FNB UJ's captain, Siyemukela Ndlovu, reflected on the team's disappointing loss to FNB CUT in their opening match, a setback that saw them struggle with discipline and control.
“We started defending from the fifth minute, and we didn’t have the ball in hand to start attacking. What let us down was discipline, and they capitalized on mauling,” said Ndlovu.
Looking ahead, Ndlovu emphasized the need for a renewed focus and accountability as they prepare to face UP-TUKS in their next game.
"We go back and look at our ‘why’ as a group," he said.
"We need to be hard on ourselves and put ourselves in positions to win over the ref."
He further stressed the importance of limiting penalties, noting that repeated mistakes on the field due to lack of discipline made it easier for the referee to apply pressure on them.
Ndlovu continued to acknowledge Tuks' history of success.
“We just have to take it game by game. This is the same team that won the Varsity Shield and two years before that the Varsity Cup, so they know exactly what it takes.”
“We didn’t play that much rugby, and there’s so much more we need to put on the table. We’re an exciting team with the ball in hand, but unfortunately, we were mostly defending.”
As captain, Ndlovu’s leadership remains unwavering.
“My job is to always lead by example, from the front, and remind the boys of our 'why'. Any challenge that comes our way is an opportunity to dig in deeper,” he concluded.
