Ussa triumph brings Varsity Shield ambitions to the fore

The Madibaz rugby team won the Ussa B section in Gqeberha to earn promotion to the top tier for the 2027 tournament.

The Madibaz rugby team’s triumphant Ussa campaign has laid a solid foundation for another deep run into next season’s Varsity Shield competition.

Under head coach David Manuel, the Mandela University outfit achieved one of their major objectives when they won the B section at the University Sports South Africa tournament in Gqeberha this month.

In lifting the title, the team secured its promotion to the top division in 2027.

The Madibaz opened their campaign with a 38-19 victory over Varsity Cup side Emeris and then went on to defeat CPUT 33-24 to secure their place in the final.

There they came up against and beat Kimberley-based SPU 41-7 to cap a memorable week.

It was no fluke, as Manuel said beforehand that their goal was to win all three of their pool matches to give themselves the best possible chance of earning promotion.

“That’s the challenge we’ve set ourselves,” he said on the eve of the event.

By graduating to the top tier, Madibaz will compete against the country’s top sides – including traditional powerhouses Maties and Tukkies – next year.

The achievement was the reward for years of hard work for Manuel, who has been instrumental in rebuilding the institution’s rugby programme.

“When you want to create a winning culture, you have to win,” he said after the Ussas.

“I said before the tournament that we needed to slay a few dragons to prove that we can win the big games, beat the big teams and stand up to them when it matters.”

The coach’s belief is that his troops will bank these memories and transfer them into next season.

“We still have to do the hard work and continue strengthening the squad through recruitment, but this campaign has confirmed the belief in the hearts of our players.”

Manuel explained that the defining theme of the week had been to “resurrect” Madibaz rugby to prove wrong those who said they couldn’t win, didn’t belong and shouldn’t be there.

The challenge was how each individual could contribute to the collective, he said.

The team’s mentor also praised the leadership group and the rest of his coaching staff for being aligned with what they were trying to achieve on the field.

Special praise was reserved for those senior players who made their final tournament appearance.

“They were motivated to leave the jersey in a better place because that has always been one of the core values of this programme. They bought into that message and it all came together in the final result.”

Manuel was also impressed with the squad’s growth during the tournament, saying they were always striving for that extra one per cent, whether mentally, emotionally or tactically.

“It was incredibly satisfying to see them take ownership, embrace the opportunity and back themselves in the big moments.”

This success left him all but speechless.

“That’s because you know how much work has gone into the programme over a long period. It’s emotional because you know what everyone has invested.”

While promotion marked an important milestone, Manuel pointed out that it was merely the beginning.

Madibaz will now turn their attention to preparing for the challenges of the Varsity Shield, where they have been habitually slow starters before gaining momentum and running out of steam at the final hurdle.

In short, another dragon that needs slaying for Manuel and his charges.

Meanwhile, Madibaz Sport rugby manager Siphesihle James said their success was the reward for weeks of meticulous preparation.

“Everyone involved gave absolutely everything, which makes this achievement all the more special.”

He added that the inspirational leadership of the senior players and coaching united the squad when it mattered most.

Hosting the tournament was a career highlight for Jobo, known to many as James.

“It would not have been possible without our local organising committee, events coordinator Tasquane Mullins and support staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.”

He also acknowledged the role of Madibaz Sport, Madibaz Rugby and Ussa Rugby in the staging of the event.

It featured 25 men’s and 23 women’s teams and attracted approximately 1 250 student-athletes from across the country.

“The positive feedback from participating institutions is a proud moment,” James said.

Off the field, he said the tournament was an opportunity to highlight the strengths of the university and city.