FNB Madibaz were just 4 points away from being promoted to the FNB Varsity Cup when they went down 24-21 to UJ in the 2025 promotion-relegation playoff after one of their most successful competitions to date. After reaching the final, they ended their fairytale season as beaten finalists and will be looking to go one step further in 2026.
There is, however, no place for sentiment as Manuel is quick to point out. It is a clean slate for everyone with the Madibaz focusing on a new challenge in an increasingly competitive environment.
“The competition among the teams has become very tight; it’s getting better and better each year,” the team’s longtime mentor emphasised.
“Teams are bulking up, preparation is improving, and with Wits dropping down from the Varsity Cup, the bar has been raised even further. Every match is going to be massively competitive.”
His charges have completed two intensive training camps as part of their pre-season preparations and to ensure complete alignment within the squad, Manuel says.
“The focus was on getting absolute clarity around what we want to achieve as a group. We spent a lot of time discussing the strategies we want to implement and making sure there is full buy-in from everyone.”
The coaching staff also spent time on increasing the technical and tactical awareness of each player so that they understand their role and can execute accordingly within the greater game model.
With the tournament looming, maintaining the intensity and discipline developed during the camp, particularly when the pressure is on, is the current objective.
“We have to be better at managing pressure moments and executing at the highest standard when it matters,” Manuel warned.
“If we can do that consistently, it will allow us to be competitive and provide the opportunity to build on the success of last season.”
A player like inside centre Eddie Kruger, in his fifth year with the team, is expected to have an influential yet calming presence in the backline.
The exploits of newcomer Christiaan van der Merwe, whom Manuel describes as a “powerful ball-carrier capable of generating momentum and consistently getting over the gain line”, will also be interesting to follow.
Out wide, the pace of finishers Emihle Zaza and Jaden Witbooi give the team serious attacking options.
Livewire scrum-half Cameron Doyle is unfortunately sidelined with an injury and is expected to return later in the campaign.
Achieving physical parity up front will be crucial, and Manuel is encouraged by the continuity within his forward pack.
AJ Fleming, Kyle Erasmus, Imibongo Mvuleni, De Wet Goedhals and Sean van Zijl are expected to form the backbone of a unit that is central to Madibaz’s ambitions in 2026.
There will be no place to hide when Nelson Mandela University face off against a dangerous FNB CPUT in Cape Town in the first match of their FNB Varsity Shield campaign on Friday, 13 February.
Provisional squad (subject to change):
AJ Flemming, Aqhamile Limba, Bahle Cengani, Baphole Jennings, Brent Klopper, Buhlebemvelo Fipaza, Caleb Friskin, Calvin Bosch, Cameron Doyle, Chad Weiman, Christiaan van der Merwe, Chuma Bloouw, Cole Hilpert, Corne Cloete, Cullen Willows, Dandre van Jaarsveld, De Wet Goedhals, Dewald Gerber, Emihle Zaza, Eddie Kruger (captain), Imibongo Mvuleni, Jaden Witbooi, Jaiden Brewis, Johannes van Zyl, Kyle Erasmus Layron Milborrow, Lemuel Kramer, Lihlumelo Mantewu, Luan Verster, Luke Stegman, Lukhanyiso Olifant, Marco Coetzee, Marthinus Strydom, Milani Bityo, N’umaan Jappie, Oneliswe Fani, Qurin Cupido, Raashied Conrad, Ruwaan Zealand, Sandi Qhina, Sean van Zijl, Somila Yakayaka, Thabo Sonamzi, Uyanda Tshaka, Xolani Hlatshwayo.