The CUT Ixias will be targeting consistency during the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup which will get underway on Monday, with the team from Bloemfontein heading to Gauteng to tackle the University of Johannesburg. FNB CUT ended their 2024 campaign in 7th place and were forced into promotion-relegation play-off against Nelson Mandela University which they won 64-16 to retain their spot in the Cup competition.
Facing the Orange Army in their opening game away from home is a daunting task, even for the very best teams, but for the Ixias, it is a golden opportunity to start with a bang and make a bold statement. In recent years, the Ixias have fallen short of their own high expectations and have found themselves on the wrong end of the table too often.
Consistency is something that has been lacking in their performances, but this is an area they have worked hard to address. Their new captain, Fafa Bester, also believes that the culture created within the squad during the pre-season is positive and will serve them well.
“The Varsity Cup is like a sprint, and everybody wants to get out of the blocks with a great start, as each week becomes tougher and tougher,” said the loose forward, who can also slot in at lock.
“It’s difficult to recover if you don’t, and that’s where the consistency you referred to comes into play—to stay in the battle.
“The culture that has been built in the team throughout the pre-season is something that will carry us through the Varsity Cup this year. It will help us with preparation for the games ahead and in managing everything off the field.
“For the first game against UJ away, we are primarily focused on our process and on what we need to do well to get rewarded. The pressure is on them at home, and considering the results of the last two seasons against us, they will be out to settle scores. But we know it’s all about arriving on the day and doing the job.”
Monday’s game between the Orange Army and the Ixias at the UJ Stadium will kick off at 19:00.
Provisional squad (subject to change):
Tokelo Ntaopane, Leon Johan Franzsen, Sisipho Nofuya, Mamello Moshoaliba, Jakobus Cloete, Asekho Marubelela, Kevin Strydom, Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Luvuyo Selebalo, Vuyo Holiday, Juan Smith, Zachery Bester, Liam Prinsloo, Francois Bester, Adielson Gouveia, Helgard Bruwer, Jean Swart, Hope Seyaga, Raydon Swartbooi, JT Van Der Walt, Devinto Vergotine, Ian Klitzke, Opola Mgodeni, Neo Letoetsa, Armand Patricio, Tsebano Stemer, Matthys Corneluis Malan, Jean Louis Theron, Malcolm Lamont, Liam Pekeur, Clive Hartzenberg, Kamva Tetani, Jeric Estree, and Tiaan Naude.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
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