UCT crowned champs for 2025 Varsity Cup
Having lost the last two finals, it was third time lucky for the Cape side, who delivered a clinical performance to deny Maties a fairytale win in their 150th anniversary year.
The Ikey Tigers spoilt the FNB Maties’ 150th-anniversary party at the Danie Craven Stadium on April 14.
The two old foes battled it out for the silverware in the FNB Varsity Cup 2025 final, with the Cape side ending its 11-year drought after defeating Maties 44-21 in front of a packed stadium in Stellenbosch.
FNB Maties 21-44 FNB UCT Ikey
FNB UCT’ Ikey Tigers ended their 11-year title drought with a commanding 44-21 victory over rivals FNB Maties in a thrilling FNB Varsity Cup 2025 final at a packed Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.
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Having lost the last two finals, it was third time lucky for the Cape side, who delivered a clinical performance to deny Maties a fairytale win in their 150th anniversary year.
Despite their pedigree and home advantage, the Maroon Machine were undone by costly errors and a relentless Ikeys attack.
The opening half was all about Ikeys winger Ntokozo Makhaza, who scored two tries, including a point-of-origin stunner, and added two conversions and a penalty to give UCT a 19-11 lead at the break.
Maties responded through a Ryan Manuel try and two penalties from Christiaan van Heerden Smith.
After the break, Maties edged closer with a penalty, but Makhaza’s deadly boot kept Ikeys in control. At 22-14 with 20 minutes to go, the game was still in the balance until Ikeys fullback Duran Koevort pounced on a Maties mistake to stretch the lead.
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Although Maties’ Joel Leotlela offered a glimmer of hope with a try, Ikeys scrumhalf Monray Daars sealed the deal with a late five-pointer. Makhaza capped a sensational performance, scoring 32 points and tormenting the Maties at every turn with his deadly boot.
Coach Robbie Fleck’s charges lifted their first FNB Varsity Cup trophy since 2014, while Kabamba Floors’ side was left to rue missed chances in a match they never quite controlled.
