Shimlas celebrate their semi-final win over Maties. Image: Varsity Cup.
Varsity Cup final preview (part 2): Championship match a full circle moment for Shimlas
The Varsity Cup will come full circle for Shimlas when they welcome Ikeys to Bloemfontein for what is set to be a thrilling season finale.
Shimlas celebrate their semi-final win over Maties. Image: Varsity Cup.
The Shimlas secured their first Varsity Cup final spot since 2015 when they beat five-time champions Maties in Stellenbosch, while Ikeys stunned defending champions the NWU Eagles in Potchefstroom.
IT’S SHIMLAS VERSUS IKEYS FOR THE 2024 TITLE
When the 2024 campaign kicked off just over two months ago, it the opening match was contested the same two sides when they clashed in the City of Roses, with the visitors from Cape Town carving out a hard-fought 38-32 win on the day.
Shimlas’ only Varsity Cup title came nine years ago courtesy of an emphatic 63-33 victory over the Eagles, while Ikeys previously lifted the trophy in 2011 and 2014, having played in four other finals, most recently 2023 when they finished as runners-up.
VARSITY CUP UP FOR GRABS
Shimlas star outside centre Zane Bester, who is likely to link up with the Cheetahs after the Varsity Cup, says winning the semi-final against the Maroon Machine in the Danie Craven Stadium was a special feat and one that gave them that extra bit of confidence heading into a home final.
“It was amazing to win the semi-final. I don’t think there are words I can use to describe how together we felt as a team in winning it.
“The last kick-off in the match, our captain Pierre Uys told us ‘Just do me a favour and win the last kick-off’ and we did it,” the Varsity Cup star said. “So, I think we are ready, our confidence is high, but we are also very humble.
“It’s the first time in a very long time that Shimlas will be there, so we as the team of 2024 are privileged and we know what position we are into be able to play in the final.”
It has been a brilliant season for Shimlas all around, with the UFS Shimlas Young Guns also advancing to the 2024 Young Guns final, where they will take on the NWU Eagles Young Guns in a match which will serve as the curtain raiser for the Varsity Cup final.
Young Guns final kicks off at 15:30, followed by the Varsity Cup final which starts at 19:00 in Bloemfontein.
Article source: Varsity Cup
