After years of watching the postseason from the sidelines, the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Senior Men’s Rugby Team has officially secured a spot in the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup semifinals. Despite a tough loss to FNB UP-Tuks in the final round-robin fixture on Monday, 30 March, the Orange Army finished in the Top 4 with 21 points, marking a remarkable turnaround for the franchise.
The qualification was confirmed late Monday night after North-West University (FNB NWU Eagles) defeated the University of Cape Town (FNB UCT) in a 56-53 thriller. The result left FNB UCT in 5th place, allowing FNB UJ to retain their position on the log and advance to the knockout stages.
A season of broken hoodoos
For a team that was fighting to avoid relegation just a year ago, the 2026 campaign represents a historic shift in momentum. Co-captain Kamohelo Molefe reflected on the team’s journey following the Round 7 clash:
“I’m proud of the boys and the team. No one would have thought that coming from a promotion-relegation scrap last year, we’d be here winning four games and making history. This year, we beat NWU for the first time in eight years, CUT after six, and UFS Shimlas after five. It shows something special is brewing here.”
The match began with high energy as UJ looked to seize control early. Tholithemba Sibisi crossed the whitewash for the opening try, followed by a successful penalty from flyhalf JT Kapank to give the hosts an 8-0 lead.
However, the momentum shifted rapidly as FNB UP-Tuks found their rhythm. Jacques Oberholzer sparked the comeback with a point-of-origin try, opening the floodgates for a clinical visiting side. Further tries from Akhona Kunene, Christian Volk, Dennis Obi, Akha Mjawule, Dillon Smith, and Munashe Dukuswa saw the visitors take a commanding 32-15 lead into the halftime break.
UJ Fightback: The Orange Army showed resilience in the second period, with Jeandre Uithaler scoring a try converted by Kapank to bring UJ’s tally to 22.
Tuks Dominance: Despite FNB UJ’s efforts to close the gap, Tuks capitalized on defensive lapses. Late tries by Dillon Smith and Munashe Dukuswa sealed a comprehensive 51-22 victory for the Pretoria-based outfit.
Sights on semifinal playoff
While the defeat to Tuks was a setback, the broader context of the season remains a triumph for UJ. Their resurgence has been defined by snapping long-standing losing streaks against the tournament’s heavyweights.
The Orange Army now prepares for the semifinals, fueled by the knowledge that they have already defied the odds to become one of the four best-performing teams in the country. They will face FNB UP-Tuks for the second time at Tuks Stadium in Tshwane on Monday, 6 April 2026, kick-off at 19:00.
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SCORERS:
FNB UJ: (15) 22
Tries: Tholithemba Sibisi, Exauce Kevani, Jeandre Uithaler.
FNB UP-Tuks: (32) 51
Tries: Christiaan Volk, Jacques Oberholzer, Dennis Obi, Akhona Kunene, Akha Mjawule, Dillon Smith, Munashe Dukuswa.
FNB Player of the Match: Divan du Toit (FNB UP-Tuks)
TEAMS:
FNB UJ: Sifiso Magwaza, Ryan Marimo, Damian Baker, Jaythen Orange, Juan Fourie, Kamo Molefe, Josh du Toit, Toy Engelbercht, Berwyn Bosch, JT Kapank, Tholithemba Sibisi, Reuven Ferreira, Exauce Kevani, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Jeandre Uithaler.
FNB Tuks: MJ Nel, Jean Fourie, Barnard Nortjie, David Engongo, Duncan Blignaut, Guvandre Moses, Jacques Oberholzer, Akhona Kunene, Chad-Lee Valentine, Divan du Toit, Munashe Dukuswa, Christiaan Volk, Kobus Janse van Rensburg, Andile Myeni, Dennis Obi.
