Hard Luck for UKZN’s Impi Who Vow to Bounce Back Next Season

The UKZN Impi rugby team faced off against the University of Fort Hare in their final FNB Varsity Shield season match.

Supporters filled the Howard College Stadium to capacity, braving the rain to witness the showdown. The stadium buzzed with energy as supporters defied the odds to cheer on their teams.

Despite their zeal and determination, the UKZN Impi were dealt a 17-36 loss. Head Coach Naseeb Abrahams described the team’s finish in the FNB Varsity Shield as “a tough pill to swallow”. ‘It’s been a tough season, but I thought the boys acquitted themselves well in most games,’ he said.

Commenting on the team being one of the youngest squads in the competition, Abrahams said: ‘The team has a solid core that will only improve. We were just unfortunate with our lack of depth, which cost us at crucial stages.’

Looking ahead, Abrahams said the team hoped for better luck next season.

‘We need to resolve off-field challenges and ensure the boys have the support they need to perform,’ he said. ‘We’ll recruit new players to fill gaps and invest in conditioning to ensure our current squad competes at the required level.’

UKZN alumnus Malibongwe Prince Gwala known as Mjolisi thrilled the crowd with a live performance of his smash hit My Dulula.

The event also featured interactive games hosted by UKZN presenter Ms Ziningi Mtshali, along with a performance by the UKZN Cheerleaders, who took second place in the Palesa TikTok Dance Challenge and received a R10 000 cheque, sponsored by DJ Tira and Afrotainment.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu