A first-year film production student will be heading to Tunisia next month, where she will be representing SA at the International Table Tennis Federation African Youth, Junior and Cadet Championships.

Anande Kuse fell in love with the sport of table tennis while attending an after-school programme in primary school.

She has been included in the SA Table Tennis Board u/19 girls’ team.

“What I enjoy the most about table tennis is that it's a sport where respect is taught from the beginning. It's complex but interesting, with lots of technique and thinking involved.”

Anande grew up in Nyanga and attended Walter Teka Primary and Sithembele Matiso High School.

She follows a strict training routine to keep up with her studies.

Anande said she was pleased to be included in the national team.

“At first, I had so little confidence in myself.  While still going for trials, I felt I didn't do enough training. But now, since I'm on the national team, I feel thrilled and proud of myself, said a member of the Top Table Tennis Club and the CPUT Table Tennis Club.

She has also been selected to represent Western Province at the National games that will be held in Durban later this year.

International Table Tennis Federation African Youth, Junior and Cadet Championships is scheduled from 21 to 28 July in Tunis.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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The FNB CPUT team got some extra special inspiration ahead of their debut 2018 Varsity Shield game on Thursday when they will go head to head with Tshwane University of Technology.

The team received their jerseys during a function on the Bellville campus on Monday and were addressed by none other than Western Province coach John Dobson who stressed the importance of a good character in a player.

“You’ve got the talent, the passion and the support from the university. Just let it be tangible and show it on the field by the way you get off the ground and surprise everyone this year. Teammates that are tight, they can do extraordinary things,” said Dobson.

“If you guys make a collective decision that you’re going to contribute to every aspect on and off the field – whether it’s leaving your table tidy, whether it’s knowing the bus driver’s name, whether it’s talking to the new guy next to you…just that and you’ll achieve extraordinary results. You can’t afford not to contribute.”

Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo told the team that the whole university community was behind them 110 percent.
“You are now our brand ambassadors. We support you and we are proud of you and we look forward to watching you play,” he said.

Thursday’s game will be played at the TUT stadium.

The team’s first home game will be on February 26 when they will play Walter Sisulu University in Wellington.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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FNB CPUT delivered a statement performance their supporters were hoping for as they ran riot during fulltime to score a comprehensive 76-5 drubbing of FNB Rhodes in their last round-robin match of the 2023 Varsity Shield at the Bellville Sports Stadium last night.

The visitors drew first blood against the home team with a try, leading 5-0 before the third-placed FNB CPUT levelled matters with a 5-5 score line. Before that, Rhodes stunned Alastair Theys' men in the sixth minute when their nippy scrumhalf Nkosinathi Mvelase pinned his ears back and ghosted the defence for the first points. This would however be the visitors' only points for the entire match.

The reply from the two-time Varsity Shield champions was a devastating blow for Rhodes – five tries within 15 minutes through Hugan Engelbrecht, Jo-Neil Baron, Lindisipho Kula, Heinrico Hartogh, and Iwaan Bloys added their names to the try-scoring list. Linton Maritz converted four of his five attempts.

CPUT headed into halftime with a strong 33-5 lead.

A rampant second-half display of skill, speed and precision was a step too far for Rhodes to contain. CPUT ran havoc, scoring twelve tries in total including a brace from Heinrico Hartogh. Maritz scored a try and converted seven of his ten attempts, taking his tally for the match to 19 points.

Speaking after the match, the elated Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said: “They did well today, after two disappointments they came back, they bounced back like the CPUT that we know. They must actually keep their heads up. Disappointments are always there but you know what, setbacks must always be fulfilled by bounce backs. This was actually a huge comeback.”

Sport Development officer, Bulelani Mlakalaka, said: “The victory confirms a semi-final spot for the team against the [FNB] Madibaz in PE [Gqeberha]. The win gives the good momentum and confidence going into the semi-final.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The CPUT supa-pool women’s team clinched the gold medal after three days of facing up to tough challenges from the other four women’s teams. CPUT supa-pool women’s and men’s teams recently competed at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) national championships in East London.

The men’s team missed a bronze medal by finishing in fourth place out of ten competing universities. The gold medal was a reward for all the hard work that went into preparing both teams over a period of three months. The CPUT supa-pool teams were selected at trials held at Bellville campus after which the team gathered every Saturday to be put through their paces by coach, Beauren Simon and team manager, Ricardo Geduld.

The team also played a friendly match against their counterparts from Western Province Supa-pool to prepare them for the level of competition at the national event. Four of CPUT women finished in the top five out of 25 competitors. “This achievement should not be underestimated as supa-pool is a relatively new code of sport at CPUT which needed to be revived after the covid-19 pandemic which put a stop to its re-launch in 2019,” said sports administrator, Quinton Summers. He said CPUT and UWC [University of the Western Cape] are planning to host the 2024 edition of the USSA tournament, and “we hope to scale even greater heights next year”.

For more information on supa-pool at CPUT contact sports administrator, Quinton Summers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Education student Nika Lambrechts recently represented the Western Province (WP) u/21 (outdoor) netball team at the Spar National Netball Championships in Rustenburg.

Earlier this year the talented netball player was also included in the WP action netball team, which toured to Pretoria in March.

“We won gold in the 6’s a side division and won sliver in the 7’s division,” she said about the competition in March.

In Rustenburg, her team proceeded to the semi-finals of the Spar Championships and finished third.

“Since I was little, all I wanted was a netball ball. Then at the age of four, I started doing the mini netball clinics. So it all started at the age of four and ever since I never stopped playing. There were downhill times, but I got through it. Even through a badly sprained ankle I kept playing. The doctors told me I can’t play netball for two years and in two months I was on the court again.”

She said netball is her safe space.

“Everyone that knows me well knows that if I had a bad day, the place to find me is on the netball court. When I put my foot on that court, nothing runs through my mind except netball. It is like all my problems disappear. I just love this sport, because it is a team sport and all my co-players become like family.”

The third-year Intermediate Phase student is from Bellville and attended DF Malan High school.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Women in sport challenge gender pigeonholes and social patterns, make inspirational role models, and show men and women as equals.

Led by the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), the Sport Management Department in collaboration with the Western Cape Provincial Government, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) invited stakeholders from the sports bionetwork to be part of an influential Woman in Sport (WIS) Conference to make gender equality a lived reality in and through sport.

The two-day conference was recently held at Kelvin Grove Club in Newlands, Cape Town. Sport Management Department Lecturer, Dr Janice Hemmonsbey-Lodewyk said 2023 is (unofficially) dubbed the year for women's sports, with a series of sport events hosted in South Africa, such as the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup, the Netball World Cup, and South African women's soccer team's victory in the WAFCON, which qualified them for the Women's FIFA World Cup. Hemmonsbey-Lodewyk stated that coach Desiree Ellis showed “tremendous leadership” in the team's achievement- making it to the last 16.

“It is from this backdrop that the Sport Management, DCAS decided to leverage the opportunity to host a WIS Conference to raise awareness, discuss pertinent issues, and highlight the achievements of women in sport, whether it is through leadership, participation in events, research and academia, and policy development.”

The conference with the theme: "Critical Global Issues Related to Women in Sport," underscores the significance of the challenges and opportunities that women in sports face on a global scale, was also aimed at identifying the practice and knowledge gaps to take the conversations forward and delve into further research topics. The target audience was both industry leaders in the space of women's sport, as well as academic professionals who conduct research in the area of women’s sport.

In his opening address, the Faculty Dean, Prof Paul Green, said the conference underscored “the significance of the challenges and opportunities that women in sports face on a global scale”. “As we embark on this two-day journey of exploration, discussion, and enlightenment, we are privileged to have a lineup of distinguished keynote speakers who will provide invaluable insights. On Day 1, we will be graced by the presence of the Honourable Minister, Anroux Marais, who will share perspectives on ‘Women in Sport: Past, Present, and Future.’ Furthermore, we have the privilege of learning from two outstanding women in leadership, Dr Laurine Platzky and Romaney Pinnock,” Green continued.

“As we delve into the critical global issues related to women in sports over the next two days, let us remember that it is through collaboration, dialogue, and shared knowledge that we can work towards a future where women in sports are given the recognition, opportunities, and support they truly deserve. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world of sports for all.”

The delegates came from the Western Cape Government (Sport and Recreation), the CPUT community and networks, North-West University, and Istanbul Bilgi University. Prof Kamilla Swart from Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar had graced the delegates with a keynote address on women in sport leadership. Delegates from the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) were also in attendance. Head of Women's Football at SAFA, Pinnock was a keynote speaker with Dr Laurine Platzky, Chair of Council at CPUT. They both talked on women in sport leadership. The Logistics Manager: 2022 Men’s FIFA World Cup and Infotainment Manager of the Women’s FIFA World Cup, Natasha Petersen, had a seat at one of the panel discussions where she shared some behind the scenes insights to her international experience as a woman in an international sporting environment.

The event ran smoothly, and the panel discussions were insightful and touched on a variety of pertinent issues. “The contextual South African challenges (such as safety aspects to participate in sport and lack of proper sporting infrastructure), seemed to be a common theme throughout the discussions. However, the conference highlighted many strides that the industry has made in women's sport participation at an elite level,” Hemmonsbey-Lodewyk observed.

She added that one of the objectives of the conference was to have a balance of discussions from industry and academia on key issues of women in sport. “The panel and keynotes showed the diversity, in terms of their respective representations. There were clear discussions on key areas of improvement which can be picked up further from a provincial government perspective, as well as an academic (research) perspective.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Netball player, Danika Odendaal, who is currently representing CPUT at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) National Tournament, is hoping to follow in her Springbok grandmother, Delorese Ordendaal’s, footsteps.

The tournament at Camp Discovery in the North West Province started on 20 September and will finish on 25 September.

The second-year Foundation Phase student says: “My dream is to play for South Africa one day. It would be a huge honour and a privilege.” Danika was born in Kwazulu-Natal, but her family moved to Saldanha Bay, Western Cape when she was three years old.  

Netball became her focus in sport and during her school days she completed her first umpiring course. Danika would like to further her qualifications in this field and help other young girls to develop their talents and skills.

“I also had the privilege to coach the U/16 E & F girls netball team at Paarl Gymnasium this year and hope to continue in the years to come.” Her eldest sister Anushka is her biggest motivator as she is also very actively involved in netball development in schools and with CPUT.

The 20-year-old is “honoured and blessed” to be chosen as part of the USSA Netball team. “We have all worked hard in preparing ourselves for this tournament and when I heard my name being called, I was ecstatic. For me, it is a dream come true. I hope to make CPUT proud!”

Sport has always played a big part in her family life and Danika’s parents always encouraged them to try everything.  Because her grandmother was a Springbok netball player, netball became the focal point in both her sister and her life paths. During her time at high school, her coach played a big role in her life and motivated and coached Danika with such enthusiasm that she could not help but fall in love with netball. During her high school years, Danika had the privilege to go on a netball tour to Hong Kong where she played against strong teams from other countries. “It was an amazing experience,” Danika continues.

“I am not sure if it’s the ball, the tarmac, or the friends I have made, or maybe it’s just in my blood, but I love netball.”

Reflecting on her challenges, Danika mentions funding as always being, a challenge, but with her parents, friends, teachers and coach, Annemarie Bester, “they helped to make it all possible”. “I am very grateful for all they have done for me.” In Grade 11 she also had an injury where she tore her ligaments in her foot and that put Danika out for a season. But she had a great physiotherapist that helped her with a speedy recovery and motivated Danika to move forward.

God is Danika’s motivator in life.  “We did not grow up rich, but even though we did not always get what we wanted, we always got what we needed.”

Danika would like to further her education so that “I could help special or mentally challenged children. It is so satisfying being able to help and develop these amazing children”. One of her dreams is to help, motivate and coach young girls at school level to play netball.

She believes that: “Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless.”

Danika hopes to make CPUT proud. “And for everybody out there…No challenge is too big. Be positive, have faith and believe in yourself. You can do it.”  

She hopes this opportunity is the start of many more things to come. “We are a fantastic team and I believe that we can go all the way.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT’s formidable rugby team is ready to return to the FNB Varsity Shield tournament this year. They will be going head to head with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in their first game, which is scheduled for February 22 in Pretoria.

Last year kicked off with a bang when the FNB CPUT team made their debut in the competition and now they are tirelessly preparing for the 2018 competition, which will see seven teams competing for the title.

Their first home game will be on February 26 against Walter Sisulu University at the CPUT Stadium in Wellington and the team is calling on the whole CPUT community to come out and show their support.

This year’s team captain is Henrico Jacobs. “The team has been working hard. Our preparations have included a training camp, which took place from January 4 to 20 in Wellington,” says Bulelani Mlakalaka, Sport Development Officer for Rugby.

Varsity Shield is played in round robin format while the final games will be knockouts.

Last year’s competition was won by UWC who beat Fort Hare in the final.

Visit CPUT Sport for updates: 

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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FNB CPUT scored a comfortable 50-8 victory over FNB UKZN at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville on Thursday night.

The match was played at a frantic pace and in windy conditions. The home side dominated possession but could not execute their opportunities.

The teams went into the half-time break tied at 8-all.

In the second half, CPUT again dominated possession and territory. They scored four more tries to ensure a comfortable win.

FNB Varsity Shield Round 1 results and scorers

FNB CPUT 50 (8) - Tries: Olivier Klaasen, Wiehan Kruger (3), Matteo Solomons.

Conversions:  Wiehan Kruger (4).

FNB UKZN 8 (8) - Tries : Jarryd Nicholls. Penalty: Juandre Kock.

Player That Rocks: Wiehan Kruger (FNB CPUT)

 Round 2 fixtures – 23 February 

FNB WSU vs FNB CPUT (Sisa Dukashe Stadium)

FNB UKZN vs FNB Madibaz (Peter Booysen Stadium)

FNB TUT vs FNB Rhodes (TUT Stadium)

FNB UFH vs FNB UWC (Davidson Stadium)

Written by Varsity Shield

The 2023 FNB Varsity Shield kicks off on February 16 and supporters can look forward to watching FNB CPUT take on FNB UKN at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville on Thursday night.

The game is scheduled to start at 19:00 and tickets are only available online via Howler: https://howler.co.za/cput-vs-ukzn

This year’s tournament will see eight teams fighting for the title: defending champions FNB Fort Hare, FNB UWC, FNB Madibaz, FNB CPUT, FNB UKZN Impi, FNB Rhodes and FNB TUT Vikings and FNB WSU. The heat will be on as 2023 has will be a promotion year.

In a dramatic final last year, FNB Fort Hare beat FNB CPUT 28-27.

Written by CPUT News
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The outgoing CPUT men’s rugby team captain, Butsha Mputa made an emotional tribute to his teammates at the team’s awards, which were held recently at the Granger Bay Campus.

Butsha joined the team in 2016 and started as a benchwarmer but he fought his way up to the starting line-up in June of that year. Since then the diminutive flank made the number six jersey his own. Butsha said one thing that stood out for him during the Varsity Shield tournament was the bond and support “we give each other as the CPUT family”.

“Throughout the tournament I had been getting messages from the Dean and Vice Chancellor , two individuals that have the most  hectic schedules in the Institution but one message in particular stood out for me: when we were playing TUT  early in the morning I got a message from the dean of students and  I quote ‘My captain today I give you and the team permission to make mincemeat out of TUT. It is this message that made me believe that the bond and trust that we share as the CPUT family is truly something special’”.

He said the CPUT journey had been a blessing to him and it is something that he will always hold dear to his heart. “I dedicated my time at CPUT to leave the number 6 jersey at a better place as it was so fitting that my journey had to end this way. To the exiting students well done boys on your incredible journey your blood, sweat, and tears has not gone unnoticed what you have done for this Institution will be spoken about in years to come.”

Reflecting  on the final game which they played against WSU, Butsha said: “It’s the 79th minute in the final the scores are tied, I make a try saving tackle and I try and win possession for the team.  However, the referee awards a penalty to WSU. I straight away go to one of my closest friends Lunathi [Nxele]. I ask him: ‘Is this how our journey ends at CPUT’, Lunathi says: ‘no ways’ WSU kicks and they miss the penalty, fast forward into extra time when there were two minutes left, WSU was leading us by three points. I began to lose a bit of hope but for a moment I thought about all the people back at home supporting us at the edge of their seats and I was like the is no way we are losing this game and at the end we won the final”.

In his closing remarks, Butsha had few words for the next generation of players. “To the boys that will be playing next year and years to come, it has been a pleasure playing alongside of you, make a name for yourself and wear the CPUT jersey with pride and honour and most importantly leave the jersey at a better place, it’s up to you guys to take us to Varsity Cup.”Players who have played their last season due to age or completing their studies in 2021 received gifts which were handed over by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo and Dean of Student Affairs, Prem Coopoo. Meanwhile other players won individual awards with prizes.

Forward Player of the year 2021 trophy went to Butsha and Ameer Hendricks. Backline Player of the Year, Lunathi Nxele. Young Player of the Year, Matthew Coenraad. Most Spirited Player Award went to Lucien Phillips and Siyasanga Ngubelanga.  Top Point Scorer, Imibongo Vabaza. Top Try Scorer went to Butsha.

Try of the Year Award went to Nathan Nkutu.  Lunathi also won the Player’s Player of the Year.  Coach’s Player of the Year was won by Ameer.  Meanwhile Phumlani Mkhaliphi walked away with the Loyalty Award. Overall Player of the Year was Nathan. 

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Hard work, a lot of tears, heart breaks, disappointments, empty tummies, loneliness, doubt, not being good enough, having nowhere to go, faith, drive, hope, passion, consistency, has never deterred Nathan Nkutu’s dreams of playing professional rugby.

The 2nd year Public Administration student was one of the new players who were unveiled by the Tafel Lager Griquas for the upcoming Currie Cup season that is set to kick off in January. Nathan’s rugby journey started way before he even started playing rugby.  In 2007, on the day of the World Cup Rugby Final, his family lost their home because they could not afford to pay rent.

 As the destitute family were moving their stuff to friends, the young Nathan, listened to a radio commentary. “I was just listing to them speak about this rugby thing which I had no idea what it was and one of the presenters mentioned Byran Habana and the whole topic just became about him,” says Nathan.

“Hearing everything that was said about him, I whispered that I want to be like Bryan Habana, that name has stuck with me since and being as young as I was, I didn’t know the impact that he had on me, the seed it indirectly planted within me. Now I look back, I realise that was indirectly the start of my journey.”

Nathan, who was born at Kikwiti in the Democratic Republic of the Congo moved to Johannesburg at a very young age with his family.  He vows that he is ready to embark on his new journey with the Griquas, five months after the exposure he got from playing for CPUT in the Varsity Shield.

“My biggest aim here is to play and win the Carling Currie Cup.”

Reflecting on his struggles growing up, Nathan says he and his sisters were raised by his single mother. “We had to rely on the generosity of strangers to survive, month to month, often going to bed hungry or with little to eat when help was not available. I never had a stable home environment growing up as we bounced between house to house, often depending on the generosity of complete strangers and, if it wasn't for these people who provided food and shelter, the coaches who invested in me, friends and their families assisting, I would certainly not be the player or young man I am today.”

Nathan encourages prospective players to stop and look at the bigger picture, the reason as to why they are here, the reason as to why they started. “Have faith in where they are and where they are going because that's how you find the momentum to keep moving forward when things get hard. Whatever they do, they shouldn’t stop believing in their mission because everything will work out exactly as it's supposed to and sometimes even better than they can imagine.”

His  inspiration is her mother, Laurentine Mbele because she’s been unemployed her whole life but managed to raise him and his two  sisters, “people won’t understand how much it takes for a foreign national to come into a country and lose everything but raise three kids, what she’s been through and how much sacrifice that takes”.

At the recent CPUT’s Rugby Awards ceremony, Nathan was announced as the Overall Player of the year.  “It felt unreal because to date that has been the biggest rugby award I’ve received, I felt privileged and honoured to have worn the CPUT rugby jersey and that I’d be leaving it in a much better place than what I received it as. No one starts this journey out successfully; we all have to go through the process to get there! And in that process is a lot of ups and downs, obstacles, and failures that other people may not see but it's the one's that keep pushing forward that truly reach success.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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With an immense mission to stimulate golf penchant amongst the CPUT community, the Sport Department held a Staff and Student Golf Day at the Bellville Golf Course recently.

Sport Development Officer, Quinton Summers said there was a significant focus in this event as, “We tried to create an opportunity for staff and students to exchange ideas and fellowship in a relaxed outdoor environment which has been lacking in recent times due to Covid-19.” In a day blessed with perfect weather for golf, sunny with a light breeze for 40 participants, consisting of 16 students and 24 staff members and all teams were able to tee off on time.

They all went through the holes nicely with some great shots on display. There was a stop at the halfway house where the teams were able to have lunch and interact a little before kicking off the second half of the day.  The teams then assembled at the clubhouse for networking and a prize giving session.

“It was overall a very well-planned and joyful day,” said Mvuyisi Sigila a Sports Development Officer.

Summers said: We look to unearth the golf talent amongst our students and thereby create a data base of students who can be called upon for future golf events,” he continued.

“At this moment we are looking at growing an interest in golf. Next year we are hoping to have at least two students-only golf days and one corporate golf day which would serve as a fund-raising event.”

The department is striving to see more students to come on board and show an interest in future student golf days. All staff members should be alert for the corporate golf day which would be an opportunity for the Institution’s business partners to invest financially in the future of emerging CPUT students. “The day was enjoyed by the participants and organisers who, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have not inter-acted on a social level in the workspace for nearly two years,” Summers remarked.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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FNB CPUT recorded its first loss in this year’s Varsity Shield tournament, losing against neigbours FNB UWC last night.

The visitors won the Cape derby 31-10 in a packed CPUT Sports Field in Bellville.

The home side managed a single penalty in the first half with UWC running in three tries to head into the break with a comfortable 17-3 lead.

No points were scored in the first 20 minutes. A single penalty via the boot of Oyintando Maseti was the only first-half points for Alastair Theys' men while UWC ran in three tries.

For UWC, the tries came quickly and fast after the strategic break. Hlomla Ncana, Franco Ceasar and Bilaal Moerat all scored.

At the start of the second half, the 2018 Varsity Shield champions picked up where they left off when Almore Kuilders went over for the bonus point try.

For the next 15 minutes, it was all CPUT as the 2022 finalists stretched the UWC defensive lines, but it held. A series of clinical errors by the home side however prevented them from converting any of the pressure into points.

Despite a late surge and a consolation try by Dwayne Atkins, UWC retain their unbeaten record and secured a convincing victory.

FNB CPUT 10 (3) – Try: Dwayne Atkins. Conversion: Oyintando Maseti Penalty: Maseti

FNB UWC 31 (17) – Tries: Hlomla Ncana, Franco Ceasar, Bilaal Moerat, Almore Kuilders, Louan De Lange. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (3)

FNB Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC)

FNB CPUT Rugby fans can look forward to an epic clash this evening when FNB CPUT face neighbours FNB UWC at the CPUT Sports Fields in Bellville.

Both teams are former champions and are unbeaten this year, with FNB UWC currently at the top of the log with 20 points and FNB CPUT in second place with 19 points.

At the end of the 2023 season, the team that finishes at the top of the Varsity Shield log will automatically be promoted to the Varsity Cup.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 and tickets are available online via Howler and cost R20 each.

The match is expected to be sold out and fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance.

Howler will be available at the gate to assist with ticket purchases on a first come first served basis (no cash allowed).

Gates will open from 16:00.

The match will also be broadcast live on SuperSport (DStv)

Written by CPUT News
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It was sweet revenge on Thursday evening for the hosts, FNB CPUT, as they beat the reigning Varsity Shield champions 36- 21 at Bellville Sports Field, in what was lauded as a top class rugby match between the champions and former champions.

The home team's captain, Keanan Solomons and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo attributed the victory to the players’ hard work and attitude, saying the players believed they could turn things around and beat the monstrous Luma Ke Blues, as UFH rugby team is affectionately known.

“I am very much happy because for us as the team who lost in the final last year [against UFH], so it’s very difficult for us to face them but we did put in all the hard work and at the end of the day we got the results that we wanted,” said Keanan after the final whistle.

CPUT came back from behind as the defending champions led 13-10 during the half time. Reflecting on the performance of his team, Keanan said: “I am very satisfied because we worked very hard during the week, we take each game as one step to the next game.” Despite the convincing victory, Keanan cautioned his teammates against complacency in the next fixtures. “Never stop working hard, the work is not done yet, so just step by step, we take everything game by game, ja, let’s go.”

Nhlapo, who was amongst the throng of supporters, lauded the team’s consistency. “ I think the boys have shown [consistency]with the fourth game. You can see the level of performance and consistency that it was not a fluke that we won. These are the defending champions, and remember that we are also former champions, so it was champions against champions. But I think now, it has shown who are the real champions,” Nhlapo continued.

“We are really looking for the promotion because this year is for promotion to the next level.”

In his message to the players, the thrilled vice-chancellor said: “They must just keep up the good work and keep on focusing and I think the rest will actually happen on itself.”

FNB CPUT 36 (10) – Tries: Penalty Try, Anenceba Salman, Keanan Solomons, Dwayne Atkins, Oyitando Maseti. Conversions: Ryan George (3) Penalty: George (1).

FNB UFH Blues 21 (13) – Tries: Bantu Simani, Mziyabulela Bathu. Conversion: Merlin du Plessis (1). Penalties: Du Plessis (3)

FNB Player That Rocks: Oyitando Maseti (FNB CPUT)

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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FNB CPUT will be facing FNB Madibaz in the first of today’s Varsity Shield semi-finals.

The game is scheduled to take place at 15:30 in Gqeberha while FNB UWC will take on defending champions FNB UFH at the UWC Sports Stadium at 19:00.

Last year CPUT were seconds away from winning the Varsity Shield trophy for a record-breaking third consecutive time. FNB UFH beat them 28-27 on the stroke of full-time in Alice.

Despite losing two games in this year's round-robin stages, CPUT captain Keanan Solomons believes they have what it takes to beat Madibaz again. CPUT got the better of Madibaz in round four, beating them 35-32 at the very same venue.

"First of all, we are grateful to be in the semi-finals after two losses," says Solomons. "This is the second time playing against Madibaz and we will stick to everything that has worked for us during this campaign. We keep it simple, as with every previous game."

CPUT head coach Alastair Theys is very cautious to not dwell too much on their recent win over Madibaz.

"Beating Madibaz at their home ground does give a bit of an edge to CPUT, but I am sure they wouldn't want it to happen again. We have analysed their last game against UWC and will use this in preparing our game plan.

"Key areas that we will be focusing on is how we attack against Madibaz and the defence strategy that we will be putting in place. It is a semi-final and [it] can go either way but the mindset needs to be 'it is just another game' as this will take the external pressure off our preparation and the game."

Written by Varsity Shield

FNB CPUT will today compete in its fourth consecutive FNB Varsity Shield final in what is expected to be an epic battle against FNB UWC.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15h30 at the UWC Sports Stadium.

FNB CPUT were crowned champions in 2019, beating FNB Madibaz and again in 2021 with a victory over FNB WSU. In 2022 they came close to victory but lost 27-28 against FNB UFH. There were no finals in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

FNB UWC is the only team who has not lost a single game in the tournament this year.

The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Written by CPUT News
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FNB UWC were crowned the 2023 FNB Varsity Shield champions when they held off FNB CPUT for a brave and valiant 24-18 victory in front of a packed UWC Sports Stadium in Bellville.

In a tense and highly anticipated Cape derby, the home side, being the only unbeaten side in the competition this year, was pushed to their limits. A vibrant sold-out Operation Room meant every big hit and hand-off was cheered on by both UWC and CPUT supporters.

UWC, whose resilient and disciplined defensive efforts were standouts throughout the 2023 season, showed no signs of letting up despite a courageous effort from the CPUT side. Not many sides can claim they crossed the UWC try line more than once. Not only did CPUT cross the UWC try line twice, but they got within touching distance of claiming a historic victory.

Upfront, both packs of forwards were having a full go at each other. In the opening 20 minutes, a solo converted try separated the two teams. UWC's set pieces were clinical and they secured a solid platform to launch their potent attacks, but it was met with an equally disciplined CPUT defensive effort.

CPUT hooker Shakes Shasha’s yellow for a cynical infringement was the opportunity that allowed the home side to capitalise on the one-man advantage. The relentless attack after attack from UWC eventually paid off with them opening the scoring in the 14th minute. The try came courtesy of leading try scorer Mauritz Swart, with Conwill Conradie converting.

The sides were evenly poised and some inspirational words from both Paul Treu and Alastair Theys during the first strategy break certainly inspired both sides.

Four minutes shy of halftime, CPUT got their first points when outside centre Iwaan Bloys stretched out his right arm to dot the ball down across the UWC whitewash. The visitors were disciplined in the build-up to their opening try with scrumhalf Hugan Engelbrecht quick to clear the ruck. Linton Maritz failed to convert, and UWC headed to the sheds leading 7-5.

A fired-up UWC came out all guns blazing in the second half, finding gaps with ease and making light work of handing off CPUT defenders.

Swart burrowed his way across the try line for the 11th time in the competition while an earlier try by fellow front rower Riaan van der Merwe handed the home side a 21-11 lead as play headed into the final quarter of the match.

Two penalty conversions, one apiece by Linton Maritz and replacement Ryan George, kept CPUT within touching distance of the home side. Conradie added a penalty of his own to set up an exciting final 10 minutes of the 2023 season. CPUT could however not close the gap.

• FNB UWC 24 (7) – Tries: Mauritz Swart (2), Riaan van der Merwe. Conversions: Conwill Conradie (3). Penalties: Conradie.
• FNB CPUT 18 (5) – Tries: Iwaan Bloys, Darren Alexander. Conversion: Ryan George. Penalties: Linton Maritz, George.
• FNB Player That Rocks: Darren Alexander (CPUT)
• FNB Overall Player That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC)
• FNB Overall Forward That Rocks: Roland van der Heever (CPUT)
• FNB Overall Back That Rocks: Conwill Conradie (UWC)
• Suzuki Rookie of the Year: Hlomla Ncana (UWC)

Written by Varsity Shield

He has twice celebrated Varsity Shield victory as a member of the CPUT rugby team and this week Anenceba Salman is celebrating a victory of a different kind.

A week after playing in this year’s Varsity Shield final, the dedicated sportsman and CPUT staff member is graduating with a Diploma in Operations Management.

The team leader/supervisor in the Records and Archives Department is currently studying towards an Advanced Diploma in the course.

He is grateful for the opportunities he’s had as part of the CPUT family.

“The time spent at CPUT has been fruitful, educational, emotional and all kinds of fun. I look forward to more years at this university and hope to bring positive change to fellow students and staff. I am what I am today because CPUT has shaped and moulded me this way.”

Anenceba grew up in the Eastern Cape’s Ilitha township and is one of three children. “My mom raised me alone from age eight when my father passed on. I’ve had the unfortunate situation of losing a lot of family on my father’s side…

My mom is and has always been a strong character of a woman whose generally brought a lot of fun energy in the house. There's never a moment I thought that life as an adult would be easier than that of a kid but I was taught to laugh and smile through adversity while counting the blessings of each day. My aim is to be in a better position than [I was] yesterday.”

He started playing rugby in 2011 when he was in Grade 7 at Dale Junior.

“Coming to CPUT, I never thought I’d be playing again in my life but it was watching CPUT play Walter Sisulu University in 2018, that got me interested in playing again. I saw an old Dalian, who played for WSU at the time, beat our defence and told myself that wouldn't happen again under my watch.”

Anenceba has many role models but says he has realised that he has to be his own role model.

“I have looked up to many people… most have been sports personalities like Bryan Habana, Tiger Woods, Lewis Hamilton and some other people like Vusi Thembekwayo, Jordan Peterson, my mom and definitely my older cousin, Dr Mlungisi Mfeketho but my main role model is myself. It's the future version of me…I'm building and moulding day by day, weaknesses and strengths. Not having a father made me look for a male figure to impersonate or become but it was not until an older age that I realised there's no better role model to me than me.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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