FNB Maties coach Kabamba Floors is eager to settle a score with FNB UFS Shimlas as they face off in their opening match of the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup. Last year, Shimlas eliminated Maties in the semi-finals with a convincing 38-24 win at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
The Free Staters, coached by André Tredoux, went on to claim the title, defeating FNB UCT Ikeys 45-42 in the final at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.
Now, Floors is ready to lead the Maroon Machine into the new season with a strong start, aiming to avenge that semifinal defeat. He sees the defending champions as the perfect opponents to kick off the campaign.
“Shimlas is the ideal team to start with. They’re the defending champions, having beaten us at home to make it to the final against the Ikeys,” said Floors.
“Last year in the semi-final, we played catch-up rugby, and it came back to bite us. So, it’s important for us to get a good start in this game.”
Shimlas known for their solid set-piece and fluid attacking style, will present a significant challenge.
“They have a good set-piece with lots of variations in their scrums and lineouts. They also like to give the ball air. For us, it will be about adapting to the situation on the day,” Floors explained.
“We can’t be one-dimensional. We need to be prepared for anything they throw at us. We have our stock-standard methods, with variations on attack and kicking strategy, but it’s all about having the right players to implement the plan.”
With many new faces in the squad this year, including 17 debutants in the match-day squad, Floors is confident in his team’s potential.
“We have three forwards, and three backs left from last year. I have six players who previously played for me in the starting line-up, with around 17 debutants. The average age is about 21 years old. We want to keep them together for the next two to three years,” said Floors.
The former Springbok loose forward acknowledges the challenge posed by player turnover, a reality that all teams face this season.
“We’ve had good preparation games against Ikeys, Boland, and the SA U20s, but we also had a complete change in personnel with many players moving on to pro rugby. Shimlas have also lost many players to the Cheetahs,” he said.
“While it’s great for universities to produce professional players, it also presents an opportunity for new players to come to the fore and show they can do the job.”
As the match at home draws closer, Floors is aware of the added responsibility. “It’s a 19:00 kick-off, and we expect a packed stadium. With that comes great responsibility and expectation. Home ground is an advantage, but it’s all about how we perform and tap into the energy of the crowd.”
With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Maties are ready to challenge Shimlas in what promises to be a thrilling Varsity Cup opener.
Provisional squad (subject to change):
Janlu Basson, Prince Mulea, Wilbur Loubser, Jason Johnson, Ammaar Burton, Herman Lubbe, Fumani Chauke, Armand Combrink, CJ Erasmus, Daniel Cairns, Riley Norton, Slabbert Maartens, Dante Burger, Luan Botha, Zuko Poswa, Eric Basson, Carel van der Merwe, Caleb Dreyden, Tjaart Joubert, Fortune Mpofu, Michael Chettoa, Ethan Snyman, Mckyle Volmoer, Liam Stander, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Warrick Jones, Kyle van Wyk, MC van Heerden-Smith, Eldridge Jack, Louis Fourie, Grant de Jager, Luca Potgieter, CJ Marx, Ryan Manual, Simon Liversage, Ethan Regue, Louis Fourie, Jean-Marc Trichard, Pretorius Ekeji, Hippolyte Draux, Junior Leotlela, Siwe Bowe, Aden Oersen, Dylan Miller, and Leighton Julies.
Fixtures: HERE
Tickets: HERE
By: Adnaan Mohamed
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