It will be a spectacular weekend at Rhodes University from Friday, 04 March 2022 to Sunday 06 March 2022, when the opening games of the Varsity Shield take place at Rhodes University Great Field.
Rhodes University Sports Administration Manager Frans Mamabolo said it’s all systems go on preparations to host all the universities playing in the Varsity Shield. “It promises to be an exciting weekend at Rhodes University. All the Eastern Cape universities will bring supporters, but we are required to maintain the number of spectators under 2000. All COVID-19 protocols will be adhered to, and stadium security officials will be present to enforce these rules,” said Mamabolo.
The games will be as follows:
Round one on Friday, 04 March 2022:
- FNB University of Fort Hare Blues vs FNB Tshwane University of Technology Vikings at 15h00
- FNB Walter Sisulu University All Blacks vs FNB University of KwaZulu Natal Impi at 17h00
- FNB Rhodes University vs FNB Cape Peninsula University of Technology at 19h00
Round two on Sunday, 06 March 2022:
- FNB University of KwaZulu Natal Impi vs FNB University of Fort Hare Blues at 13h00
- FNB Tshwane University of Technology Vikings vs FNB Walter Sisulu University All Blacks at 15h00
- FNB Durban University of Technology vs FNB Rhodes University at 17h00
Rhodes University rugby captain Simelela Mbanzi said they are ready for the opening of the Varsity Shield. He said: “We had a lot of numbers for our pre-season, which is something we did not have previously. We used to scramble for players, but we had a full squad this year. Everyone is fit conditioning-wise; we are perfect. We want to work on a few things, but we are match-ready. This year I want us to be more competitive and be up on the league table.”
The newly-appointed Rhodes University rugby coach, Andy Royle, said he was very impressed with the enthusiasm of his squad. “We are controlling the controllable and influencing what we can influence. We have put a lot of time into training, and I hope to see a better performance from the boys, and the home ground advantage will be a big factor for us. We are expecting a tough encounter as we will be playing a double-header against teams that would have played individual games,” the former Wits University coach said.
Tickets are sold R20 for a day pass and R60 if one wants a supporter’s t-shirt. Mamabolo said there will be funfair and fireworks, DJs, dancers, and singing of the National Anthem. All games will be televised on SuperSport.