CAPTAIN Luyolo Dapula says the FNB Madibaz are determined to be amongst the top-six of what he expects to be a testing Varsity Cup tournament this year.
Besides the tough nature of the competition, Dapula said there would also be the issue of a short turnaround between matches as the fixtures will be played in three blocks of three matches, with each block spread over seven to nine days.
However, the 22-year-old acknowledged that all teams faced the same situation and said the Madibaz would embrace the challenge.
“We know it will be difficult but, like all teams, it will be a case of managing our key players during the course of the competition,” said Dapula, a second-year BA student who can operate as a lock or loose forward.
“The depth of the squad will be important, but our coaching staff are set up to manage that. We have an experienced strength and conditioning coach in Nadus Nieuwoudt, so that will benefit us.”
He added that new coach André Tredoux had made things easier for them while they could not practise as a unit owing to COVID-19 regulations.
“The players have worked hard in difficult times and they have grown close as a team. They are firmly focused on making the university proud,” said Tredoux.
The Madibaz in the First block played against North-West Eagles and today play against UCT, and on April 11 against UWC. The rest of the fixtures are:
Second block: April 22, 17:00 – University of Johannesburg; April 27, 17:00 – Wits; April 30, 19:00 – Free State University.
Third block: May 10, 17:00 – Stellenbosch; May 13 – UP-Tuks; May 16 – UCT.
