FNB Varsity Shield 2025 continues to take it to the next level with yet another round of dramatic results. FNB Varsity College caused the biggest upset of the night after handing log leaders FNB CPUT their first defeat of the season in emphatic fashion. The Comets move up into top spot while in Bellville FNB UWC returned to winning ways after beating a gritty Impi side. FNB SPU snatched a late winner against FNB UFH while FNB Madibaz cruised past FNB WSU at Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
FNB WSU 14-36 FNB Madibaz
FNB Madibaz improved their chances of qualifying for this year’s FNB Varsity Shield semifinals after defeating FNB WSU 36-14 in round five of the competition at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday.
The side from Gqeberha entered the clash brimming with confidence after stunning FNB UWC in round four. Meanwhile, FNB WSU defeated FNB SPU on home soil in round four.
The first half was dominated by the hosts who displayed a high level of physicality and showcased their entertaining offloading game in wet and muddy conditions.
They scored two team tries through Jaden Witbooi and centre, Lwando Davane and both were converted by flyhalf, Raashied Conrad.
Conrad had slotted in a penalty earlier in the game, and that meant the visitors led 17-0 at halftime.
Madibaz were far from done and opened the second stanza with a five-pointer scored by Conrad.
Lock forward, Martinus Strydom quickly joined the scoring party after crashing over from a powerful rolling maul.
The hosts rang in the changes, and it paid dividends as Luvo Zindela and Axola Mtalana scored two consolation tries in the final 10 minutes.
Those were, however, cancelled out with another Witbooi try in the 79th minute to secure a resounding 36-14 victory for his side.
SCORERS
FNB WSU: 14 (0)
Tries: Luvo Zindela, Axola Mtalana.
FNB Madibaz: 36 (17)
Tries: Jaden Witbooi (2), Bukho Pantsi, Raashied Conrad, Martinus Strydom.
FNB Player that Rocks: Raashied Conrad (FNB Madibaz)
TEAMS:
FNB WSU: Yanda Ndamase, Sibulele Manyube, Yoyisa Mahobe, Sinentlahla Kesa, Siseko Mani, Khanya Solani, Pernell Mendes, Sipho Hobosch, Asenam Mniki, Isiphe Mbini, Sikho Gaushe, Elam Kusa, Axola Mtalana, Bulelani Nondlwana, Beon Hartnick.
FNB Madibaz: Imibongo Mvuleni, Kyle Erasmus, AJ Flemming, Calvin Bosch, Martinus Strydom, Johan Van Zijl, Curwin Casper, Raashied Conrad, Bukho Pantsi, Lwando Davane, Edward Kruger ©, Jaden Witbooi, Layron Miborrow.
FNB CPUT 17-40 FNB Varsity College
FNB CPUT faced a tough battle against FNB Varsity College, going down 40-17 in a match filled with intense moments, strong comebacks, and unfortunate setbacks, including two red cards.
FNB Varsity College started strong, scoring four unanswered tries in the first half, with Thabo Njapha, Khumo-etsile Nkutha, Benjamin Brett Field, and Edward Sigauke all crossing the line.
Flyhalf Frederick Marx was clinical with the boot, converting three of them to give FNB Varsity College a commanding 26-0 lead at halftime.FNB CPUT came out fighting in the second half, with Nkosephayo Ngema scoring early to get the team on the board.
The Comets responded quickly, with Sigauke grabbing his second try and Marx adding the extras. FNB CPUT’s Denley Adams and Oyintando Maseti kept the fight alive, both scoring crucial tries, but FNB Varsity College’s Juan Orde Steyl sealed the game with another converted try.
The full time score was 40 -17 to FNB Varsity CollegeDespite flashes of brilliance, FNB CPUT’s momentum was halted by two red cards, making a comeback even more difficult. The team showed heart but will need to regroup and sharpen their discipline for the next fixture.
SCORERS
FNB CPUT: 17 (0)
Tries: Nkosephavo 'Ox' Ngema, Denley Adams, Oyintando Maseti.
FNB Varsity College: 40 (26)
Tries: Thabo Njapha, Khumo-etsile Nkutha, Benjamin Brett Field, Edward Sigauke (2), Juan Orde Els.
FNB Player that Rocks: Edward Sigauke (FNB Varsity College).
TEAMS
FNB CPUT: Nkosephayo Ngema, Lindisipho Lihle Kula, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Ntsako Ashely Mhlanga, Keenan Benjamin, Odwa Rolosi, Lathitha Sange Ratsibe. Naaba Mveliao Nkonyeni, Denley Krid Adams, Jayson January, Ovintando Honour Massti, Jesse-Owen Denation, Timothy Matthew Shortles, Iwaan Bloys, Noah Pekeur, Keewan Titus.
FNB Varsity College: Daniel Van Huizen, Thabo Niapha, Donell Francis, Reece Curtin, Garren Muller, Sinelifa Newana, Enzo Van Niekerk, Khumo-etsile Nkutha, Abande Mthembu, Frederick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, MJ Schoeman, Allston Cedras, Benjamin Brett Field.
FNB UFH 33-39 FNB SPU
A heartbreak in Alice as FNB SPU snatched a late 39-33 victory over FNB UFH at Davidson Stadium on Friday.
Two tries from Jaiden Faviers saw the visitors break the hearts of University of Fort Hare fans to claim their second win of the campaign.
First half saw both teams exchanging blow by blow as Liyabona Maplanga broke the deadlock for the Northern Cape based side.
It was then a close encounter in points scoring, and the first stanza ended with the visitors leading by 19-12.Second half didn't disappoint as it continued to where the first stanza left off.
Three tries were scored in the second half however Khanya Kama's boot was a difference in adding the scoreline for the visitors.
With one minute left before the final whistle, Faviers got his brace and handed the Gemmies the lead at the death as they sailed over the visitors for a smash and grab the win.
SCORERS
FNB UFH: 33 (12)
Tries: Majali Lakheni, Siyamthanda Sakhela, Bunono Jamani (2).
FNB SPU: 39 (19)
Tries: Liyabona Maplanga, Dwayne Lubbe, Jaiden Faviers (2), Leslie Ruiters.
FNB Player that Rocks: Khanya Kama (FNB SPU).
TEAMS
FNB UFH: Elihle Mtshemla, Bunono Jamani ©, Liyabona Matyana, Mpho Ramahala, Kamvelile Gcweka, Dala Mgidi, Michael Mangava, Anda Simanga, Sinalo Jivana, Sakhela Siyamthanda, Okuhle Pangwa, Lakheni Majali, Takudzwa Rushiza, Lutho Mene, Ukho Nomsatha.
FNB SPU: Aviwe Mpepo, Jan Potgieter, Cassie Botes, Tumelo Papane, Kwandokuhle Dlamini, Thando Shipalana, J J Fourie, Gareth Maree, Ethan Manus, Leslie Ruiters, Liyabona Maplanga, Khanya Kama ©, Jaiden Faviers, Dwayne Lubbe, Bokamoso Maphisa.
FNB UWC 44-31 FNB UKZN
FNB UWC did just enough to overcome a resilient FNB UKZN side 44-31 at home in Bellville to get their FNB Varsity Shield campaign back on track.
FNB UWC scored an astonishing eight tries in their victory but left a total of 12 points on the field through missed conversion attempts as only two of their tries saw the extras added.That kept the nuggetty FNB UKZN in the game who came to Cape Town with a never-say-die attitude.
FNB UKZN scored half the number of tries, four, but converted all their chances off the boot through the educated tee of fullback Siso France who also slotted an early penalty to stay within touching distance of FNB UWC with only an eight point difference with 12 minutes to go.
The Caracals showed their class, rumbling over two second half maul tries, which could easily have been three, as hooker Mihlali Tyanase grabbed a brace.
Strong running inside centre Braydon Booysen and electric winger Leachim Adams scored two tries of their own as wellFNB UWC opened up an early 17-3 lead in the first half that FNB UKZN had to climb back from.
FNB UKZN clawed their way to a solid position, only seven points down at halftime at 24-17 but FNB UWC’s class showed in the second stanza.
SCORERS
FNB UWC: 44 (24)
Tries: Leachim Adams (2), Braydon Booysen (2), Mihlali Tyanase (2), Conwill Conradie, Keno Alexander.
FNB UKZN: 31 (17)
Tries: Sikhona Ndulini (2), Jovawn Visagie, Mthomboyolo Buzani.
FNB Player that Rocks: Logan Fortuin (FNB UWC).
TEAMS
FNB UWC: Hlonela Qelile, Mihlali Tyanase, Keanuh Michaels, Logan Fortuin, Michail Kasfikis Romauld (C) Nsombamanya, Nicholas Chipanje, Leighton Damon, Conwill (V) Conradie, Leigh Braaf, Leachim Adams, Braydon Booysen, Bevan Simons, Hlomla Ncana, Keno Alexander, Keagan Pietersen, Franco Ceaser, Melumzi Mandongana, Danston Cloete, Ishmael Karriem, J’que Huckins, Keith Syster, Daniel Damons.
FNB UKZN: Lonwabo Nkalitshana, Sikhona Ndulini, Owethu Mntwelizwe, Aphelele Dlamini, Mthomboyolo (C) Buzani, Nhlakanipho Buthelezi, Wela-Aphumelele Takata Tinotenda Mazhindu, Milowo Matebese, Minehle Mfanelo Ngcamu, Luthando Mhlongo, Singele Mkhize, Jovawn Visagie, Ramatuku Sikhakhane, Siso France, Jordan Ramsamy, Siyanda Dlamini, Thabiso Ncube, Amahle Dlamini, Samkelo Mkhize, Zak Smith, Hlumelo Madikane, Ntobeko Mhlongo.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
