There is everything to play for this year in the Varsity Cup Rugby competition that kicks off on Monday, February 16, and plays out over two months.
For our Maties Women, it is all about keeping the silverware after being crowned champions in 2025; and for our Men, it is not just making the finals but regaining the trophy. For our Young Guns it is chance to ….
The Men start their campaign with an away game against FNB UFS Shimlas on February 16, and are focused on returning victorious to their home ground for #maroonmachine magic in the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday February 23 when they take on FNB UJ. Home games are an institution for all Stellenbosch University students – and a right of passage for first years to experience the unbridled gees of 18 000 diehard fans backing our teams.
The Maties Young Guns’ campaign to rise up the ranks begins away on Monday February 23 against FNB NWU, and our Maties women’s mission to retain the cup begins on Friday March 6 against FNB UFH in the Danie Craven Stadium.
Men to turn lessons into positive action
“Last year was hard but this year we are playing a team of 80 percent experienced players and 20 percent new player. Last year it was 50-50. So, this means we have a more unified team, with most players knowing what to expect, what to avoid, and how to turn lessons into positive action,” says Men’s Rugby Head Coach, Kabamba Floors.
“This year we go out as a unified force – less emotion around external expectations, just strategic focus as one team to play our very best as deserving champions.”
One of the challenges, says Floors, will be playing the stronger teams on their grounds early in the competition. “Thankfully we travel well, and we have full confidence in captain Ezekiel Ngobeni and co vice-captains, MC van Heerden Smith and Luan Botha.”
Adaptability and efficiency will power Maties Women
Women’s Coach, Aneesah Adams, says that the magic formula is maintaining the team standards, and retaining dominance through hard work and unity.
“Our strategy is built around structure, adaptability, and efficiency,” says Adams. “We are geared to be a team that can manage games well, adapt to different opposition styles, and execute under pressure. Without giving too much away, our focus is on clarity of roles, strong decision-making, and consistency in our systems.”
Squad development is key to the squad’s performance pathway model, and this year the team will turn out new players, not an issue for Adams. “New players bring competition, depth, and long-term sustainability to our programme. The environment is designed to push standards through competition and performance accountability.
“Every game will demand our best. But the opportunity is even greater: to grow this group, strengthen our culture, and develop players who believe in themselves and in the system,” says Adams.
Young Guns to showcase their teamwork, discipline and passion
Matie Rugby alumnus and former Springbok, Louis Koen, joins the Maties Rugby fold this year as Young Guns Coach. Naturally, winning is literally first prize, but for Koen, he wants the players to “fall in love with rugby, stay in rugby and create memories that will stay with them forever’.
“I am impressed by the character and work ethic shown by these men. I believe that your captain and leadership group is a key to your programme, and I am really excited how the seniors and leaders have driven the behaviours and environment. Rugby is a place where team is more important than the individual and to get that right takes a special group of men. I believe we have made good strides towards that goal.
The Young Guns provides a platform for newcomers to bring – and advance – their talents. This year, however, the Young Guns team will turn out with a core of players who are in their second year – providing the newcomers with valuable support.
“We are blessed to have an incredible support structure through our Head of Rugby and administrative office at the Club. Our facilities and the people are world class. The great opportunity for us is to represent those that wore the jersey before us, and to leave our own stamp on more than 150 years of tradition and sacrifice,” says Koen.
Varsity Cup 2026 Home Game fixtures – your chance to be in the stands
FNB Maties Men:
Feb 23 – FNB Maties vs FNB UJ
Mar 9 – FNB Maties vs FNB Emeris
Mar 23 – FNB Maties vs FNB NWU Eagles
FNB Maties Women:
Mar 6 – FNB Maties vs FNB UFH
Mar 20 – FNB Maties vs FNB UWC
Mar 27 – FNB Maties vs FNB UJ
FNB Maties Young Guns:
Mar 16 – FNB Maties vs FNB NWU
Mar 23 – FNB Maties vs FNB UP-Tuks
Mar 30 – FNB Maties vs FNB UCT
Tickets are available in a number of packages. Get ready to take the fan walk and your place in the Danie Craven Stadium to back our #MaroonMachine. Get your tickets here