The opening blow has been struck, but the Maroon Machine refuses to flinch. FNB Maties absorbed an 11-point blow from FNB UFS-Shimlas in round one of the Varsity Cup, but rather than panic, the Stellenbosch faithful are rallying behind their troops for what promises to be a Monday night redemption mission at the iconic Danie Craven Stadium.
FNB UJ will be buoyant after their opening win against newly promoted Emeris. A wounded Maties side desperate to atone for their Free State disappointment, backed by a passionate home crowd under lights, has all the ingredients of a hostile reception.
Maties skipper Ezekiel Ngobeni is having none of the doom and gloom narrative. The 21-year-old insists the opening defeat has not dented his side’s belief or altered their approach one iota.
“The desire within the squad remains the same and we’re aware of what’s at stake as it’s still a long campaign ahead of us,” Ngobeni stated, his message crystal clear: This is a marathon, not a sprint.
“It’s a new week, meaning new opportunities and opposition, but for us it will be massive to stay true to our DNA and not lose focus on doing the basics well.”
That DNA, the trademark Maties brand of rugby built on physicality, precision and relentless work rate, did not quite materialise in Bloemfontein. The performance was below par, the result reflecting as much. But champions do not make excuses; they make adjustments.
“We have acknowledged our performance and learnings from the previous round and have switched our focus to a new, exciting week that awaits,” Ngobeni explained, suggesting the coaching staff have been meticulous in their analysis.
The beauty of sport lies in its capacity for immediate redemption. Six days after a disappointing display, Maties get their chance to hit back where it hurts most for visiting sides, on their own turf.
Interim head coach of UJ, Therlow Pietersen, undersands the magnitude of the venue where they will do battle.
“We are going in with a bit of confidence but also understanding the magnitude of the venue where we are playing; UJ haven’t won at the Dane Craven since 2015 I think,” Pietersen said.
He has done his homework, and according to him there are certain things that they have identified that might be a game changer.
“It is going to be an interesting match. Maties are in a transition phase; although they showed good pictures against Shimlas, there are certain things that we have identified. I think it is going to be good rugby, and let’s see if we execute our plan,” Pietersen said.
Monday night rugby under lights in Stellenbosch carries a special atmosphere, and Ngobeni knows his troops will draw strength from their passionate supporters.
“It’s always special playing at home on all accounts, and we sure can’t wait to really feed off the energy from those who come through on Monday,” he said.
The stage is set. The Maroon Machine has been humbled, but remains unbowed. UJ have done their homework and are looking for a historic result.
Stellenbosch will be desperate to remind the FNB Varsity Cup exactly why they are perennial title contenders. The opening chapter was disappointing, but in a long campaign, it is how you respond that defines your season.
The Maroon Machine is about to answer.
