Madibaz miss Cup promotion by barest of margins
The Madibaz came within a whisker of returning to the FNB Varsity Cup competition in 2026 after pushing the University of Johannesburg all the way in a thrilling promotion-relegation clash in Pretoria on Monday.
A pick-and-go by Orange Army utility forward Josh du Toit in the 74th minute ultimately proved to be the difference between the sides as the men from the City of Gold regained the lead for the last time to seal a 24-21 victory.
It was heartbreaking stuff for the Nelson Mandela University students, who rallied back from a 12-0 deficit to go into the halftime break two points ahead.
Tries by wing Jaden Witbooi and centre Lwande Davane in the final 10 minutes of the first stanza gave them just the momentum they needed on a blisteringly hot day on the highveld.
Fullback Layron Milborrow was on song all morning, converting each of his side's three five-pointers.
The lead changed hands repeatedly in the second half, a sure indication that the match was going to go down to the wire.
A penalty-try in the 54th minute, resulting from immense forward pressure by UJ, could easily have put Madibaz on the back foot, but the Gqeberha students hit back almost immediately.
Madibaz skipper Leon van der Merwe, playing his last season of Varsity Rugby, crossed the whitewash after some muscle-flexing of their own in the UJ red zone.
That put them 21-19 ahead with just over 10 minutes to play.
They managed to withstand the UJ assault until Du Toit got on the back of a rolling maul to give his side the win that kept them in the Varsity Cup.
While Madibaz will be disappointed that they will not be returning to student rugby's premier competition in 2026, they have enjoyed an excellent season.
They reached the Shield final where they gave a powerful Varsity College unit a real run for their money and have now gone toe-to-toe with an experienced Cup team.
This, despite losing 10 senior players at the end of 2024.
Van der Merwe said it was a tough game for his charges.
'UJ really brought it to us. But I am still very proud of the boys.
'It was a great fight out there. It was a long, hard season and to finish it off like that makes me really proud of everyone.' — Full Stop Communications
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs set to snatch rising star Ime Okon from rivals
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly closing in on a major signing ahead of the 2025/2026 season, with highly-rated defender Ime Okon believed to be on the brink of joining the Soweto giants. The 21-year-old's contract with SuperSport United ends this month, allowing him to leave as a free agent, and Chiefs have wasted no time in making their move. After lifting the Nedbank Cup, Amakhosi are determined to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts under incoming coach Nasreddine Nabi. Okon, who has drawn attention with his physical presence and calmness on the ball, is understood to be a key piece in that puzzle. 'They (Kaizer Chiefs) see him (Ime Okon) as a long-term solution at centre-back. I mean, he is only 21 and he could challenge (Inacio) Miguel, who is almost 30, for that position. On top of that, his contract expires soon,' a source told The South African . Okon previously caught the eye of scouts abroad, having attended trials with Danish top-tier side FC Midtjylland and Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv over the past 18 months. Despite impressing, no deal came to fruition, and he returned to see out his contract with Matsatsantsa. This presented Chiefs with a golden opportunity, and they appear poised to capitalise. Okon recently featured for Bafana Bafana in the COSAFA Cup. Which further strengthens his reputation as one of South Africa's most promising young centre-backs. His potential, youth, and international exposure make him an attractive prospect for a club eager to rebuild and restore glory. With negotiations believed to be at an advanced stage. And it looks increasingly likely that Okon will don the black and gold of Amakhosi next season. Will Okon be good enough to wear the Kaizer Chiefs jersey? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Top Kaizer Chiefs target arrives in South Africa!
A top Kaizer Chiefs target has arrived in the country and will be in action for his national team soon. Chiefs are looking to bolster their team with players who can score and have locked in a few targets. Chiefs looking to boost their squad Last season was yet another one to forget for Chiefs, as they saw themselves finishing outside top eight. This was for the second season in a row, and only the third in their history. The only saving grace they had this time around was their Nedbank Cup trophy triumph. That win was not only their first trophy in 10 years, but a gateway into the CAF Confederation Cup next season. That will mean more games and more travelling rigours for the club. In order to combat that, while remaining competitive on the local front, Chiefs management will have to step up. This in the way of backing coach Nasreddine Nabi with a squad filled with quality in strength and depth. One of the targets he has been rumoured to desperately want is Feisal Salum. Amakhosi were rumoured to have been subjects of a bid to Azam FC for services in January. Salum a target The player has eventually touched down in South Africa, but not for Chiefs, or at least just yet. Salum is in the country as he headlines the Tanzanian national team that will play against Bafana Bafana. They will then also join the teams competing in the COSAFA Cup, via invitation. This will give Chiefs fans the opportunity to watch Salum up close and for an extended period of time. Two seasons ago, he scored 19 goals from midfield. In the previous seasons he scored four and assisted 12 times. Therefore, it is no surprise that he has attracted interest from Amakhosi. In SA to play against Bafana and in COSAFA Cup Chiefs fans, are you excited to watch Salum playing in South Africa for Tanzania this June? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
How could uncapped players fit into Springbok squad?
The first Springbok training squad of the season, which was confirmed on Thursday by SA Rugby, includes 31 Rugby World Cup players and nine uncapped players in a group of 54. Those nine players in the group are Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Juarno Augustus, Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza. Although this squad will be trimmed closer to the start of the Test season, it is worth considering how these uncapped players could fit into the Springbok team, and what has brought them into the national picture. Ethan Hooker: The versatile Sharks back, who can play at wing or centre, has been loudly knocking on the Springbok door this season. He is surely set for a Test debut sooner rather than later, likely to be on the right wing as someone who can afford Cheslin Kolbe some rest when needed. Juarno Augustus: A standout player for the Northampton Saints this past season, Augustus now has experience on his side, and could provide a very good option at No 8 considering the injuries to other players in this position. Vincent Tshituka: The Congolese-born Tshituka will add some much-needed depth at blindside flank, and it would not be a surprise at all to see him make his debut against Italy or Georgia in July. Ntokozo Makhaza: The Varsity Cup superstar was a bit of a bolter in the squad selection, and it will be interesting to see whether the talented wing has shown enough to tempt the Springbok coaches into offering him an international cap this July. Renzo du Plessis: Another rising star in South African rugby, the dynamic loose forward is in the mould of Kwagga Smith. A debut against Georgia would certainly seem feasible. Neethling Fouche: The Stormers powerhouse prop will add important back up at tighthead, and considering Frans Malherbe is still sidelined with injury, Fouche is due for his first Test cap. Asenathi Ntlabakanye: A 145kg giant, his physical dimensions set him apart from the pack, and perhaps the one-off games against the Barbarians and Georgia will present an opportunity for the big tighthead prop to get a Springbok game under the belt. Marnus van der Merwe: Another position where the Springboks need to build depth is at hooker, and Van der Merwe is deserving of consideration after impressing for Welsh club Scarlets. When Malcolm Marx or Bongi Mbonambi are in need of a rest, the baton should be passed to Van der Merwe Cobus Wiese: With the ability to play at lock and loose forward, the 27-year-old boasts all the physical attributes to make an impact for the Springboks in some of the Tests this season when experimental selection is likely to come into consideration. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October. Ticket sales Tickets are on sale via and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s. (*booking fees apply)
