The Madibaz rugby team will have to hit the ground running when they meet CPUT in the opening round of the FNB Varsity Shield tournament in Cape Town on Friday.
It will be a stern test for the Mandela University outfit as the Capetonians are one of the competition’s traditional powerhouses.
A strong performance – especially as it is on the road – can right the wrongs of last year when they faltered in their first match before going on the rampage with seven consecutive victories.
Backline stalwart Eddie Kruger has stepped into the captaincy role vacated by forward Leon van der Merwe but he stresses it will be a shared responsibility.
“I’m super fortunate to have a great leadership group within my team. We all work together for the benefit of the side,” he said earlier this week.
“It’s not about relying on one person to make decisions but about us holding each other accountable as a group.”
Based on last year, the skipper is asking for instant cohesion from his charges.
“One thing we struggled with last season was that we did not gel quickly enough for our first game. But I know we will be on the same page from game one this time.”
With the squad making huge leaps in terms of potential and depth, there is a lot of excitement within the official structures as they head to the Mother City.
Kruger is looking forward to seeing how their skills, as well as knowledge of the systems implemented by David Manuel and the rest of the coaching staff, will aid them on the field this season.
Despite the challenge of an away opener, Kruger is confident in the squad’s preparation that included two massive training camps and a handful of pre-season friendlies.
In mid-January, two Madibaz sides raided both WSU and EPRU Grand Challenge champions Gardens and these encounters proved insightful in terms of areas that needed polishing.
“There have been some good lessons on both sides of the ball – attack and defence,” the skipper said.
The first game of the season is always tough but also nervy for those watching from the sidelines as they wait to find out whether there are any holes in their preparation.
“If we stick to what we have practiced we can definitely get the outcome we want,” Kruger said.
He asked his team to be 110 per cent committed in everything they do and to “continue to trust and believe in yourselves and your preparation”.
“When we run onto the field it’s not just for us but for those who came before and those still to come.”
The team’s mentor-in-chief, Manuel, emphasised the magnitude of the opening match.
CPUT away from home was always a challenge, he explained.
“We can’t control the opposition, so we focus on our own processes. We can control our emotions, mindset and execution.”
He said it was important to respect every single opponent that came across their path by “preparing excellently and leaving no stone unturned”.
The game kicks off at 5pm and will be televised.
Madibaz squad: AJ Flemming, Aqhamile Limba, Bahle Cengani, Baphole Jennings, Brent Klopper, Buhlebemvelo Fipaza, Caleb Friskin, Calvin Bosch, Cameron Doyle, Chad Weiman, Christiaan van der Merwe, Chuma Bloouw, Cole Hilpert, Corne Cloete, Cullen Willows, Dandre van Jaarsveld, De Wet Goedhals, Dewald Gerber, Emihle Zaza, Eddie Kruger (captain), Imibongo Mvuleni, Jaden Witbooi, Jaiden Brewis, Johannes van Zyl, Kyle Erasmus, Layron Milborrow, Lemuel Kramer, Lihlumelo Mantewu, Luan Verster, Luke Stegman, Lukhanyiso Oliphant, Marthinus Strydom, Milani Bityo, N’umaan Jappie, Oneliswe Fani, Qurin Cupido, Raashied Conrad, Ruwaan Zealand, Sandi Qhina, Sean van Zijl, Somila Yakayaka, Thabo Sonamzi, Uyanda Tshaka, Xolani Hlatshwayo.