Winning vital as Madibaz face Pukke
WINNING is the only option for the Madibaz when they face NWU Pukke in a potentially explosive Varsity Cup showdown in Port Elizabeth tonight.
Three consecutive defeats have left the Madibaz hovering just above bottomplaced Tuks on the log after four rounds in the competition.
Another defeat would leave the Port Elizabeth side with the unwanted relegation axe hanging over their heads in the second half of the season.
Madibaz coach David Maidza played down talk of a potential relegation scrap, saying his team must stick to their structures and not panic.
A heart-breaking 32-29 defeat by Wits in their last game heaped pressure on the Madibaz after earlier losses to Ikey Tigers and CUT Ixias.
“We are still searching for our first win, but I do not want the guys to panic and go out of structure,” Maidza said.
“After half time against Wits, I thought we did not control the game very well.
“We played a lot in our own half and that sapped our energy.
“We have been building all along to play the game that we can control.
“Once we started playing properly in the Wits half and making sure they brought the ball back to us, we started playing some rugby. “So there are work-ons for the guys. “We have to go back to the drawing board and make sure we fix our issues and keep on improving.”
With five games left, Maidza said his team would fight for every available point.
“We are an Eastern Cape team and we will always have to scrap and fight for every single bone that is out there.
“The Madibaz have to work hard and this is where the development of Eastern Cape rugby is.
“The team must start putting good results on the board.
“It is hard work, but we must find that first win,” the coach said.
Madibaz captain Riaan Esterhuizen said his team would fight all the way despite the early lack of success.
“We targeted wins in our opening games, but even after three defeats the mood in our squad and the culture of never giving up is still there,” the midfielder said.
“Obviously, it is tough having three losses, but the team have a great fighting spirit and we will keep on going until we crack that first win.” Though the Madibaz will enjoy the support of their passionate home fans, they will find Pukke a tough nut to crack.
Pukke are fifth on the log with two wins from three outings, and well positioned to make a strong challenge for a playoff berth.
While the Madibaz have struggled to find their feet, Maties have shown they will be the team to beat.
They are unbeaten after four matches and have chalked up an impressive 186 points.
Tonight’s teams: Madibaz: (from): Michael Botha, Athenkosi Mayinje, Siphumelele Msutwana, Riaan Esterhuizen (captain), Lindelwe Zungu, Simon Bolze, Lovu Claassen, Justin Hollis, Wynand Grassman, Henry Brown, Gerrit Huisamen, Luyolo Dapula, Dylan Barendse, Jedwyn Harty, Nicolas Roebeck, JP Jamieson, Tembelihle Yase, Similile Qinela, Robert Izaks, Jayson Reinecke, Sibusiso Ngcokovane, Henrique Olivier, Jordan Koekemoer Pukke (from): Tapiwe Mafura, Dean Gordon, Evardi Boshoff, AK Nela, Dean Stokes, Schalk Hugo, Chriswill September, Tiaan Bezuidenhout, Estehan Visagie, Wandile Mazibuko, Walt Steenkamp, Johan Retief, Robert Hunt, Louis van der Westhuizen. Nelius Theron, Marius Stander, Matimu Manganyi, Theo Ferreira, Jaco Swanepoel, Senzo Mkhize, Nkosana Mathaba, Henki Marais, Jimmy Mpailane. Referee: Jaco Pretorius.