FNB UJ will be on a mission to correct the wrongs of past seasons when they kick off their 2026 Varsity Cup campaign on Monday, 16 February. The Orange Army, as they’re affectionately known, remained in the competition after edging FNB Madibaz 24-21 in the promotion relegation fixture last May.
Head coach Therlow Pietersen is hoping for a stronger showing from his side, and he says preparations have gone smoothly.
“The mood in the camp has been good, and the boys have been working hard. All teams are in the same space. Everybody has been working, and I think we will see where we are once we get to crunch time.”
The Orange Army survived the relegation scare last season, and coach Pietersen has identified areas to improve to avoid a similar occurrence.
“This year it’s all about getting in 80-minute performances for us,” he explained.
“We showed last year that if we can apply ourselves to games and do it for longer periods, then we give ourselves a much better chance. We just need to be disciplined and stick to our plan.”
Coach Pietersen has kept the bulk of his squad from last season, while breeding in some young, fresh talent. The side will be co-captained by Kamohelo Molefe and Thabang Mpafi, who has joined the team from the Lions.
“The majority of our group we’ve kept from last year, but we have one or two boys going to the SA u20 camp.
“However, we have a solid group. Thabang will join from the Lions along with JT Kapank, who was at Noordheuwel and at the Bulls, but now he’s with us.”
FNB UJ will kick off their season against newbies Emeris in round 1 of the competition on 16 February in Johannesburg.
Provisional squad (subject to change)
Berwyn Bosch, Bian Janse van Rensburg, Connor van der Merwe, Coun-lee Koekman, Damian Bakker, Dylan Viljoen, Excaue Kevani, Francios Prinsloo, Haniel Mankota, Hlumelo Ntweni, Jaden Ballie, Jayden Pringle, John Ford, Joshua Du Toit, Juan Fourie, Kamo Molefe, Katlegho Zwane, Katlego Xaba, Kitso Mokuena, Lesedi Masimole, Marnus Swarts, Nicallen Gabrielsen, Ruven Ferreira, Ryan Marimo, Sbongokuhle (JT) Kapank, Sifiso Magwaza, Thabang Mphafi, Thabo Mashigo, Themba Sibisi, Toy Engelbrecht, Ughan Africa, Vin Van Buuren, Zian Cilliers.