Ntokozo Makhaza scored 32 factors as UCT gained the 2025 Varsity Cup last in Stellenbosch on Monday night time to snap an 11-year title drought and spoil Maties’ a hundred and fiftieth anniversary occasion.
The Ikeys winger scored two tries and kicked 4 conversions and 4 penalties as UCT beat Maties 44-21 in entrance of a packed Danie Craven Stadium to clinch their third Varsity Cup title.
The Ikeys marked their third consecutive last with their first win since 2014, consigning the five-time champion Maties to their first loss in a house last. The match was additionally the third assembly between Maties and UCT within the championship sport.
Having misplaced the final two finals, it was third time fortunate for the Ikeys, who delivered a scientific efficiency to disclaim Maties a fairy-tale win of their a hundred and fiftieth anniversary yr.
The primary half was all about Makhaza, who scored two tries – together with a point-of-origin stunner – and added two conversions and a penalty to offer UCT a 19-11 lead on the break. Maties responded via a Ryan Manuel attempt to two penalties from Christiaan Van Heerden Smith.
After the break, Maties edged nearer with a penalty, however Makhaza’s lethal boot saved Ikeys in management. At 22-14 with 20 minutes to go, Ikeys fullback Duran Koevort pounced on a Maties mistake to stretch the lead.
Though Maties’ Joel Leotlela supplied a glimmer of hope with a strive, Ikeys scrumhalf Monray Daars sealed the take care of a late five-pointer. Makhaza capped a sensational efficiency, scoring 30 factors and tormenting Maties at each flip together with his lethal boot.
Coach Robbie Fleck’s prices lifted their first Varsity Cup trophy since 2014, whereas Kabamba Flooring’ facet have been left to rue missed possibilities.
SCORERS
Maties: 21 (11)
Tries: Ryan Manuel, Joel Leotlela.
Ikeys: 44 (19)
Tries: Ntokozo Makhaza (2), Duran Koevort, Monray Daars.
Participant that Rock: Keagan Blanckenberg (UCT Ikey)
TEAMS
Maties: 15 Elridge Jack, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Ryan Manuel, 12 CJ Marx, 11 Grant De Jager, 10 Christiaan van Heerden Smith, 9 Ezekiel Ngobeni (c), 8 Ethan Snyman, 7 Luan Botha, 6 Fortune Mpofu, 5 Carel van der Merwe, 4 Zuko Poswa, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Armand Combrink, 1 Prince Mulea.
UCT Ikeys: 15 Duran Rayn Koevort, 14 Rethabile Louw, 13 Thomas Nel, 12 Luke Burger, 11 Ntokozo Makhaza, 10 Alex Vermeulen, 9 Monray Daars, 8 Xola Nyali, 7 Connor Jack Gordon, 6 Siphomezo Dyonase (c), 5 Danio Botha, 4 Enos Ndiao, 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Keagan Blanckenberg, 1 Matthew Beckett.
Photograph: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Pictures
