Madibaz hit by lack of home games

THE Madibaz will be fighting with one hand tied behind their back when the Varsity Cup kicks off next year because all their matches will be played away from home.

It has been announced by the organisers that the Nelson Mandela University’s sports stadium will be undergoing an upgrade next year, so the Madibaz will forego their home games.

Their first match, against UCT, will be played at the Tygerberg Stadium on January 30.

Due to exams taking place, UCT is unable to host the opening fixture at their sports stadium. The remainder of their home matches will take place at the UCT rugby fields.

These two teams will play for the Monte Taljaard Trophy, as they have done every year.

Ikey-Tiger Taljaard was a talented young flank who died tragically after a car accident in 2008.

Since his death, the Madibaz and Ikey Tigers Varsity Cup encounter has been played in honour of Taljaard.

For the first time since its inception in 2008, the competition will feature a total of nine teams.

Even more exciting is that the popular varsity competition celebrates 10 years of Rocking Rugby next year.

Teams will do battle over 12 weeks, aiming to be crowned the best university rugby team in the country.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, Varsity Cup teams will now each enjoy a bye during the round robin stage, with four home and four away games being played.

Varsity Cup chief executive Duitser Bosman said: “Six years ago, Heyneke Meyer suggested that the competition look into an equal home and away format, and today, with the extra team added, we are finally there.

“Another first in Varsity Cup history sees the opening week take place in January.”

A repeat of this year’s semifinals should make for a thrilling opening week.

Defending champions NWU-Pukke travel to Gauteng to face UJ (University of Johannesburg), while three-time champions Maties are hosted by 2013 and 2014 champions UP-Tuks at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Madibaz fixtures: January 30: v UCT Ikey-Tigers (Tygerberg Stadium, Cape Town). February 6: v NWU-Pukke (Fanie du Toit Stadium, Potchefstroom). February 13: v UP-Tuks (L C de Villiers Stadium, Pretoria). February 20: v Maties (Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch). March 6: v UJ (UJ Stadium, Johannesburg). March 13: v Wits (Wits Rugby Stadium, Johannesburg). March 20: v UFS Shimlas (Shimla Park, Bloemfontein) March 27: v CUT Ixias (CUT Stadium, Bloemfontein).