FNB Maties vs Tuks in FNB Varsity Cup Women's final
- siraj054
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 7
For the third consecutive year, FNB Maties have booked themselves a spot in the final of the FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament and on Friday 11 April they will face-off against FNB Tuks who stunned defending champions FNB UFH in Alice. The Maroon Machine clutched a late try against the Orange Army to tie the game and then slotted a penalty in the dying seconds to claim the victory while at the Davidson Stadium the Stripe Generation pulled off a stunning win in extra time after the game ended all square at the end of regulation time.
FNB Maties Women 22-19 FNB UJ Women
In a thrilling and dramatic showdown at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, FNB Maties Women secured their spot in the FNB Varsity Cup final with a hard-fought 22-19 victory over FNB UJ Women. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last whistle.
The Maroon Machine came out of the gates strong, scoring two quick converted tries in the opening minutes to seize an early advantage. But FNB UJ, determined and resilient, quickly found their rhythm. They responded with two expertly executed converted tries, leveling the score at 14-14 by halftime.
The second half saw the tension rise as UJ, now full of momentum, scored yet another try.
Although they failed to add the extras, the visitors took a 14-19 lead, putting the Maties on the back foot. However, the young and determined Maties squad, under the leadership of debut coach Aneesah Adams, refused to back down.
As time winding down, they fought back fiercely, leveling the score at 19-19.
Captain Liza Slabbert led her team into UJ's 22m zone, where they earned a crucial penalty. With nerves of steel, flyhalf Elme Kruger stepped up to take the kick. She nailed the penalty with precision, splitting the uprights and sending the home crowd into raptures as Maties sealed their place in the final for the third consecutive year.
SCORERS
FNB Maties: 22 (14)
Tries: Jade Nicole Daniels, Kayleen Muggels, Elizabeth Slabbert.
FNB UJ Women: 19 (14)
Tries: Thobile Msizazwe, Noxolo Magasela, Sindiswa Ngwenya.
FNB Player that Rocks: Elme Kruger (FNB Maties)
TEAMS:
FNB Maties: Erin Bond, Juan-mari Du Plessis, Sesethu Ntamnani, Sisipho Mkeli, Stefney-rose De Vries, Jenna Meyer, Ankia Viljoen, Mijeane Fyer, Taliyah Bussack, Elme Kruger, Jade Nicole Daniels, Zelmari Pretorius, Elizabeth Slabbert, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Kayleen Muggels.
FNB UJ Women: Vuyiswa Dlamini, Salizwa Tyali, Phophi Budzwa, Limamkele Duma, Sindiswa Ngwenya, Nyashadzashe Gonangombe, Esona Sokani, Alutha Ngcezula, Fatouma Yalcoue, Siham Chtioui, Boitumelo Motshoane, Mpumelelo Dlamini, Nonhle Mbatha, Thobile Msizazwe, Noxolo Magasela.
FNB UFH Women 5-8 FNB Tuks Women
The defending champions were eliminated from the FNB Varsity Cup Women 2025 campaign after an 8-5 loss to FNB Tuks Women at Davidson Rugby Stadium in Alice.
The match was a low scoring affair with neither side able to register a point until the late into the first half.
The visitors broke the deadlock first as Precious Tlaka scored just before halftime to give the Pretoria base side a 5-0 lead at the interval.
In the second half, the home side did not sit back as Sindisiwe Mbonja levelled matters 5-5 after 60 minutes and it stayed that way until the full time hooter forcing the game into extra time to determine a winner.
It was ultimately FNB Tuks who had the final say when they were awarded a late penalty which was slotted by Tlaka to give the underdogs a hard fought victory and book their ticket to the final.
SCORERS
FNB UFH: 5 (0)
Tries: Sindisiwe Mbonja
FNB Tuks 8 (5)
Tries: Precious Tlaka
FNB Player that Rocks: Aphiwe Masuku (FNB)
TEAMS
FNB UFH Women: Ifikile Solontsi, Mila Wawa, Eyam Ngalo, Siphosethu Purity Ngogodo, Masie Mathangane, Thokozani Sikela, Aphiwe Nqana, Rose Haka, Sindisiwe Mbonja, Pinkie Touto, Sinekhaya Tywaleni, Lilitha Vakalisa, Siyolise Mbilase, Litha Tofu, Inga Qongi.
FNB UP Tuks Women: Nomzamo Nimorundsini, Aphiwe Masuku, Naki Thukutha, Mbali Ndlovu, Rethabile Kgatle, Thandi Mokatse, Gina Moya, Jess Mare, Erin Prins, Precious Tlaka, Innocentia Kgosana, Gugu Mncwabe, Lerato Tshabalala, Amukelani Lisenga, Kwanga Majebe.
