THE FNB Varsity College Comets capped off an incredible season as they lifted the FNB Varsity Shield trophy on Friday night.

Three second half tries saw the home team secure a 22-7 win over the FNB Madibaz.

There was much to celebrate for the Comets in front of a vociferous home crowd at the IIE’s Varsity College Durban North.

Two weeks ago, the team became the first university team from KwaZulu-Natal to be promoted to the FNB Varsity Cup.

This was the second successive final in two years for the Comets under coach Jeremy McLaren.

“This was one of the tougher games during the Varsity Shield campaign. We had to really dig deep and work hard against a really good defensive side. I think this performance also cements for me that the team is ready for Varsity Cup,” McLaren said. “To only keep the Madibaz side to one try was an incredible effort.

“This was our second successive final in the competition, we lost last year, so there was a bit of nerves coming into the game. At the half-time break we spoke about keeping our cool and ensuring we do the basics right. We started the second half much stronger, we made less errors and were more focused in both the attacking and defensive phases. I’m honoured and blessed to guide these gentleman with our amazing coaching staff to promotion and now winning the trophy,” he said.

Man of the match and Comets centre, Mambo Mkhize, spoke about what the victory meant to him.

“This victory means everything to me. I used to play professional rugby for the Sharks and then Western Province and I had a really rough time for the past three years. I was actually on the verge of quitting rugby, but after speaking to coach McLaren, he helped me get back up to my feet and encourage me to stay with rugby. He also coached at Westville Boys’ High School so he knows me well.

“I sat out last year’s campaign cheering the boys on from the sidelines and to now be a part of an incredible season makes this moment even sweeter. I’ve played in a lot places but I’ve never been in a better place than here at Varsity College. They are family to me. Our captain AB Mthembu has also been someone who deserves praise. He is the guy you want as captain, not only because of the aura he carries but the way in which he leads us. It has been a privilege knowing him since the age of 13, he is my best friend and he is the best man to lead us in the Varsity Cup next year,” he said.

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