Brandt: 'Varsity Cup a big help for us'
“It is a tough competition and we have not yet gained much success from it. However, the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International competition has proved a major injection throughout the entire NMMU ranks.”
These are the views expressed by NMMU coach Kolie Brandt, following the first five rounds of Varsity Cup action this season.
“The enthusiasm and support we have received from staff members and students has been quite unbelievable,” he added.
“At the same time, our two former Springboks of yesteryear, Hannes Marais and Eben Olivier, have showed solid support as well as attending every match played on the campus to date. They have also been prepared to give up their time in assisting the players where possible.
“We are certainly grateful to all and sundry for the fantastic support received to date and our main aim is not to disappoint them.”
Brandt was particularly pleased with his side’s 28-18 win over TUT recently – their first-ever Varsity Cup win – but remains aware of his team’s shortcomings.
“We must learn to play for the full 80 minutes. We did not do that against UCT (this past Monday) and we paid the price,” he told varsitycup.co.za.
“They took us on at our strong point in the tight phases and that hampered us throughout. Our first-time tackling also left much to be desired and hopefully it will improve drastically in the clash against the Maties this coming Monday.”
Monday’s (March 9) clash against the defending champion Maties, at the Danie Craven Stadium, will be televised live on SuperSport 1 and CSN at 4.45pm.
