Madibaz under pressure
IF the Madibaz slump to a third consecutive Varsity Cup loss against Wits tonight, they run the risk of getting dragged into an unwanted relegation dogfight.
Defeats against Ikey Tigers and CUT Ixias have left the Madibaz joint bottom of the log and under intense pressure to get on the winning track in Port Elizabeth.
They will also be keen to improve their discipline, with yellow cards proving costly in the opening rounds.
Teams are under extra pressure to gather log points this season because there will be relegation at the end of the season.
From the outset, Madibaz coach David Maidza said he did not want to get embroiled in a dog-eat-dog relegation battle.
This season has been deemed to be promotion/relegation year, which adds a cutting edge to the tournament.
Every second year the team that finishes last in the Varsity Cup competition will automatically be relegated to the Varsity Shield, while the team that finishes first in the Varsity Shield gains automatic promotion to Varsity Cup.
The Varsity Cup team finishing second from the bottom will play a promotion/relegation match against the Varsity Shield team that finishes second from the top.
Despite the early defeats, Maidza still believes his team can bounce back if his players trust one another.
“What we have to do now as a group is to refocus and to regather ourselves,” he said.
“We have to be honest with ourselves and ask what we have to do to win the next game. We have to pinpoint the specific areas and take every opportunity to deliver on what we want to achieve.
“I am confident we can turn it around if everyone is willing to work hard and to start trusting one another and the system.”
After the defeat against CUT Ixias, Madibaz captain Riaan Esterhuizen said crucial mistakes and poor discipline had let his team down.
The Madibaz led 22-15 at the break, but could not close the game out against an Ixias side who recorded only their second win in the competition.
The Johannesburg side took their first loss of the season when they were defeated by Shimlas 44-24 in Bloemfontein last week.
Wits coach Hugo van As said the team were still positive about their next game and the season.
“The loss against Shimlas was disappointing. But the team understands we are part of this process and it is our first loss of 2018,” he said.
“Madibaz are a quality outfit and I know that’s not how they wanted to start their season. “But they will be a big threat to us in Port Elizabeth. I’m sure it will be a close contest.”
Tonight’s teams: