FNB UFH rocked Pretoria when they dethroned defending champions FNB Maties to be crowned
the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s champions, beating the Maroon Machine 37-31 in a pulsating final at the Tuks Stadium.
The Eastern Cape ladies put their hands up early in the match when Sivuyiseko Makhomazi broke the Maties’ defence with a sensational run from inside her own half and offloaded to Purity Ngogodo who easily flew over the try line.
Maties were then reduced to 14 players when Zelmari Pretorius was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. UFH dominated the period and were awarded a try when scrumhalf Sindisiwe Mbonja sneaked past her opponents. They proved relentless as they scored another point-of-origin try with a brilliant run from Etandwa Marawu.
Maties started fighting back to remain in contention and were awarded a try when Elme Kruge powered over and converted her own try. UFH led 25-7 at half-time
The team talk in the Maties dressing must have been intense as Johann Zeier’s troops returned from the break with a try, in the form of Kruger completing her brace. UFH however hit back with another try from Mbonja.
It remained an intense clash with Maties scoring back-to-back tries through Ankia Viljeon and Zelmari Pretorius that reduced the deficit to just six points.
Zintle Mkhokheli then dotted down for UFH before Kruger secured her hat-trick for Maties with five minutes to left play. It was however too late with UFH triumphantly claiming the 2024 title.
SCORERS
FNB UFH 37 (25) – Tries: Purity Ngogodo, Sindisiwe Mbonja (2), Etandwa Marawu, Zintle Mkhokeli. Conversions: Zanele Touto (4)
FNB Maties 31 (7) - Tries: Elme Kruger (3), Ankia Viljoen, Zelmari Pretorius. Conversions: Elme Kruger (3)
FNB Player That Rocks: Sindisiwe Mbonja (FNB UFH)
TEAMS
FNB UFH: Mila Wawa, Zintle Mkhokeli, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Purity Siphosethu Ngogodo, Sinoyolo Best, Thokozani Sikela, Sivuyiseko Makhomazi, Lilitha Trustlord Ngwenze, Sindisiwe Mbonja, Okuhle Njemla, Etandwa Marawu, Inga Qogi, Siphesihle Hlangani, Adaoraa Philemina Somlenze, Zanele Touto.
FNB Maties: Vunene Veron Miyambo, Lungelo Mpumelelo Hope Mvelase, Erin Chenowyth Bond, Sesethu Ntamnani, Danai Makanaka Makota, Stefney-Rose De Vries, Elizabeth Mari Slabbert, Ankia Viljoen, Taliyah Deanna Bussack, Elme Kruger, Kayleen Christelle Muggels, Ropafadzo Valerie Madyah, Zelmari Pretorius, Whitney Jolene Gordon, Emma Olivier.
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