The FNB Ixias will be looking to hit the reset button as they put the finishing touches to their preparations for the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup. Their campaign gets underway on Monday night in Bloemfontein, where they will lock horns with the FNB NWU Eagles.
There is a fresh feel around the Ixias camp this season, led by a brand-new coaching team. Lubabalo Lento takes charge as head coach, with experienced campaigners Sarel Pretorius and Wian du Preez joining him as assistants. Adding to the renewed sense of purpose is the return of a familiar face, with long-time Ixias stalwart Skillie Bester back in the fold as team manager.
On the field, Tokelo Ntaopane has been handed the captaincy for the season, with Kehan Myburg named as his deputy, as the Ixias look to build strong leadership within a youthful squad.
CUT endured two extremely challenging seasons marked by inconsistency and uncertainty, but the mood has shifted decisively. This Varsity Cup represents an opportunity for a clean slate and the chance to reconnect with the proud traditions and glory days of Ixias rugby.
Lento believes the excitement within the camp is tangible and says the fresh start has brought renewed motivation and belief.
“From our side, there’s definitely a strong sense of excitement in the camp. The guys are really looking forward to the competition,” said Lento.
“For me personally, having been part of the setup before helps. There’s continuity, I understand the players, and I know the CUT culture. But at the same time, it really does feel like a fresh start for CUT rugby. We lost a lot of players from last season, so we’ve got a young squad, and we’ve been working extremely hard.”
“There’s good energy, good buy-in, and a real hunger from everyone involved. We’ve been very honest about the last couple of seasons - they were tough - but we’ve used that as motivation rather than baggage.
“There’s a clear feeling that this is a new chapter, with new voices, new ideas and renewed standards. Things can only improve if we stay disciplined and connected.”
Lento also highlighted the value of his new management team.
“Having guys like Wian and Sarel join the coaching staff helped a lot because I’ve worked with them before, so the transition was smooth. And having Mr Bester back is massive for us - he’s extremely experienced and knows this environment inside out.”
Monday’s FNB Varsity Cup clash between the Ixias and Eagles at CUT Stadium is set to kick off at 19:00 (SA Time).
Provisional Squad
JH Bessenger, Jordan Davids, Winton Abrams, Brandon Naude, Jeric Estree, Oyama Frans, Adielson Gouveia, Armand Griesel, Ndinovuyo Holiday, Emlyhn Jacobs, Ashwin Jones, Frederik Fourie, Jan-Hendrik Kleynhans, Ian Klitzke, Johannes B Labuschagne, Malcolm Lamont, Neo Letoetsa, Liyabona Lobese, MC Malan, Malekela Malothane, Neo Kemeng, Jade Muller, Kehan Myburgh, Tokelo Ntaopane, Richard Dean Sciocatti, Neo Ladimo, V. Hope Seyaga, Kutlo Seyoko, KL Shebu, T Stemer, Jean Swart, Raydon Swartbooi, CJ Taljaardt, Jean-Louis Theron, Du Rant Van Aswegen, Devinto Vergotine.