FNB WSU and FNB Wits played out a thrilling encounter at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Friday, with both sides delivering an attacking spectacle. The match saw a total of eight tries, with FNB WSU crossing three times and FNB Wits five, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout.
FNB WSU started the game in commanding fashion, dominating possession and territory. Their efforts were rewarded with a strong first-half performance, as they raced to a 24-5 lead at the break. The home side’s precision and intensity kept FNB Wits on the back foot for much of the opening 40 minutes.
FNB Wits came out firing in the second half, responding with a flurry of tries to claw their way back into the contest. Their attacking flair and persistence kept FNB WSU defenders under constant pressure, and the visitors eventually matched the hosts’ intensity to level the scoreboard in a high-tempo second half.
In the end, the match finished in a hard-fought 27-27 draw, a fair reflection of the evenly matched sides. Both teams showcased skill, determination, and resilience, leaving fans excited for what the rest of the 2026 Varsity Shield season has in store.
Scorers:
FNB WSU: Tries: Thembela Folo, Lukhangele Tshayi, Sipho Hobosch. Penalty Try. Conversion: Isiphe Mbini. Drop Goal: Lukhangele Tshayi.
FNB Wits: Tries: Liam Santos, Ayanda Bonoyi, Dustyn Holmes, Bonga Nxumalo, Lindanie Dweba. Conversion: Rekkie Gerber.
Teams:
FNB WSU: 1 Mihlali Nohoyeka, 2 Mangaliso Zixesha, 3 Yoyisa Mahobe, 4 Luvo Zindela, 5 Azasakhe Phuwani, 6 Siyamthanda Ncapayi, 7 Khonaye Mbakaza, 8 Sipho Hobosch, 9 Thembela Folo, 10 Lukhangele Tshayi, 11 Asisipho Jim, 12 Paseka Mokoena, 13 Bulelani Nondlwana, 14 Ahlule Zokoza, 15 Isiphe Mbini. Replacements: 16 Sokhana Pampila, 17 Inathinkosi Mhlakaza, 18 Buhlebenkosi Kedama, 19 Sandisiwe Mkwayimba, 20 Qhayiya Makhalima, 21 Lizole Hebe, 22 Sinethemba Buhlungu, 23 Sosulwe Mqonci.
FNB Wits: 1 Ricardo Brandoa, 2 Dylan Piek, 3 Meyer Opperman, 4 Thinus Oosthuizen, 5 Hayden Munnery, 6 Liam Santos, 7 Christopher Kachungunu, 8 Jamaal Feldman, 9 Gideon Diedericks, 10 Matthew Coetzee, 11 Ayanda Bonoyi, 12 McMillen Mongwana, 13 Lindani Dweba, 14 Dustyn Holmes, 15 Latica Nela. Replacements: 16 Bonga Nxumalo, 17 Ronan Dutton, 18 Miguel Smith, 19 Joshua Ferreira, 20 Adem Niewoudt, 21 Appiah Ndzengu, 22 Rekkie Gerber, 23 Kamohelo Ncunca.