With the 2022 Varsity Cup set to launch on 14 February, here’s a look at 10 key players to watch.
CUT: Charles Williams
Williams starred for a much-improved CUT side that recorded its highest-ever finish in the Varsity Cup last year (fifth).
The gifted flyhalf represented Griquas at provincial level throughout his school career. Since then, Williams has turned out for CUT in the Varsity Cup and for Free State in the junior provincial tournaments.
“Charles is one of the key drivers of our gameplan,” said CUT coach Braam van Straaten. “He had a big season in 2021, and we’re expecting more of the same as we push for a place in the playoffs in 2022.”
School: Diamantveld
Position: Flyhalf
Born: 10 February 1999
Weight: 85kg
Height: 1.80m
Madibaz: Lennox Holster
Holster represented the SA U18 Academy side and has gone on to play for Eastern Province at U21 and senior Currie Cup levels.
The Madibaz will look to the powerfully built centre to inspire them across another challenging 2022 season. The Port Elizabeth-based team, which finished last in the tournament in 2021, faces a fight to avoid relegation.
“Lennox is an exciting player who will have a big role to play,” coach David Manuel said. “I believe that he has the potential to go far in this game.”
School: Marlow Agricultural
Position: Centre
Born: 11 January 2000
Weight: 96kg
Height: 1.76m
Maties: Adriaan van der Bank
Van der Bank represented Boland at the U18 Craven Week and Western Province at U19 level before progressing into the semi-professional ranks. He’s been one of Maties’ standout players in recent years.
The 25-year-old flyhalf will lead the team in what will be his final campaign for the university.
“He’ll definitely be one to watch,” confirmed Maties coach Norman Jordaan. “We’ve lost a lot of senior players since last year, but ‘Bankies’ is an inspirational figure within the set-up, and we’re confident about what he can do as the leader of a younger yet talented group of players.”
School: Worcester Gimnasium
Position: Flyhalf
Born: 8 February 1997
Weight: 85kg
Height: 1.80m
NWU: Heinz Bertram
Bertram has impressed a lot of rugby people since moving from the Eastern Cape to North West. Apart from representing the NWU Eagles, the 22-year-old has played for the Leopards in the Currie Cup First Division.
The tall, powerful blindside flank will be one of the Eagles’ go-to men in 2022.
“It’s going to be a big year for Heinz, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to bigger things in future,” predicted former Springbok flyhalf Andre Pretorius, the current Eagles coach.
School: Volkskool Graaff-Reinet
Position: Blindside flank
Born: 27 January 2000
Weight: 105kg
Height: 1.94m
Shimlas: Thabang Mahlasi
Mahlasi made his mark for the Valke at the U18 Craven Week in 2018. After joining the Free State academy, he progressed through the Cheetahs junior ranks while also producing a series of industrious performances for Shimlas.
After serving as vice-captain at the university in 2021, Mahlasi will lead the team in 2022 as they look to implement a new and exciting approach.
“Thabang is a strong and versatile player, who can slot in at blindside flank or lock as required,” Shimlas coach Andre Tredoux said. “He sets very high standards for himself, and for the team.”
School: Drie Riviere High
Position: Flank/lock
Born: 15 March 2000
Weight: 101kg
Height: 1.96m
Tuks: Lincoln Daniels
Daniels dazzled for the Blue Bulls at Craven Week level, and was selected for the SA U18 Academy side. Last year, Daniels captained the NWU Eagles to the semi-finals of the Varsity Cup. He went on to win the Currie Cup First Division title with the Leopards.
Daniels’ exploits across the 2021 season did not go unnoticed. UP-Tuks, who won the 2021 Varsity Cup, have recruited the elusive centre ahead of their 2022 campaign.
Coach Nico Luus expects Daniels to make a big impact, especially on attack, in this year’s competition.
School: Hoërskool Garsfontein
Position: Centre
Born: 3 March 1998
Weight: 85kg
Height: 1.77m
UCT: Athi Gazi
Gazi proved one of the most dangerous attacking players in the 2021 edition of the Varsity Cup. The fullback scored two tries in the final, although his efforts weren’t enough to spare UCT a gutting 34-27 loss to UP-Tuks.
The Ikeys will continue to favour a balanced approach in 2022, and Gazi – playing in his final season for the university – will be one of their key men.
“He reads the game so well,” said UCT coach Tom Dawson-Squibb. “We’ll be looking to harness his vision and quick feet on attack.”
School: SACS
Position: Fullback
Born: 30 April 1997
Weight: 85kg
Height: 1.77m
UJ: Johannes Terblanche
Terblanche represented Griqualand West County Districts at the 2016 Craven Week before getting the chance to play for Free State in the junior provincial tournaments.
Last year, the openside flank starred for an impressive CUT side that upset a few of the more fancied teams in the Varsity Cup. On the back of those performances, Terblanche was recruited by UJ and given the opportunity to co-captain the club in 2022.
“We lost three or four senior players after last season, so players like Johannes will need to fill the gap,” said UJ coach Jonathan Mokuena. “He was excellent for CUT last year, and I’m excited to see what he can do for us this season, particularly around the breakdown.”
School: Upington High
Position: Openside flank
Born: 25 November 1998
Weight: 96kg
Height: 1.79m
UWC: Lukhanyo Vokozela
Vokozela represented Western Province at the U16 and U18 provincial tournaments before gaining selection for SA Schools.
Vokozela – nicknamed ‘Rhino’ – proved his worth for UWC across a unique and demanding 2021 season, and also made an impact for the WP U20 side in the junior provincial championship.
The 2022 campaign may well be his biggest yet.
“Lukhanyo is a really exciting prospect and will have a key role to play for us, at the set piece and around the park,” UWC coach Paul Treu said of the 20-year-old hooker.
School: Rondebosch Boys’ High
Position: Hooker
Born: 5 February 2002
Weight: 108kg
Height: 1.75m
Wits: Ebot Buma
Buma progressed through the Golden Lions provincial ranks and was ultimately selected for the SA U18 Academy team. Since leaving school, he has featured prominently for the Lions in the junior provincial championships.
Wits coach Hugo van As expects the multi-talented loosehead prop to have a big impact in the 2022 Varsity Cup.
“It’s a new era for us, with a host of superstars moving on after the 2021 season. However, we are excited to see what Ebot – who will lead the side – and the next generation of players can achieve.”
School: Fourways High
Position: Loosehead prop
Born: 21 December 1999
Weight: 110kg
Height: 1.84m
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By Jon Cardinelli for Varsity Cup
