The Stadio Sabres sent a clear warning to the established universities in South Africa that they are intent on becoming a serious contender in sevens rugby when they lost 21-14 to UP Tuks in the final of the 2024 USSA Rugby Sevens Tournament.
Stadio Higher Education is well known for its presence in South African rugby. They are the educational partners at the Vodacom Bulls, DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks and two years ago stepped up and became the sponsor of the National Youth Weeks/Craven Weeks.
In 2023 they played for the first time at the USSA Rugby Sevens Tournament and following brilliant results they were promoted to the main competition in 2024. This past weekend they once again showed that they are intent to not only compete but to challenge the best universities in South Africa.
The tournament took place at Sol Plaatjies Universities’s state-of-the-art sports precinct, which includes the impressive Suzuki Stadium, ensuring top-tier facilities for players and fans alike.
The Stadio Sabres started the Tournament on Saturday with wins against the UFH (42-07), CUT (28-19) and a loss to UFS (24-21). Despite the disappointment against UFS, Stadio qualified for the playoffs.
On Sunday they beat Varsity College (19-15) and the Pukke (12-10) in the semi-finals to set up a final against UP Tuks. It was an even match with both sides making one or two mistakes which could have changed the outcome but unfortunately, Stadio lost 21-14 in a tense but exciting final.
Coach Loffie Eloff said after the final that he is extremely proud of the boys, especially taking into account the limited time the team had to prepare for this prestigious tournament.
Coaches: Loffie Eloff and Tjaart van der Walt
Team: Sphephelo Mbonambi, Corbin Benjamin, Ulrich Wahl, Benito Goeda, Joel Leotlele, Deano Boesak, Thyron Ross, Gino Cupido, Aka Mjawule, Abongile Klaas, Leejay Petersen, Mikyle Thysse.
