UFH Blues coach Chase Morrison believes his team’s adequate preparation will set them up for a successful 2025 FNB Varsity Shield campaign. After missing out on a semifinal spot last season, the Blues will enter the new campaign with vigour and intentions to go all the way.
The 2022 champions will kick off their campaign against FNB CPUT in Cape Town on Friday, 14 February, and Morrison says preparations for the tournament went smoothly.
“Going into this season, we wanted better preparation, and I think we have achieved that.
“We started in November, and we have played three warm-up games. I’m happy with the players and the work they’ve put in,”said Morrison.
The key focus for the Blues in 2025 is to be consistent and outwork their opponents.
“A big focus for us is to ensure our conditioning is at a competitive level so that we don’t only start games well, but we finish them. There are also certain aspects in our attack that we have worked closely on.”
The Blues will miss key figures this season including former captain, Kamvelihle Fatyela.
Morrison, however, has ample faith in the youngsters coming through.
“We have lost four crucial players after the age limit changed,” he said. “This season, our captain will be Samkele Nzima and other players to watch are Sinalo Jivana, and Kamvelihle Gcweka at lock.
“Bunono Jamani played behind Fatyela for two seasons. It’s his time to put the number two jersey on and make it his own. We are excited to see what they can deliver.”
When asked what UFH students can expect from the team, Morrison said: “They can expect a team that works hard, never gives up and fights. The group is ambitious and wants to achieve a lot.”
Provisional squad (subject to change)
Samkele Nzima (c), Elihle Mtshemla, Mawande Sotewu, Mbasa Babele, Bantu Simani, Bunono Jamani, Inga Vellem, Liyema Tonjeni, Kamvelihle Gcweka, Liyema Hlitane, Siyo Mocksini, Anda Simanga, Mpho Ramahala, Yanga Gazi, Michael Mangava, Sambesa Matyolo, Sinalo Jivani, Kamva Jengqa, Lunathi Mthukwana, Zukhanye Dom, Cwenga Makwati, Turshaan Hare, Onke Ntontela, Salusiwe Gxekwa, Lakheni Majali, Bulumko Mfundisi, Takudzwa Rushiza, Okuhle Pangua, Lutho Mene, Sibusiso Javu, Ukho Nomsatha, Liyema Ngoyi, Bulelani Thanki, Cyril Mphatsoe, Nkesani Felepu, Mziyabulela Bathu, Unathi Mayekiso, Siya Sakhela.
