Having been relegated from the FNB Varsity Cup to the Varsity Shield last season, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) will be fighting to get back into the the top tier of South African University rugby with a young squad this time around. The new recruits will be taking the field and drawing on the experience from verteran campaigners like Conwill Conradie, Hlomla Ncana and Romauld Nsombamanya who have all tasted success with the Bellville-based side in previous years.
“Our pre-season was slower than the past but I still think we had a good pre-season,” UWC head coach Paul Treu said.
“We had a hit-out against Boland in Wellington. We had a game against CUT, we played SAFCOL last week and UCT this past Monday.
“In terms of that, we definitely had good match preparation but with our young squad, I don’t know what to expect.”
“Any team in the shield would like to qualify [for the Varsity Cup], our goal is the same.”
UWC and Treu have reinforced their backroom staff with capped Springbok Jamba Ulengo as well as former University of Stellenbosch star Jesse Johnson to help coach the side.
Treu pointed out three potential young stars to look out for this season. They include centre Frank Hitimana, lock/flank hybrid Jean Visser and speedy winger Leachin Adams.
UWC’s opening match on Friday at home against Walter Sisulu University with Treu uncertain what to expect from the team from the Eastern Cape.
“The first one is pretty much set on what we want to achieve as a team and as we progress throughout the competition,” he said.
“We’re going to start focusing on the other teams and what they do and analysing and reviewing them.”
Provisional squad (subject to change):
Keno Alexander, Leigh Braaf, Leachim Adams, Keith Syster, Hlomla Ncana, Juma Amissi, J'que Huckins, Bevan Simons, Frank Hitimana, Braydon Booysen, Aaron Swarts, Elkan Willemse, Conwill Conradie, Fran-Neeco Kowan Baron, Matthew Stephens, Leighton Damons, Danston Cloete, Dylan Fillies, Brodie Goddard, Bilaal Moerat, Romauld Nsombamanya, Nicholas Chipanje, Michail Kasfikis, Danyal Cornelious, Melumzi Mandongana, Logan Fortuin, Alexander-Jaco Van Der Merwe, Keanuh Michaels, Franco Ceaser, Marciano Forbes, Keagan Pietersen, Daniel Damons, Vuyo Kirabira, Hlonela Qelile, and Skyle February.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
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