Ikeys Ready for Maties Test

The second round of the Varsity Cup is fast-approaching, and the Ikey Tigers look to take on familiar rivals Maties on Monday in their first away game of the season.

Both UCT and Stellenbosch suffered shock losses in their opening games; UCT losing 24-47 to NWU-Pukke and Stellenbosch going down 29-45 to NMMU.

“The guys were hurting from their performance on Monday against Pukke and endeavour to make things right,” said UCT coach Kevin Musikanth when asked about the upcoming game.

The team are looking to move on from the game, accepting their shortcomings and embracing those areas where they showed strength. “We cannot blame anything but ourselves and need to now lift our heads and go into the Maties game with a positive mindset and come home winners,” Musikanth said.

Surprisingly, there have been only a few changes made to the first match squad. The backline remains unchanged, and in order to put some speed on the ball the forwards have been subject to a reshuffle. Musikanth is determined to give the first squad players another chance to prove themselves, and to make good on their months of pre-season prep.

“In reality, the guys have been working so hard since October and the fact that they broke into the first 23 match squad means they deserve a second shot and what better way to enjoy an improved performance than at the Danie Craven stadium against the most successful Varsity side ever,” he said.

UCT vs Maties 

FNB UCT: 15 Ross Jones-Davies, 14 Richard Stewart, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Guy Schwikkard, 11 Lihleli Xoli, 10 Dean Grant, 9 Liam Slatem (captain), 8 Vince Jobo, 7 Shaun McDonald, 6 Jason Klaasen, 5 James Kilroe, 4 Jan Uys, 3 Digby Webb, 2 Neil Rautenbach, 1 Joel Carew.
Replacements: 16 Chad Solomon, 17 David Maasch, 18 Guy Alexander, 19 Zakeyo Tinetenda, 20 James Alexander, 21 Martin Sauls, 22 David Strachan, 23 Robin Murray.

Date: Monday, February 10

Venue: Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch

Kick-off: 16.45 (Live on Supersport One)
By Megan Kinnaird