FNB Varsity Cup returnees FNB UP-Tuks will welcome the FNB UCT Ikeys in the first semi-final of what has been a dramatic season of the 2025 campaign. The Stripe Generation finished in second position on the log with only two losses in the campaign to secure a home semifinal.
Their counterparts, Ikeys, finished just a point behind the Pretoria side. The affair promises to be a grueling encounter as Tuks will seek to avenge themselves as they suffered their first loss of the season in the hands of the traveling Capetonians.
FNB UP-Tuks assistant coach Ignatius Loubser is in no doubt with his side’s current form.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team. The boys have put in hard work, not just on game days but in every session for the last 21 weeks and every detail of preparation.
They’ve bought into the vision from our head coach Dewey and each one of the management team, and their commitment shows in our performances. It’s been a season of growth, blood, sweat and tears, and the results speak for themselves,” said Loubser.
“For us, it’s about identity and legacy. This group wants to show what Tuks rugby is all about—intensity, precision, and resilience.
“There is a word that the Finnish people have, 'Sisu” which translates to grit and perseverance but according to the Fins the greatness and true meaning of the word cannot be captured in any translation – which mean it is Grit and perseverance so large and with such great meaning that it is incomprehensible.
“There’s a hunger to prove ourselves each session and each game every week, and that mindset has been the foundation of our success so far.”
With the team’s performance since their return to the topflight football, they’ve seen a flood of fans at the Tuks Stadium, something Ikeys will need to come prepared for.
This time, the stakes are high, as the final spot is up for grabs.
“The support has been unreal. Playing in front of a packed stadium at home gives the team an extra edge, and we feed off that energy. The fans are a massive part of what makes Varsity Cup special, and we want to keep giving them performances to be proud of,” he said.
“I have been involved in the Varsity Cup since 2011, and lately the Tuks supporters have truly outdone themselves no other teams supporters can hold a candle to the Tuks crowd.
“That’s always the goal; our team has cultivated a highly competitive culture. But for us, it’s about focusing on the next challenge, one game at a time. If we keep meeting our standards and growing as a team, everything else will take care of itself.”
Starting XV: Edwin Till, Allister Williams, Jayd Austin, David Engongo, JW Mare, Abel Pretorius, Kamohelo Tlome, Haydn Kemp, Chad-Lee Valentine, Jandre Burger, Bayanda Ngubane, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Christiaan Vlok, Tharquinn Manuel, Ambesa Zenzile. Replacements: Ruan van Blommestein, Jean Fourie, Barnard Nortje, Cayno February, Oelof De Meyer, Dillon Smith, JP Wentzel, Jayden Sam.
