FNB UJ Men close in on historic FNB Varsity Cup semifinal

A win away from home gave the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Senior Men’s Rugby Team (FNB UJ) a massive step towards the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup playoffs on Monday, 23 March. In a grit-and-glory performance on a soaked Bloemfontein pitch, the Orange Army secured a vital 29-13 bonus-point victory against a desperate but tough Central University of Technology (FNB CUT Ixias), keeping them in the hunt for a long-awaited semifinal berth.

Damian Baker of UJ during the match between FNB IXIAS CUT and FNB UJ at the CUT Stadium in Bloemfontein. Played on 23 March 2026, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude

The opening 40 minutes reflected the high stakes of this Round 6 clash. With UJ hunting for a playoff spot and CUT fighting for survival, the game was a tactical tug-of-war.

In a tight first half clash, FNB UJ drew first blood as Francois Prinsloo ignited the scoreboard for the visitors, dotting down the game’s opening try. However, the FNB CUT gents stayed within striking distance through the boot of Kehan Myburgh, whose penalty kick sent the teams into the tunnel with UJ holding a slender 5-3 lead.

The second half began with a surge of momentum for the hosts. Myburgh struck again with a second penalty, handing FNB CUT a brief 6-5 lead and threatening an upset. However, the Orange Army refused to buckle. JT Kapank reclaimed the lead for FNB UJ with a clinical finish, shifting the momentum back to the Johannesburg outfit.

Berwyn Bosch of UJ during the match between FNB IXIAS CUT and FNB UJ at the CUT Stadium in Bloemfontein. Played on 23 March 2026, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude

As the clock ticked down, UJ turned clinical. In a devastating late try flurry, Toy Engelbrecht, Coun-Lee Koekman, and Exause Kevani crossed the white line in quick succession. These back-to-back tries didn’t just secure the 29-13 win; they snatched a crucial bonus point for FNB UJ, effectively ending CUT’s hopes of a maiden victory this season.

While FNB UJ currently sits comfortably in the top four, their destiny will be decided in the final round of the round-robin stage.

The grand finale at home

History beckons on Monday, 30 March 2026. FNB UJ will return to the UJ Rugby Stadium – a verified fortress where they remain unbeaten this year – to face off against FNB UP-Tuks. A win against the Pretoria giants would officially seal a semifinal spot, marking a major milestone for the Orange Army after years of building toward this moment.

during the match between FNB IXIAS CUT and FNB UJ at the CUT Stadium in Bloemfontein. Played on 23 March 2026, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude

SCORERS

FNB CUT: (3) 13

Tries : Jean-Louis Theron (POR)

FNB UJ : (5) 29

Tries: Francois Prinsloo, JT Kapank, Toy Engelbrecht, Coun-Lee Koekman, Exauce Kevani.

FNB Player of the Match: Jeandre Uithaler (FNB UJ)

TEAMS

FNB CUT: Devinto Vergotine, Kutlo Seyoko, Matthys Malan, Winton Abrahams, Jade Muller, Kehan Myburgh, Raydon Swartbool, Hope Seyaga, Dean Sciocatti, Jordan Davids, Oyama Frans, Petrus Nel, Vuyo Holiday, Tokelo Ntaopane (c), Jan-Hendrik Bessenger.

FNB UJ: Jeandre Uithaler, Mnelisi Gamede, Tholithemba Sibisi, Reuven Ferreira, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Nicallen Gabrielsen, Berwyn Bosch, Thabang Mphafi (c), Kamo Molefe, Toy Engelbercht, Juan Fourie, Jaythen Orange, Damian Baker, Francois Prinsloo, Sifiso Magwaza.