The FNB UCT Ikey Tigers ended their 11-year title drought with a commanding 44-21 victory over rivals FNB Maties in an enthralling FNB Varsity Cup 2025 Final at a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
Having lost the last two finals, it was third time lucky for the Cape side, who delivered a clinical performance to deny Maties a fairytale win in their 150th-anniversary year. Despite their pedigree and home advantage, the Maroon Machine were undone by costly errors and a relentless Ikeys attack.
The opening half was all about Ikeys winger Ntokozo Makhaza, who scored two tries - including a point-of-origin stunner - and added two conversions and a penalty to give UCT a 19-11 lead at the break. Maties responded through a Ryan Manuel try and two penalties from Christiaan Van Heerden Smith.
After the break, Maties edged closer with a penalty, but Makhaza’s deadly boot kept Ikeys in control. At 22-14 with 20 minutes to go, the game was still in the balance - until Ikeys fullback Duran Koevort pounced on a Maties mistake to stretch the lead.
Although Maties’ Joel Leotlela offered a glimmer of hope with a try, Ikeys scrumhalf Monray Daars sealed the deal with a late five-pointer. Makhaza capped a sensational performance, scoring 32 points and tormenting the Maties at every turn with his deadly boot.
Coach Robbie Fleck’s charges lifted their first FNB Varsity Cup trophy since 2014, while Kabamba Floors’ side were left to rue missed chances in a match, they never quite controlled.
Scorers:
FNB Maties: Tries: Ryan Manuel, Joel Leotlela.
FNB Ikeys: Tries: Ntokozo Makhaza (2), Duran Koevort, Monray Daars.
Teams:
FNB Maties: Prince Mulea, Armand Combrink, Herman Lubbe, Zuko Poswa, Carel Van Der Merwe, Fortune Mpofu, Luan Botha, Ethan Snyman, Ezekiel Ngobeni (c), Christiaan van Heerden Smith, Grant De Jager, CJ Marx, Ryan Manuel, Joel Leotlela, Elridge Jack.
FNB UCT Ikeys: Matthew Beckett, Keagan Blanckenberg, Zachary Porthen, Enos Ndiao, Danio Botha, Siphomezo Dyonase (C), Connor Jack Gordon, Xola Nyali, Monray Daars, Alex Vermeulen, Ntokozo Makhaza, Luke Burger, Thomas Nel, Rethabile Louw, Duran Rayn Koevort.