Shield to become tip of the spear for Chester
THE University of Western Cape Sports Stadium. In a bygone era, it was not only the epicentre of UWC activities but the cauldron of Sacos non-racial sport, too.
It was where track legends such as Shaun Vester, Nazeem Smith and Jantjie Marthinus burnt up the tartan in their black and gold vests. Out on the rugby field, Saru legends Gary Boshoff and Irvin October ensured visitors to the “Operation Room” – as UWC’s home ground is now known – were met with equal grunt up front and finesse and skill at the back.
Even on the cricket field, when UWC was the only venue in the city that provided adequate facilities for day-night cricket that people of all colours could enjoy, were there specific highlights with Shukri Conrad lighting up the Bellville venue with an amazing 162 in Grand Challenge club match one special evening.
Although the grand old lady of Sacos sport is starting to show its years, its legacy is firmly entrenched.
But like every iconic stadium it needs new stories and fresh heroes to emerge.
The UWC football team celebrated a maiden Varsity Cup title in 2015 that rekindled the sort of spirit on the stands not heard in Bellville since the hey-days of the 1980s. That energy returned on Monday evening when a packed house were treated to a sparkling display by the UWC rugby team, wh despatched traditional rivals University of Fort Hare 45-2 in the Varsity Shield final.
Although the victory was not enough to earn promotion to the prestigious Varsity Cup – this is only on offer every second season – the team still made significant strides under Director of Rugby and former World Cup winning Springbok Chester Williams this past season.
“It’s been magical ride but one that’s not over yet,” Williams said on Wednesday. “This is one part of a journey that will see us being a competitive side once we reach the Varsity Cup.
“We’re happy to win the Varsity Shield. We’re also not unhappy about not getting promotion this season because it will give us another season and more time to build a team that’s going to be really competitive in the Varsity Cup. We’ve shown we have the potential, but after another season together we can build something really special here at UWC.
“The guys, team management, everyone involved at UWC rugby knows about its proud history and what success will mean for the university overall. Everyone is committed to this goal, to put UWC back on the map, and make students proud of attending UWC and what is stands for and if we can help in anyway with what we’re doing on the rugby field, then that’s a great start,” added Williams.
And Williams hopes that the Varsity Shield triumph will allow UWC to compete not only on the field but also in the all-important recruitment process.
“That’s probably the toughest part of my job. Trying to get the best young players to come to UWC and also holding on to them once they are there. Every season our players are offered bursaries elsewhere, so hopefully by winning the Varsity Shield it will attract sponsors and investors wanting to get involved in UWC rugby in order to hold on the talent we do have,” said Williams.