The CPUT Rugby Club has been crowned Super League C 2022 champions.

The winning trophy was presented to the club during the recent Western Province Rugby Awards Dinner, held at Kelvin Grove.

“CPUT Rugby Club will be promoted to Super League B in the 2023 season, which is the second-best League in Western Province Club Rugby,” said Bulelani Mlakalaka, Sport Development Officer: Rugby, Boxing and Tennis.

“It was a great honour to accept the award on behalf of the university. I must say the CPUT rugby club is very happy to be promoted to the second best club rugby in the Western Province Rugby Union Club Rugby,” he added.

He accepted the trophy at the event with club captain Siyasanga Ngubelanga.

Mlakalaka said the Club was only four years old.

“For many years CPUT Rugby was in a merger with Gardens Rugby Club and the club was called CPUT Gardens. In 2018, Mr Siyabulela Mkwalo, who was a manager of Sport Arts and Culture, and myself wrote several proposals to the Western Province Rugby Union, seeking a breakaway from the merger and forming a University rugby team like other sister universities in the Western Cape.”

Once the proposal was approved Mlakalaka had to draw up a five-year plan in 2019 with the aim of taking CPUT rugby to the top club league in Western Province Club rugby, called Super League A.

“In 2019 we had to start from the lowest league, called City League, which is the fourth division. At the end of the season in 2019, we managed to get promotion to Super League C although we did not win the trophy.”

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the plans had to be delayed for two years.

“On our return to the Western Province Club Rugby League after two years we had to push with our five-year plan. The League started one day after we lost the Varsity Shield finals against Fort Hare in Alice, Eastern Cape but the CPUT Rugby Club did not sit down and lick their wounds.”

CPUT Rugby Club was placed second on the final log and according to the format of the league, the top four teams play against each other in what Western Province Club Rugby called promotion and relegation semi-finals.

On 17 September CPUT defeated Macassar Rugby Club in the semi-finals with a final score of 22-12. CPUT then club qualified for the finals.

On 24 September the club faced Strand Rugby Club and won the finals 26 -19.

“On behalf of CPUT, I would like to congratulate the student athletes (players) and coaches. They all put their body on the line to represent CPUT. It is my dream to put CPUT rugby on the map. I will always push my technical staff and players to work extra hard so that our team can be recognised all over South Africa,” said Mlakalaka

He thanked all CPUT supporters, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo and the SRC for their support.

The team’s head coach is Alastair Theys, the assistant coaches are Jongi Nokwe and Sentle Lehoko, the strength and conditioning coach is Brandon Isaacs, the physiotherapist is Byron Isaacs, the team managers are Bongani Ntshobodwana and Theo Lwandile Ngqwala and the club captain is Siyasanga Ngubelanga.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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“When getting a chance in wearing the CPUT jersey just remember the okes that played before you. It's all about the legacy you want to leave behind.”

This is the message to up-and-coming players, from Bjorkan Hendricks, one of four CPUT players who recently signed professional contracts to play rugby at a higher level. Che` Klaasen, Ameer Hendricks and Bjorkan Hendricks all landed contracts with the Boland Cavaliers, while Lunathi Nxele signed with the side from George, South Western Districts (SWD) Eagles. Both unions will be competing in the Currie Cup division.

Sports Development Officer, Bulelani Mlakalaka reveals that Lunathi will join former CPUT player, Ralton October, who is also playing for SWD Eagles.  “For Lunathi and Ameer, it is a great way to end off their rugby career with CPUT as they now will play in a higher division,” Mlakalaka continues.

“The CPUT rugby team’s stellar performance [winners] in the 2021 Varsity Shield campaign has yielded more dividends with four players signing professional contracts to play rugby at a higher level.”

Bjorkan, a 21-year-old centre from Wellington, played for Boland in the U/13 Craven week before departing to Pretoria where he studied at Hoërskool Garsfontein, one of the top schools in the Blue Bulls Union. “I got the opportunity to represent Blue Bulls at Grant Khomo U/16 in 2015 and Academy Week in 2016 and 2017 where we won the tournament, beating Western Province in the final,” he continues.

“I signed my contract after the Varsity Shield and that feeling of all the hard work I had to put in even before the Varsity Shield started paying off and I am so grateful for where I am at the moment. Living my dream and passion. It is also nice to be back home after so long and representing my town and union.” 

Che`, raised by a single mother from Grabouw says since he finished school, he always wanted to take his rugby to the next level. However, he encountered many disappointments throughout the years, “But I never gave up. What that taught me was to always work hard and make sure I give my dream my everything. Winning Varsity Shield with CPUT this year has certainly opened doors for me and I’ll make sure I make the best of it.” 

Che` joined the Boland Currie Cup squad a month before the Currie Cup first division started. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play for them. Coming from a town in the Boland it is always a special feeling to represent the Union.”

The Kariega born, Lunathi says “people that know me know the love I have for the game. Honestly speaking, playing rugby is one of the professions I wanted to follow so badly. I’m still working towards where I still want to be. I’m not there yet! But I’m grateful to be where I’m at the moment.” The 25-year-old centre sees himself playing for one of the bigger unions in South Africa. The marketing student, who was also the captain of the Varsity Shield champions in 2019, says he is ready for the new challenge at SWD Eagles. “It’s something that will make me a better person and player.”

The Mitchells Plain-born lock, Ameer comes from humble beginnings and a family that is really passionate about rugby. He says: “One thing I can say is that my journey was a tough one, however, I enjoy the challenges that come with this ride and my biggest motivation has to be my family they are the reason behind my drive and willingness to keep on going, no matter how impossible my dream may seem.”

Ameer adds: “I’m really grateful to Boland for the opportunity they have given me, it's something I always dreamt of but thought it would probably never happen.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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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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Do you want to surf the waves, save the environment or summit a mountain, then CPUT’s Department of Student Affairs can help you. The department offers a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.

Sports

From athletics to judo and chess, students have access to more than 20 competitive sporting codes, with each boasting an excellent performance record. CPUT students annually participate in national and international events, with some having competed against the world’s top sports people at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. This February CPUT’s rugby team will make their debut in the Varsity Shield.

• To view the list of sporting codes see: http://www.cput.ac.za/student/sport/
• For those who just want to have fun, there are various recreational sport codes offered at CPUT.

For more information contact:

Cape Town Campus
Railien Neilson
Tel: +27 21 460 3844 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Wellington Campus
Bulelani Mlakalaka
Tel: +27 21 864 5247/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bellville Campus
Shela Lekalakala
Tel: +27 21 959 6377/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Student Development

In addition to academic skills, CPUT is focused on developing well-rounded graduates. To reach this goal, the university offers a range of programmes, events, activities and clubs that are aimed a developing responsible and compassionate citizens who are equipped with important skills such as leadership and teamwork. Some of the activities include:

• Environmental awareness activities
• Community outreach programmes
• Adventure-related experiential learning, e.g. hikes

For more information contact:

Anette Grobler
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Melani-Ann Hara
Tel: +27 21 959 6010 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For an overview of the various activities, see: http://www.cput.ac.za/students/life/development

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

CPUT is calling all boxing enthusiasts to come and enjoy an exciting boxing tournament where the University will be unveiling its brand-new boxing ring.

The Inaugural Mandela Day Boxing Challenge will be held on Mandela Day at the Major Sports Hall, Bellville campus.

Sport Development Officer, Bulelani Mlakalaka, says the office of the Vice-Chancellor invested in buying the Boxing ring, which will also be launched by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, on the same day. “We encourage the CPUT community to come in numbers to support the CPUT boxers. The tickets will be on the first-come, first-serve (basis), we only have 500 tickets for this event.”

“CPUT is the first university in SA to have an International Standard Boxing Ring, all other universities are relying on hiring rings that are sometimes not safe. This means that CPUT is now in a position of hosting international boxing competitions, the vision, mission and the strategy is to make CPUT the Mecca of boxing in the Western Cape province where world champions are created, said CPUT team manager, Mvemve Mdingi boasts.

Mdingi also adds that they chose Mandela Day, 18 July because “Mandela was a boxer and he loved boxing”. “This is the best way to remember him.”

During this evening blockbuster event Mdingi expects about 30 boxers where CPUT boxers will be fighting boxers (between 10 and 15 bouts) from the University of the Western Cape and the Western Cape provincial champions. “We are featuring our boxer Luyanda ‘24’ Kaite, and several national champions who recently won gold medals recently in Tzaneen.”

The tournament is open to the public. The event is scheduled to take place from 16:00 to 21:00. Tickets are free and only 500 tickets are available,150 in D6, 50 in Wellington, 100 Mowbray and 200 Bellville.

Collection times: 17 and 18 July 2023 from 09:00 to 15:00.

For more information call/WhatsApp: Bulelani Mlakalaka: 083 530 0344

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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FNB CPUT kicks off their Varsity Shield 2024 campaign tomorrow and the team plans to bring the trophy home this year.

The team has been hard at work preparing for this year’s tournament and their first game will see them facing off against FNB NMU Madibaz at CPUT Sports Stadium in Bellville tomorrow night.

“We can’t wait to feel the presence of the CPUT community behind the team as the competition starts. We will continue to ride and push the #blue wave forward. As we look to play an entertaining and attacking brand of rugby for our CPUT fans and community and, by doing so, we want to put smiles on their faces,” said Sport Development Officer, Bulelani Mlakalaka.

He continued: “Our theme for the year is: ‘There is no place like home’ and we are planning on bringing the shield trophy home despite all the challenges we are facing. To all the fans – come and join us at home as we partake on this year’s journey.”

Tomorrow night’s game kicks off at 19:00 and tickets can be purchased online.

FNB CPUT was crowned Varsity Shield champions in 2019 and 2021 and lost to FNB UWC in the final last year.

Friday night’s game will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

For fixtures and logs, please click here.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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