CPUT students and staff members came out in force to #backourboytjies for the university’s inaugural match in the FNB Varsity Shield presented by Steinhoff International.
Students, in their blue supporters T-shirts, travelled from far and wide for the Cape Derby to support the team as they squared off against our neighbours UWC yesterday.
The match was broadcast live on Supersport 1 and was a nail biting affair with FNB UWC ultimately winning the Cape Derby by a slim margin of 26 to 23.
Commentators commended the resilience of the CPUT team as they ably squared up to the experienced UWC squad, who were favourites to win after making it into the finals last year.
CPUTs fighting spirit was awarded when Christiaan Smit won the Player that Rocks award.
The match was closely analysed by Head of Western Province Rugby Thelo Wakefield and Currie Cup coach John Dobson who took time out of their busy schedules to meet the CPUT team a few hours before kick-off to do a jersey handover and pep talk.
Wakefield told the team that Western Province Rugby would be partnering with the CPUT team to transfer some of the extensive knowledge they had.
“You worked hard to be the owner of that jersey for 80 minutes. We came here to support you because we believe in you,” he told the team.
Dobson commended the support from CPUT management saying the backing from the top is critical for the future success of rugby at the institution.
“For the first time you have broken into this competition so you have nothing to lose and everything to win.”
To view the fixtures and results go to:http://varsitycup.co.za/varsity-shield-fixtures/
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Written by Ilse Fredericks
