FNB UJ's search for their first win of the FNB Varsity Cup 2025 season continued as they fell short in round 4 against FNB Maties, losing 25-7 in a hard-fought encounter.
FNB Maties flanker Ryan Manuel broke the deadlock, crossing over for the visitor's first try. Their captain, Ezekiel Ngobeni, soon followed suit, adding another try to put his team firmly in control.
FNB UJ had opportunities to respond but missed crucial chances to narrow the deficit, and it was unable to capitalise on FNB Maties' failed conversion attempts. As the Stellenbosch-based side’s lead expanded, FNB UJ struggled to make any headway, with Maties' defence proving to be strong. Time and again, FNB UJ pushed for the line, only to fall short in the final meters.
The home side finally got on the scoreboard thanks to a penalty try, but it wasn't enough to get over Maties' dominance.
In a dramatic turn of events, FNB Maties' Fortune Mpofu was initially sent to the sin bin, and upon his return to the field, he barely had time to settle before being sent off again after being struck in the eye.
With this loss, FNB UJ’s winless run in the competition continued, while FNB Maties showed their clinical edge, keeping their FNB Varsity Cup campaign on track.
Scorers:
FNB UJ: Tries: Penalty try.
FNB Maties: Tries: Ryan Manuel, Ezekiel Ngobeni, Carel van der Merwe, Armand Combrink. Conversion: Christiaan Van Heerden Smith. Penalty: Christiaan Van Heerden Smith.
Teams:
FNB UJ: 1 Damian Baker, 2 Ryan Marimo, 3 Ali Gqaza, 4 Jaden Baillie, 5 Josh Toit, 6 Siyemukela Ndlovu (c), 7 Muzuva Gutu, 8 Dylan Viljoen, 9 Berwyn Bosch, 10 Oela Blaauw, 11 Ughan Africa, 12 Reuven Ferreira, 13 Sifiso Dlamini, 14 Okwan Oavane, 15 Michali Damon. Replacements: 16 Jarrad Jordaan, 17 Bian Janse Van Rensburg, 18 Marnus Swarts, 19 Angelo Dube, 20 Reon Pretorius, 21 Liam Rowan, 22 Gregory Van Der Bank, 23 Mihle Matinise.
FNB UCT Ikeys: 1 Jason Johnson, 2 CJ Erasmus, 3 Herman Lubbe, 4 Zuko Poswa, 5 Carel Van Der Merwe, 6 Fortune Mpofu, 7 Luan Botha, 8 Ethan Snyman, 9 Ezekiel Ngobeni (c), 10 Christaan van Heerden Smith, 11 Dylan Miller, 12 Grant De Jager, 13 Ryan Manuel, 14 Joel Leotlela, 15 Elridge Jack. Replacements: 16 Armand Combrink, 17 Wilbur Loubser, 18 Ammaar Burton, 19 Michael Chettoa, 20 Dante Burger, 21 Mckyle Volmoer, 22 CJ Marx, 23 Jean-marc Trichard.
