An electric FNB Varsity Cup semi-final clash is on the cards when FNB Maties and FNB Shimlas lock horns at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday, 7 April. Both teams are hungry to book their spot in the final, and with added layers of history, the stakes couldn't be higher.
FNB Maties, the log leaders with 30 points, have been dominant this season, losing only one game. Their semi-final opponent, defending champions FNB Shimlas, finished in 4th place with 22 points, securing four wins from their seven matches.
The Free Staters’ journey to this point has been a hard-fought one, but they’ll face a tough test in a Maties side that has been firing on all cylinders.
Earlier in the season, Maties handed Shimlas a 41-37 defeat at the same venue, a result that was sweet for Maties coach Kabamba Floors.
That victory avenged last year’s heart-wrenching semi-final exit at the hands of Shimlas, and Floors is eager to repeat the feat this time around.
"The boys are in a great space, and we’re determined to make it to the final," said Floors. "We know what we're up against, but we're ready to give our best performance on the day."
On the other hand, Shimlas coach Andre Tredoux is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting his side.
"Maties have been outstanding this season, and we’ll need to be at our best to compete with them," Tredoux commented. "But this is the Varsity Cup semi-finals; anything can happen, and we’ll be giving it our all to defend our title."
With both teams coming into this semi-final in fine form, expect a battle of intense physicality and tactical ingenuity. The winner will earn a spot in the final to face either FNB UP Tuks or FNB Ikey Tigers, who meet in the other semi-final.
Starting XV: Prince Mulea, Armand Combrink, Herman Lubbe, Zuko Poswa, Carel van der Merwe, Fortune Mpofu, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Mckyle Volmoer, Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Dylan Miller, CJ Marx, Ryan Manuel, Grant De Jager, Elridge Jack. Replacements: Luthando Makula, Janlu Basson, Jason Johnson, Michael Chettoa, CJ Erasmus, Warrick Jones, Samuel Badenhorst, Gcina Puzi.
