Round 4 of the FNB Varsity Shield saw several dramatic endings as FNB Madibaz score three minutes after the hooter to snatch victory over former champs FNB UWC. Fans witnessed another thrilling finish at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday night where FNB WSU held on for a tight 21-20 victory over FNB SPU. Meanwhile in Bellvile FNB CPUT put on a ruthless display over the Impi to win the match 49-24 while FNB Varsity College staged yet another comeback to beat the Blues in Alice.
FNB UFH 13-26 FNB Varsity College
A solid second half display by Varsity College secured them a hard-fought victory over UFH at the Davidson Stadium on Thursday.
Varsity College came into the clash on the back of two wins and one defeat so far in this year’s campaign.
They came up against a struggling UFH Blues side that was in search of their first victory this year after recording three losses on the trot.
The first half was a thrilling encounter and it was the hosts who came out firing and threw in the kitchen sink.
They dominated ball possession, played in their opponent’s half and were rewarded with a penalty that was converted by scrumhalf, Sinalo Jivana in the 15th minute.
The Blues weren’t done, and scored the game’s first try after the strategy break when hooker, Bunono Jamani crashed over from a rolling maul.
They managed to keep Varsity College out and led 13-0 at the halfway mark after another three points from the boot of Jivana.
The second stanza was a totally different story and the visitor’s showed intent from the get-go.
They scored three tries in the opening 20 minutes through captain, Abande Mthembu, Jaques Marais and Chandler Green. All tries were converted by flyhalf, Frederick Marx.
Hooker, Marais completed his brace in the 76th minute and the visitors kept the Blues scoreless in the second half to walk away with a bonus point win.
FNB Madibaz 27-24 FNB UWC
Madibaz pulled off a stunning last-minute victory against Varsity Shield log-leaders UWC in Gqeberha on Friday afternoon.
In front of their fanatical home supporters coach David Manuel’s men called on every last reserve to snatch the win two minutes after the final hooter had sounded.
The lead changed hands throughout the match.
Madibaz flank Sean van Zijl scored the first of his two tries in the sixth minute, only for UWC scrumhalf Conwill Conradie to dot down for one of his own minutes later.
Prop Qelile Hlonela scored the visitors’ second on the 20-minute mark but Madibaz front-rower, Limana Chulumanco, showed that anything UWC could do, he could do better.
But if one thing is certain about this UWC side it’s that they never take anything lying down. They were straight back into the Madibaz’ 22 and wing Leachim Adams crossed the whitewash after a period of sustained pressure.
The next try was scored with a quarter of the match to go. Madibaz played the now-wet weather to perfection, skidding the ball along the ground with a through-kick to enforce a UWC handling error. Bukho Pantsi picked up the loose ball and went over to put his side back in the hunt.
With barely any time left on the clock Madibaz worked their way up-field from their own goal line, winning penalty after penalty until it was left to Van Zijl to seal the win in dramatic fashion and send the crowd into raptures.
FNB CPUT 49-24 FNB UKZN
In a commanding performance, CPUT established a substantial lead over UKZN, entering half-time with a score of 35-10.
The match commenced with an assertive display from CPUT, as Denley Adams crossed the try line in the fourth minute following a well-executed maul. Flyhalf Oyintando Maseti successfully added the conversion, giving CPUT an early 7-0 advantage.
KZN responded promptly, earning a penalty in the seventh minute, which Siso France converted to narrow the gap to 7-3.
However, CPUT maintained their momentum, with Maseti slotting a penalty in the 10th minute to extend the lead to 10-3. Six minutes later, Clyde Frieslaar scored a try, capitalising on an assist from Maseti. Although the subsequent conversion was missed, CPUT’s lead grew to 15-3.
UKZN showcased resilience in the 21st minute when flyhalf Minehle Ngcamu delivered a precise short pass to fullback Siso France, who touched down for a try. France’s successful conversion brought the score to 15-10, signaling a potential shift in momentum.
CPUT quickly countered, with Maseti converting a penalty in the 22nd minute to widen the margin to 18-10. The team’s dominance continued as Nkosephayo “Ox” Ngema scored a try in the 29th minute, following an assist from Kieran Naidoo. Maseti’s conversion further extended the lead to 25-10.
The first half concluded with another try from Adams in the 35th minute, assisted by Frieslaar. Maseti’s accurate conversion brought the score to 32-10. A final penalty by Maseti in the 40th minute, awarded due to a tackler not releasing, cemented CPUT’s commanding half-time lead.
In the 49th minute UKZN capitalised on a rare CPUT error within their 22-meter line. Singele Mkhize intercepted a misplaced pass and sprinted to the try line, Siso France added the conversion, adjusting the score to 35-17.
CPUT responded with a well-coordinated play, Maseti delivered a precise assist to Keewan Titus, who crossed the try line. Maseti’s successful conversion extended CPUT’s lead to 42-17. The synergy between Maseti and Keene Munnick was evident as Munnick set up Maseti for a try, Maseti then converted his own try, furthering the lead to 49-17.
UKZN showcased resilience in the closing stages. Opting for a quick tap-and-go penalty, Tinotenda Mazhindu caught the CPUT defense off-guard, scoring a try. France’s conversion brought the final score to 49-24.
FNB WSU 21-20 FNB SPU
WSU showed class, composure and grit to secure their first victory in the FNB Varsity Shield 2025 after beating SPU by one point at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London on Friday night.
WSU came into the match under pressure and still in search of their first victory this year, while SPU wanted to prove a point away from home.
Playing in rainy conditions and soggy conditions, the hosts managed the game well in the first half and led 14-8 at the halfway point.
They scored two tries courtesy of centre Elam Kuse and the explosive Khanya Solani, both converted by Isiphe Mbini.
The visitors, meanwhile, managed eight points, a try by Tumelo Papane and penalty by captain Khanya Kama.
WSU maintained the intensity in the second half, despite having to adjust to the tough weather conditions.
They crossed the line once more through a blistering run from lock forward, Siseko Mani who received the ball from centre, Axola Mtalana.
SPU hit back with two tries from fullback, Bokamoso Maphisa, and Liyabona Maplanga in the 78th minute.
That proved little too late, as the hosts held on for a nervy and tightly contested victory.
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