FNB WSU showed class, composure and grit to secure their first victory in the FNB Varsity Shield 2025 after beating FNB SPU 21-20 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday night.
WSU came into the match under pressure and was still in search of their first victory this year, while FNB SPU wanted to prove a point away from home.
Playing in rainy conditions and soggy conditions, the hosts managed the game well in the first half and led 14-8 at the halfway point.
They scored two tries courtesy of centre Elam Kuse and the explosive Khanya Solani, both converted by Isiphe Mbini.
The visitors, meanwhile, managed eight points, a try by Tumelo Papane and a penalty by captain Khanya Kama.
FNB WSU maintained the intensity in the second half, despite having to adjust to the tough weather conditions.
They crossed the line once more through a blistering run from lock forward, Siseko Mani who received the ball from centre, Axola Mtalana.
FNB SPU hit back with two tries from fullback, Bokamoso Maphisa, and Liyabona Maplanga in the 78th minute.
That proved a little too late, as the hosts held on for a nervy and tightly contested 21-20 victory.
Scorers:
FNB WSU: Tries: Elam Kuse, Khanya Solani, Siseko Mani. Conversions: Isiphe Mbini (3).
FNB SPU: Tries: Tumelo Papane, Bokamoso Maphisa, Liyabona Maplanga. Conversions: Khanya Kama. Penalty: Khanya Kama.
Teams:
FNB WSU: 1 Yanda Ndamase, 2 Sibulele Manyube, 3 Yoyisa Mahobe, 4 Luvo Zindela, 5 Siseko Mani, 6 Khanya Solani, 7 Pernell Mandes, 8 Sipho Hobosch, 9 Asenam Mniki, 10 Isiphe Mbini, 11 Sikho Gaushe, 12 Elam Kusa, 13 Axola Mtalana, 14 Bulelani Nondlwana, 15 Beon Hartnick. Replacements: 16 Mihlali Nohoyeka, 17 Lwandile Majozi, 18 Buhlebenkosi Kedama, 19 Azasakhe Phuwani, 20 Lizole Hebe, 21 Thembela Folo, 22 Qhayiya Makhalima, 23 Sandisiwe Mkwayimba.
FNB SPU: 1 Aviwe Mpepo, 2 Jan Potgieter, 3 Jaundre Le Roux, 4 Tumelo Papane, 5 Kwandokuhle Dlamini, 6 Thando Shipalana, 7 JJ Fourie, 8 Gareth Maree, 9 Ethan Manus, 10 Khanya Kama, 11 Raees Sahabodien, 12 Stephan du Toit, 13 Jaiden Faviers, 14 Liyabona Maplanga, 15 Bokamoso Maphisa. Replacements: 16 Tyron China, 17 Emile Noble, 18 Kabelo Keagile, 19 Fredrick John Eveleigh, 20 Lihlumelo Gunguta, 21 TJ Majiedt, 22 Dwayne Lubbe, 23 Leslie Ruiters.
