Ikeys lunch with Sports Minister

Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula hosted members of UCT’s Varsity Cup-winning side at his maiden budget speech lunch on Wednesday afternoon as the Men from Cape Town continued their post-final celebrations this week.

Mr Mbalula – who had addressed the National Assembly during debate on his budget vote on Wednesday – decided to invite the Ikeys to his lunch after he had spoken with SARU CEO Jurie Roux, who, of course, is still the Chairman of the Varsity Cup.

UCT Rugby Football Club President Dugald Macdonald, Rugby Manager Gavin Sheldon, head coach Kevin Foote and team manager Lisa Brown were joined by players Nick Fenton-Wells (the squad captain), Wes Chetty, Don Armand and Adrian Kritzinger, with Mbalula having congratulated UCT on their win during his maiden budget speech.

After the lunch, which was also attended by – amongst others – former Proteas star Makhaya Ntini and the national netball team, Mr Mbalula posed for a photo with the elated UCT contingent.

“It was a big honour and we all enjoyed the experience,” head coach Foote told varsitycup.co.za afterwards.

“Mr Mbalula spoke brilliantly about us, and to us, and it was a most enjoyable experience (for all of us). He congratulated us on our win and told us that he had watched the final with some interest.”

* Meanwhile, the Ikey Tigers’ Varsity Cup squad will take part in an official trophy presentation at the Meridian on Jammie Plaza on Thursday at 1.30pm.

UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price will say a few words, before captain Nick Fenton-Wells will officially lift the trophy in front of all of the Ikeys’ loyal and passionate fans.

All fans, members of the public and alumni are welcome to attend and join the squad, the team management, the Ikey Tigers mascot, vibe masters and war cry leaders in celebrating the university’s first Varsity Cup triumph in style.