Make-or-break match for Madibaz against UJ
AFTER four consecutive defeats, the Madibaz will have their backs to the wall when they face the University of Johannesburg at the UJ Stadium tonight.
After narrow defeats against Ikeys, CUT Ixias and Wits, the Madibaz slumped to a heavy 37-5 defeat against Pukke in Port Elizabeth last week.
Three of those four matches have been on home soil, so the Madibaz now face the tough task of playing three of their remaining four games away.
There were far too many handling errors made against Pukke and Madibaz coach David Maidza will want a more disciplined approach tonight.
UJ, after a runaway 49-12 win over Shimlas last week, will have their tails up as they look to climb up the table and put themselves in contention for a playoff berth.
While the Madibaz are winless, UJ have won two of their opening four matches and are in sixth position on the nine-team log.
Unlike last season, promotion/relegation rules will be applied this year, which adds a cutting edge to the tournament.
Every second year the team that finishes last in the 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.
Madibaz manager Theresa le Roux said the team’s determination to achieve something from the Varsity Cup rugby competition remained as strong as ever.
“The squad are not going to throw in the towel,” she said.
“I believe if we can get a win and at least two bonus points from our last four matches, we will be safe from relegation.”
Le Roux said their progress had been hampered somewhat this year by a string of injuries.
“With several senior players out, the youngsters have had to stand up and that is not easy.”