The Maties rugby team’s recent loss against the University of Free State’s (UFS) Shimlas on 15 April means they are now out of the running for the 2024 Varsity Cup title.
Shimlas will play in the final against the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Ikeys on 22 April.
“At the start of the pre-season, we asked the boys what they wanted to do […] They wanted to go all the way to the final and be champions, [and] they’ve committed to it,” said André Tredoux, Shimla’s head coach, after his team’s win.
Aydon Topley, Maties inside centre, holding the ball after his try during the 68th minute of the Varsity Cup semi-finals against the UFS-Shimlas on 15 April. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
Early lead for Shimlas
The first half of the match saw UFS Shimlas in the lead, converting one of their two tries by the 28th minute. The Shimlas’ tries were scored by Michael Annies and Asanda Kunene, and converted by Ethan Wentzel. Maties closed in on this lead with a try by Thys Kitshoff, Maties number four, which was converted by Maties fly-half, Juan Mostert.
The first half ended with a score of 12-7 in the Shimlas’ favour.
Out of steam
After the half-time break, the game remained tight with Maties scoring the first try of the second-half. This try was scored at the 45-minute mark after a sprint from the half-way line.
“That was definitely a team effort, it’s things that we practice out there […] I was just at the right place at the right time,” said Ezekial Ngobeni, Maties winger, who scored the try.
However, Shimlas proved too strong for the Maroon Machine and the game ended with a final score of 24-38 to the Shimlas.
Ezekiel Ngobeni, Maties winger, sprinting from the half-way line before scoring at the 45-minute mark of the semi-finals Varsity Cup game against the UFS-Shimlas. PHOTO: Ubaid Abrahams
Shimlas progress to the finals
“We have been wanting to play in the finals. It’s been two years so it means a lot to the team. I don’t think anyone understands […] we are just so grateful,” said Kunene, Shimla left-winger and man of the match.
“Credit to Maties. It was a ferocious game, they’re a quality side, quality management,” said Tredoux.
André Tredoux, head coach for UFS-Shimlas, shared his thoughts with SMF News on the game against Maties. He spoke on Maties’ tenacity, the team’s management and the rugby culture in Stellenbosch. AUDIO: Amy Lindstrom
“Unfortunate about the result but I am proud of the boys in the way that we pushed throughout the season, it’s important to keep our heads up,” said Ngobeni.
Craig Barry, Maties assistant coach, declined to comment on the team’s loss.