The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Ikey Tigers secured their first victory title in 11 years when they won against Maties in the recent Varsity Cup final. This is according to the Varsity Cup website.
The final was played at a full Danie Craven Stadium on 14 April. SMF News was in attendance.
The final score was 44 – 21 to Ikeys. The last time the team won a final was in 2014, when they went up against the North West University Eagles, according to the Varsity Cup website.
The University of Cape Town’s Ikey Tigers holding up the Varsity Cup after their victory against Maties in the 2025 final on 14 April. SMF News was in attendance. PHOTO: Anke Spies
“Honestly, I was nervous coming in, but the boys proved themselves well,” said Monray Daars, Ikeys’ scrum half. “We had a good campaign, and hopefully it’s only up from here.”
Daars scored Ikeys’ final try in the last five minutes of the game.
The University of Cape Town’s Ikey Tigers’ left centre Thomas Nel trying to defend the try line as Maties’ right centre Ryan Manuel approaches. SMF News was in attendance. PHOTO: Buhle Bam
Ikeys on attack
Ikeys started off strong with Ntokozo Makhaza, their left wing, scoring a try one minute into the game. Makhaza was the top scorer of the game, with two tries, four conversions, and four penalties.
His last penalty was taken in the last 30 seconds of the game, and he was voted as both the FNB ‘Overall Player that Rocks’ and ‘Overall Back that Rocks’, according to the Varsity Cup Instagram account.
“It was a tough game; Stellenbosch came out hard in the beginning,” said Rethabile Louw, Ikeys’ right wing, during an interview with SMF News after the match. “I think we just stuck to our process and eventually we got over the line, and one thing led to another.”
At half time, Ikeys was leading 19 – 11.
‘It just didn’t go our way’
“[I feel] gutted,” said CJ Marx, Maties’ left centre. “It just didn’t go our way today.”
“I feel like in the team we had, like, a calmness and a sense of feeling that we were [going to] win, and then we just translate that into the team,” said J.K Okonkwo, Ikeys’ tighthead prop. “Since last week we [have] already started planning our celebrations.”
Enos Ndiao, University of Cape Town’s Ikey Tigers’ right lock, holding the Varsity Cup after their victory in the 2025 final against Maties, which they won by 44 – 21. The final took place on 14 April. SMF News was in attendance. PHOTO: Anke Spies
Returning captain
Meanwhile, Maties’ captain and loosehead prop, Ezekiel Ngobeni, was able to return to the starting line-up for the cup final, after being sidelined for the previous two matches.
Ngobeni was injured in a recent match against Ikeys on 17 March.
“I’m definitely proud of the boys in terms of this whole season,” said Ngobeni.
According to Ngobeni, the strategy for Maties was to take the game step-by-step, and to capitalise on every opportunity.
“Unfortunate with the result, but all in all I’m very proud of the guys for pushing it all the way,” he said.
The mascots from all the universities competing in the Varsity Cup gathered on the field before the commencement of the final game on 14 April. SMF News was in attendance. PHOTO: Anke Spies