FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns final set after thrilling wins for Wits and Ikeys Tigers YG

FNB Wits Young Guns and FNB UCT Ikeys Young Guns have booked their spots in the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns final after delivering two nail-biting semi-final performances. Wits edged out the Shimlas YG 29-26 in a dramatic, last-minute triumph in muddy Bloemfontein, while the Ikey Tigers youngsters claimed a one-point victory in a thrilling semi-final against defending champions the FNB NWUEagles YG, winning 47-46 in Potchefstroom. Both teams showcased nerves of steel and attacking flair, setting up what promises to be an electrifying showdown for the title.

FNB UFS YG 26-29 FNB Wits YG

FNB Wits Young Guns have secured their spot in the FNB Young Guns final after a dramatic, last-gasp 29-26 victory over FNB UFS Young Guns in a wet and muddy Bloemfontein on Monday.

A try on the stroke of full-time saw the Johannesburg side snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, sending them through to the final in thrilling fashion.

UFS centre Keehan Etson opened the scoring at Shimla Park in the 13th minute, with captain Tazreeq Moerat adding the extras.

Wits responded through their own skipper, Vuyo Gwiji, who crossed the whitewash. A try from Liam Santos then handed Wits the lead for the first time—but it was short-lived, as UFS loosehead prop Sibabalwe Booi hit back almost immediately.

Wits lock James Schnetler restored the visitors' lead, but UFS fullback Donelle Hendriks scored just before half-time to level matters at 19-all heading into the break.

Eight minutes into the second half, Rekkie Gerber slotted a penalty to edge Wits ahead, but just a minute later, UFS inside centre Duncan Basson powered over for a try, putting the home side back in front at 26-22.

Wits finished the stronger of the two teams, as discipline began to slip for the Free Staters. With the clock in the red, Wits won a crucial penalty and chose to set up a 5-metre lineout. The throw was spot-on, and after a well-structured maul, replacement Mahle Sithole peeled off and crashed over for the match-winning try.

To add insult to injury, Gerber nailed the conversion, sealing the dramatic win and booking Wits’ place in the final.

Scorers:

FNB UFS Young Guns: 26 (19)

Tries: Keehan Etson, Sibabalwe Booi, Donelle Hendriks, Duncan Basson.

FNB Wits Young Guns: 29 (19)

Tries - Vuyo Gwiji, Liam Santos, James Schnetler, Mahle Sithole.

FNB UFS Young Guns: Donelle Hendriks, Siya Khambule, Keehan Etson, Duncan Basson, Kubo Gqetywa, Tazreeq Moerat (captain), Erich Visser, Marcel Coetzee, Arno Van der Merwe, Bohlale Maphisa, Renier Grobler, Jayden Auld, Ryan Venter, Stefan Venter, Sibabalwe Booi.

FNB Wits Young Guns - Michael Benzien, Ayanda Bonoyi, Oluwatimileyen Oluwole, Dylan Botha, Appiah Ndzengu, Rekkie Gerber, Sabelo Shangase, Liam Santos, Vuyo Gwiji (captain), Jamaal Feldman, JD Hattingh, James Schnetler, Simphiwe Ngcobo, Dylan Piek, Miguel Smith.

FNB NWU YG 46-47 FNB UCT YG

In a thrilling FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns semi-final clash at the Fanie du Toit Sportsground on Monday Evening, FNB UCT Ikeys edged past FNB NWU Eagles 47-46 to book their place in the final.

The Eagles started strong, racing to a 15-0 lead through tries from Bernardo Diedericks and Therlouw Prins. UCT hit back with Tom Barnard and Shaywan Blankenberg crossing before halftime, cutting the deficit to 15-14.

The second half turned into a try-fest, with both teams exchanging blows. NWU’s Carlo van Wyk and Jannie Grobbelaar powered over, while UCT responded through Carlyle Hawkins, Sino Brawen, and a brace from Jack Benade.

Despite a late try from Duan du Toit, the missed conversion sealed the Eagles’ fate.

SCORERS: 

FNB NWU Eagles YG: 46 (15)

Tries: Bernardo Diedericks, Therlouw Prins, Carlo van Wyk, Jannie Grobbelaar, Marno Greeff, Duan du Toit, Bernardo Diedericks 

FNB UCT Ikeys YG: 47 (14)

Tries: Tom Barnard, Shaywan Blankenberg, Carlyle Hawkins, Sino Brawel, Jack Benade (2), Jason Jansen

FNB NWU Eagles YG: Botshelo Motsepe, Jannie Grobbelaar, Carlo van Wyk, Liam van Rooyen, Michael Devy, Dante Smith, Raluano Ramaano, Brendan Gouws, Ninja Dladla, Duan du Toit, Therlouw Prins, Petrus van der Merwe Tromp, Ashwen Damons (C), Bernardo Diedericks, Jamaine Dampies.

FNB UCT Ikeys YG: Unaye Mndau, Nic van Schalkwyk, Philo Zuka, Carl Geddie, Tom Barnard, James Kobrowisky, Carlyle Hawkins, Ryan du Rand, Cameron Whitson, Shaywan Blankenberg, Sino Brawen, Olunje Mehlomakulu, Amahle Mazibuko, Jack Benade, Siya Nkosi.