FNB CPUT faced a daunting challenge in the 2026 Varsity Shield as they squared off against the FNB University of Fort Hare (UFH) Blues.

Displaying remarkable resolve, the UFH Blues excelled in the second half, ultimately overpowering FNB CPUT with a striking performance that saw them rack up an impressive seven tries, while CPUT managed four in response.

The exhilarating match unfolded at the lively Davidson Stadium in Alice, where passionate fans filled the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that underscored the significance of the contest. In a display of skill, teamwork, and relentless determination, the UFH Blues secured a well-deserved victory, finishing the game with a commanding score of 41-22.

This defeat marked the second consecutive loss for FNB CPUT, following a tough battle against FNB Sol Plaatje University (FNB SPU) just a week prior at their home ground. The team is now left to reflect on their challenges as they seek to regroup and improve for their upcoming matches.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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FNB WSU produced a clinical first-half performance before holding off a spirited second-half comeback from FNB CPUT to secure victory in Bellville.

The All Blacks opened the scoring early in the game when Sandisiwe Mkwayimba crossed the line for a clean try and Isiphe Mbini added the conversion to give the visitors an early lead.

Mkwayimba struck again in the finishing off another attacking move to extend their advantage. The successful tap and kick play pushed the score even further for the visitors.

Just before the break, Lukhangele Tshayi added to the troubles of the Blue Wave with a try followed by a successful conversion, sending FNB WSU into halftime with a commanding lead.

The Blue Wave came out with renewed energy in the second half with Jacquin Jacobus powering over for the hosts’ first try of the evening, with the tap and kick play successful to narrow the gap between the teams.

Momentum began to swing towards FNB CPUT just five minutes later when Yibanathi Daki crossed the line and Reuben Noble calmly slotted the conversion to bring the home side within touching distance.

However, FNB WSU regained control when Tshayi grabbed his second try of the match. The successful tap and play restored breathing room for the visitors, extending the score for them.

FNB CPUT continued to push until the final moments and were rewarded in the dying moments of the game when Noah Pekeur scored a late try, the tap and kick attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 34-22.

Despite the loss, FNB CPUT's second-half fightback showed resilience, while FNB WSU's dominance in the first half proved decisive in securing the victory.

SCORERS

FNB CPUT: (0) 22
Tries: Yibanathi Daki, Jacquin Jacobus, Dwayne Atkins

FNB WSU: (24) 34
Tries: Sandisiwe Mkhwayimba X3, Lukhangele Tshayi.

FNB Player of the Match: Lukhangele Tshayi (FNB WSU)

TEAMS

FNB CPUT: Emihle Akho Benya; Lindisipho Lihle Kula; Kieran Delaan Naidoo; Ntsako Ashley Mhlanga; Abongile Kude Golela; Simphiwe Gift Thabede; Yibanathi Daki; Denley Krid Adams; Jayson January Reuben Thorne Noble; Samukelisiwe Sandile Madonsela; Mbuso Maseko; Jacquin Farrol Jacobus; Dwayne Grant Atkins; Noah Matthew Pekeur.

FNB WSU: Mihlali Nohoyeka; Mangaliso Zixesha; Yoyisa Mahobe; Luvo Zindela; Sandisiwe Mkwayimba; Siya Ncapayi; Khanaye Mbakaza; Sipho Hobosch; Thembela Folo; Isiphe Mbini; Asisipho Jim; Bulelani Nondlwana; Axola Mtalana; Ahlule Zokoza; Lukhangele Tshayi.

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FNB Wits delivered an emphatic attacking display to defeat FNB CPUT 66–22 in Johannesburg, running in a string of tries to secure a commanding victory in front of their home crowd.

The hosts made the perfect start, opening the scoring in the 7th minute when sustained pressure forced CPUT into infringing on their try line. The referee awarded a penalty try and issued a yellow card to the visitors, giving Wits an early 7–0 lead and a numerical advantage. Wits quickly capitalised. After a patient multi-phase attack, the ball was sent wide for winger Dustin Holmes to finish in the corner. Opting for the tap-and-go approach, the home side piled on further pressure and added another try soon after to stretch their lead to 17–0.

CPUT managed to respond through Jacquin Jacobus in the 17th minute, who crossed for the visitors’ first points. However, Wits remained in control for the remainder of the half and added a penalty goal to head into the break with a comfortable 20–5 advantage.

The second half followed a similar pattern as Wits continued to apply relentless pressure. Marco Kok crossed early in the half before Holmes secured his brace in the corner following another quick tap, extending the lead to 30–5. Although CPUT fought back through a driving maul finished by hooker Lindosipho Kula and later another try from substitute Chris Phillips, the home side consistently had the answers.

Captain Latica Nel sparked another attacking move that resulted in Christopher Kachungunu scoring in the corner, and from there Wits took full control of the contest. Substitute forward Dutton added another try before Lindani Dweba showcased impressive pace to finish out wide.

Kachungunu then stole the spotlight in the closing stages, powering over for his second before completing a memorable hat-trick with a clever kick-and-chase to push the scoreline further out of reach. CPUT had the final say when substitute scrumhalf Clyde Frieslaar crossed late for their bonus-point try.

Despite that late consolation, it was Wits’ relentless attacking pressure and clinical finishing that proved decisive, as the home side produced a powerful performance to seal a comprehensive 66–22 victory.

FNB CPUT delivered a commanding performance to secure a convincing 56-25 victory over FNB SPU at Bellville Campus.

The visitors struck first in the opening minutes, with flyhalf Chadwin Sellidon successfully kicking a penalty to give FNB SPU an early lead. However, FNB CPUT responded quickly and assertively. Kieran Naidoo scored a try in the corner to equalize, and then Samukelisiwe Madonsela powered over for a converted try, shifting the momentum firmly in favor of the hosts. Although FNB SPU managed to narrow the gap with a try from Kabelo Keagile, FNB CPUT regained control with clinical finishing. Jacquin Jacobus and Dwayne Atkins added further tries, allowing the hosts to take a comfortable 27-10 lead into halftime.

The second half was one-sided, as FNB CPUT's attacking dominance persisted. Lihle Kula, Madonsela, and Atkins all scored tries, while flyhalf Reuben Noble added important conversions to keep the score moving. Kula later completed his brace, capping off an impressive individual performance.

FNB SPU showed late resistance with two tries from Jaiden Faviers, but it was not enough to stop FNB CPUT’s momentum, as the hosts’ precise execution secured a comprehensive victory on home ground.

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FNB UWC overpowered FNB CPUT 51-32 in a high-scoring FNB Varsity Shield clash at UWC Stadium on Friday evening.

The home side set the tone early, breaking the deadlock in the third minute when scrumhalf Dywane Badenhorst dotted down following a powerful rolling maul, with fullback Aaron Swartz adding the extras. Although FNB CPUT responded through hooker Lindisipho Kula from a lineout drive, FNB UWC’s dominance up front proved decisive.

Centre Hlomla Ncana was instrumental in the first half, crossing twice - including a superb finish in the corner as FNB UWC built a commanding 22-5 halftime lead.

The visitors showed renewed intent after the break, with Dwayne Atkins grabbing two tries to keep FNB CPUT in contention. However, FNB UWC’s forward pack continued to impose themselves, with winger Amisi Juma and substitute Keno Alexander extending the advantage.

Ncana completed a memorable hat-trick in the 69th minute before Leighton Damon and Juma added further tries to seal the result. FNB CPUT fought until the end, adding late scores through Jacquin Jacobus and Yibanathi Phoncana, but FNB UWC had the final say. Swartz, who controlled proceedings brilliantly from the back and contributed valuable points from the tee, was deservedly named Player of the Match.

SCORERS

FNB UWC: (22) 51

Tries: Hlomla Ncana X3, Juma Amisi X2, Dwayne Badenhorst, Keno Alexander, Leighton Damon.

FNB CPUT: (5) 32

Tries: Dwayne Atkins X2, Lindisipho Kula, Philasande Ngcobo, Jacquin Jacobus. Yibanathi Phoncana.

FNB Player of the Match: Aaron Swartz (FNB UWC)

In a spine-chilling fixture between longtime adversaries, FNB CPUT and FNB UWC, the home side edged a nerve-wracking match 28-27. For this historic victory, FNB CPUT relied on their game drivers to make the correct calls and on the day, it proved to benefit them.

“We find ourselves adding one percent more effort collectively to achieve our objectives in the tournament,” says team captain, Kieran Naidoo. Kieran says the team is feeling hungry to achieve more, after a tough rebuilding phase last year. “It was very tough to shake off the negativity but through actions and the backing of our coaching staff we were very determined to put CPUT rugby back on the pedestal we found it. It’s a great feeling making history being the first CPUT team to beat UWC, however, we remain humble and grounded as we have not achieved what we want to yet.”

CPUT went into the match with an underdog tag but Kieran says: “We are an isolated camp that is not fazed by labels or titles as we know how distracting it can be. Going into the derby we pulled tighter to each other, after a disappointing performance against Varsity College.”

The modest third-year Sport Management student says the team is not carried away by this victory and they don’t want to think or talk about the final or play offs. We have not thought as far as a play off as yet, we take one game at a time as we know how costly looking too far ahead can be.”

The team has a tough encounter against FNB Madibaz away in Gqeberha on Friday, 28 March and that’s where the team’s focus shall remain says Kieran. “It is incredible working under the coaching staff of coach, Alistair Theys, Ramone Samuels, Jongi Nokwe and Johan Pedro as they have a wealth of experience but allow us as the team to make decisions not controlling our every move, allowing us to grow and develop experience for big game.”

Scorers

FNB CPUT: 28 (18)

Tries: Noah Pekeur, Jacquin Jacobus, Iwaan Bloys.

FNB UWC: 27 (17)

Tries: Conwill Conradie, Bevan Simons, Hlomla Ncana.

FNB Player That Rocks: Denley Krid Adams

The full FNB CPUT were: Nkosephayo Ngema, Kyle Ahrendse, Kieran Delaan Naidoo, Keanan Benjamin Odwa Rolosi, Simphiwe Gift Thabede, Nqaba Nkonyeni, Philasande Ngcobo, Denley Krid Adams, Jason January, Oyintando Honour Maseti, Iwaan Bloys, Carick Ethan Kustoor, Jacquin Farrol Jacobus, Noah Matthew Pakeur, Keewan Titus.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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FNB CPUT remains undefeated in this year’s Varsity Shield competition and supporters will be treated to another home game tomorrow night.

The team will face FNB Varsity College in their round 5 match, which is scheduled to take place at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville.

Last week CPUT scored a well-deserved 49-24 victory against FNB UKZN and finished round 4 at the top of the log.

Tomorrow’s match is set to kick off at 19:00 and gates will open at 17:00.

Tickets for the game will be sold at the cashiers on the District Six, Wellington, and Bellville campuses.

Tickets cost R30 per person and only 2 000 tickets are available.

Written by CPUT News

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The FNB CPUT players demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, ultimately earning a well-deserved 49-24 victory against FNB UKZN in round four of the FNB Varsity Shield at the CPUT Sports Stadium on Bellville Campus on Friday night. It was a hard-fought contest, and their effort truly reflects their passion for the game.

After the recent victory, FNB CPUT Coach Alastair Theys expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the team's journey so far. Reflecting on the challenging start from last year, where they faced losses in their first four games, he shared that this season has truly felt like a dream beginning. The players have poured their hearts into these initial matches, striving to improve week by week with the hope of reaching the playoffs.

Coach Theys highlighted that the team's hard work culminated in a standout performance on Friday. He also extended his gratitude to the passionate supporters from the CPUT community and fellow students, acknowledging how their presence felt like having a 16th player on the field. He said the supporters’ encouragement means so much to the team and helps boost their spirits as they continue to grow and aim for success.

“Such has been the dream start of the tournament; the guys have put a lot of effort in the first four games. All we are doing so far; we are trying to improve just to make sure that we improve week by week so that we can achieve our goal of trying to make it to the playoffs.”

In an exciting match, FNB CPUT managed to establish a strong lead over FNB UKZN, going into halftime with a score of 35-10. It's clear that both teams gave it their all, and while the score might reflect a challenging situation for UKZN, the spirit of competition remained strong.

The coach said that it was heartening to see all the hard work the team has been putting into their training come together in such a significant way, resulting in a truly outstanding performance. “I think the big thing for us was that we have told ourselves that we are really going to care for what we are doing, we are going to take care of each other on and off the field and how we do things. And we are going to commit ourselves to the cause, and we are going to create a competitive environment. Everybody must improve; everybody is held accountable.”

He continued: “Our guys have become more mature in the sense in the last couple of months which is a big plus for student athletes.”

In a commendable display of effort, FNB CPUT saw tries scored by Nkosephayo Ngema, Denley Adams (with two impressive tries), Oyintando Maseti (also with two), and Keewan Titus. Their determination truly shone through the match. On the other hand, the Kwazulu-Natal outfit matched their spirit with tries from Tinotenda Mazhindu, Singele Mkhize, and Siso France. Special recognition goes to Oyintando Maseti from FNB CPUT, who was honoured as the FNB Player That Rocks, celebrating his outstanding contribution to the game.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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It’s round four of Varsity Shield and fans can look forward to a home game tonight.

FNB CPUT take on FNB UKZN at the CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville and kick-off is scheduled for 7pm.

The team remains undefeated having secured their third win in the competition last week, beating FNB WSU 34-20 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London.

Click here for fixtures and logs.

Fans can look forward to another home game next week when the team will face off against FNB Varsity College at the CPUT Sports Stadium on March 14.

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FNB CPUT maintained their unbeaten run in the FNB Varsity Shield tournament after defeating FNB WSU 34-20 at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday.

CPUT entered the clash on the back of a nervy 22-20 win over Sol Plaatje in round two in Kimberley. 

Facing a tough and hostile crowd, they began the match slowly but asserted their dominance after the 20-minute mark.

The Cape Town side scored three tries courtesy of Nkosephayo Ngema, Sandile Madonsela, and Jacquin Jacobus. WSU, meanwhile, managed one score by Khanya Solani and a penalty by flyhalf Isiphe Mbini.

The two sides went into the break with CPUT leading 22-8.

It was a tightly contested second stanza with both sides applying pressure and playing some Champagne rugby.

CPUT were, however, the more clinical side in the second 40. They scored two great team tries by Ngema and Jacobus who both secured their braces.

Try as they may, WSU never managed to get a fold hold in the game.

They scored two consolation tries when Solani crashed over after a line break for his second.

The final 10 minutes of the match produced just one try as CPUT claimed a hard fought 34-20 victory. 

SCORERS

FNB WSU: 20 (8)

Tries: Khanya Solani (x2). Asenam Mniki. 

FNB CPUT: 34 (22)

Tries: Nkosephayo Ngema (x2), Jacquin Jacobus (x2), Sandile Madonsela. 

FNB Player That Rocks: Nkosephayo Ngema (CPUT).

In a dramatic finish at Suzuki Park in Kimberley, CPUT edged out SPU 22-20 in their Varsity Shield encounter, with a last-minute try sealing the win.

The match opened with a penalty by Oyintando Maseti in the 14th minute, giving CPUT an early 3-0 lead. Their momentum continued as Lihle Kula powered through a driving maul to score a try in the 26th minute, though the conversion was unsuccessful.

SPU struggled with discipline, conceding multiple penalties, but managed to get on the board before halftime with a Khanya Kama penalty, making it 8-3 at the break.

SPU came out firing in the second half, with Tyron China diving over the try line in the 41st minute, and Kama’s conversion putting them ahead 10-8. CPUT quickly responded as Praveen Padayachiey scored in the corner, and Maseti added the extras to reclaim the lead at 15-10.

Aviwe Mpepo’s try and another Kama conversion in the 52nd minute saw SPU regain control at 17-15. Kama extended their lead to 20-15 with a penalty in the 57th minute.

With time running out, CPUT’s persistence paid off as Kyle Ahrendse crossed the whitewash in the 74th minute, and Maseti’s conversion secured a stunning 22-20 victory.

Despite a valiant effort by SPU, it was CPUT who celebrated a hard-fought win, proving their resilience in a nail-biting Varsity Shield encounter.

SCORERS

FNB SPU 20 (3):

Tries: Tyron China, Aviwe Mpepo.

FNB CPUT 22 (8):

Tries: Lihle Kula, Praveen Padayachiey, Kyle Ahrendse.

FNB Player That Rocks: Aviwe Mpepo (SPU).

FNB CPUT will take on newcomers Sol Plaatje University (FNB SPU) in round 2 of this year’s FNB Varsity Shield.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley in the Northern Cape today (21 February) and kick-off off is at 5pm.

Both teams were victorious in their round 1 matches, with CPUT defeating FNB UFH 41-10, while FNB SPU secured a 41-37 defeat over FNB UKZN.

The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

For fixtures and logs click here.

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After leading the FNB CPUT to a 41-10 triumph over their nemesis, FNB University Fort Hare (UFH) in the opening round of FNB Varsity Shield 2025, coach, Alastair Theys, now fancies an outside chance of a spot in the promotional playoffs.

After FNB CPUT roared on home turf, Bellville Stadium, on Friday evening, Theys said their ambitions for the year were to do better than last year, “but we're not promising anything huge, but we want to be in a better space than we have done last year in the tournament”. Prior to last year, the team played in four finals in four tournaments in a row and last year the team almost got relegated, “so our mindset is just getting to a better place, better space and then take it game by game and then hopefully we make [it to the] playoffs and then once you are in a playoffs anything can happen in the playoffs.”

Reflecting on the game against UFH, the thrilled mentor said that was a match that they were looking forward to as the first game of the tournament. “The big aim for us was just to make sure that we started the tournament in a better space than we did last year and the game was tough, Fort Hare is always a physical side, but I think what played in our favour is that we kept the tempo of the game at our pace.” The team started well, especially in the first 20 minutes, and in the 20 minutes after halftime, the hosts came out blazing as well.

The team started their rigorous preparation two weeks before the tournament, focusing on themselves and UFH “because the pre-season was based on self-improvement and self-development and making sure that the team was in the right place beside all the higher education current challenges [in South Africa]. “We started focusing on the first game on Fort Hare”. “I mean we managed to get some footage of their friendly games so we could analyse them and know how, where and what areas to play against them which worked in our favour as well.”

The players and coaching staff’s efforts and the hunger to start the tournament well were the cornerstones for the big win. “The keywords were effort and execution which I think we can't take away from the players that put a big effort in going into the game. From an execution perspective, we executed well but not well enough or not as well as we wanted.”

The coaching staff and players are happy about the good start and the victory and “the way we handled the victory, but I always say to the guys to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. “It was only the first game of the tournament, but it was very important for us to start the tournament on the front foot, and because of the way our tournament has been last year, so getting a good start this year was very important for us.”

In the morning, following their sweet victory against their nemesis, UFH the Theys troops put on their boots in preparation for their next game against the FNB Sol Plaatje University (SPU). “The boys came in and they have done the review and they've done their recovery and medicals so that last night, Monday they could get the ball rolling.”

 “From a preparation perspective going into the SPU game, they have also done well as well as they beat UKZN, and they [SUP] play a similar game to CPUT, but we'll be ready going down to Kimberly.”

Bulelani Mlakalaka, Sport Development Officer, said the match against UFH was one that they took “extremely seriously and personally because we did not get the outcome the last time around in the Eastern Cape”. “The coaching staff is pleased with the path we are taking, but we have identified some faults that we will address for the upcoming away game against SPU. Defensively, the boys showed up and put their bodies on the line, and the points conceded reflect this. On offense, we can be more clinical, which will lead to more scoring possibilities. With all of the hurdles the squad has faced over the last three months, we are pleased with the guys' performance on Friday, but there is still space for development”.

“We can undoubtedly attribute appetite to being back on the winning side and a sense of new beginnings. The last time our boys won a game was probably in February [last year], so we had a tough shield and an even tougher league last year.”

CPUT's crucial top-of-the-log clash with SPU will be on 21 February at 5 pm.