FNB Varsity College sealed their perfect FNB Varsity Cup promotion season as they became champions of the FNB Varsity Shield 2025 competition, beating FNB Madibaz 22-7 in Durban.
The game started off intensely with neither side able to cross the whitewash for the majority of the first half, but 5 min from the hooter it was the home team that broke the deadlock through Mambo Mkhize who pushed his way over to dot down for the Comets first try which was successfully converted by Frederick Marx.
The Comets lead 7-0 going into the break and the second half began a little stronger than the first when in the 50th min the stadium erupted as speedy hot-stepper Edward Sigauke received the ball out wide from Juan Steyl to score in the corner and take the score line to 12-0.
Coming back from the second strategy break, the game was not over to the FNB Madibaz as the men from Gqeberha began the final quarter strongly. The visitor’s effort was rewarded when FNB Varsity Shield Rookie of the year nominee, Raashied Conrad slipped his way through to the try line with some explosive speed. Layron Milborrow added the conversion.
Just when all thought it was to be a tight ending to the match, the FNB Varsity Cup bound Comets showed why they were promoted as they sealed the deal with two late tries from MJ Schoeman and Cade Laytham, respectively, through some routine tries they had been doing all season long.
The final horn of the campaign sounded to the jubilation of the home fans as FNB Varsity College claimed the 2025 FNB Varsity Shield championship.
SCORERS:
FNB Varsity College: 22 (7)
Tries: Mambo Mkhize, Edward Sigauke, MJ Schoeman, Cade Laytham.
FNB Madibaz: 7 (0)
Tries: Raashied Conrad
FNB Player that Rocks: Mambo Mkhize (FNB Varsity College)
TEAMS:
FNB Varsity College: Okuhlekodwa Meyiwa, Jaques Marais, Mbuso Kweyama, Robert Everson, Garren Muller, Sinelifa Ncwana, Enzo Van Niekerk, Juan Steyl, Abande Mthembu (c), Frederick Marx, Edward Sigauke, Mambo Mkhize, MJ Schoeman, Sivu Mpendu, Chandler Green.
FNB Madibaz: Chulumanco Limana, Kyle Erasmus, Lihlumelo Mantewu, Calvin Bosch, Martinus Strydpm, Sean Van Zijl, Dewald Gerber, Leon Van De Merwe, Curwin Casper, Raashied Conrad, Bukho Pantsi, Lwando Davane, Edward Kruger, Emihle Zama, Layron Millborow.