has to be his own role model.

“I have looked up to many people… most have been sports personalities like Bryan Habana, Tiger Woods, Lewis Hamilton and some other people like Vusi Thembekwayo, Jordan Peterson, my mom and definitely my older cousin, Dr Mlungisi Mfeketho but my main role model is myself. It's the future version of me…I'm building and moulding day by day, weaknesses and strengths. Not having a father made me look for a male figure to impersonate or become but it was not until an older age that I realised there's no better role model to me than me.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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