The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Senior Men’s Rugby team fought tooth and nail to secure their place in the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup tournament, emerging victorious in a tense promotion-relegation playoff match against Nelson Mandela University (NMU Madibaz) on Monday, 5 May 2025. A late, decisive try in the 74th minute sealed a hard-earned 24-21 win for FNB UJ.
UJ drew first blood early in the 4th minute, with Alzeadon Felix scoring converting. The home side extended their lead in the 24th minute when Kamo Molefe dotted down for their second try, making it 12-0. However, NMU responded swiftly, with Jaden Witbooi crossing the whitewash in the 28th minute. Just five minutes later, Lwando Davane scored in the corner for FNB Madibaz, giving them a slender 14-12 lead heading into the halftime break.
The second half saw UJ regain the lead in the 54th minute with a crucial penalty try. Undeterred, NMU fought back, with Leon van der Merwe slicing through the UJ defense to put the visitors ahead 21-19.
But the drama was not over. With just six minutes left on the clock, Josh du Toit scored the winning try for FNB UJ, sending the technical team into elation as the referee’s final whistle confirmed UJ’s retention in the prestigious Varsity Cup tournament for the 2026 season.
Speaking after the gripping encounter, UJ captain Siyemukela Ndlovu acknowledged the fierce challenge from NMU. “What a great turn from Madibaz. They really came at us. The only currency in rugby is winning. So, I’m grateful for the win and I’m happy for my boys and wish them well to stay in the Varsity Cup next year. Well done to Madibaz too because they played really well, hopefully they can come up to play Varsity Cup in the future.”
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