Robbie Fleck’s UCT Ikeys aim to book semi-final spot

UCT Ikeys will need to pick themselves up following their Cape derby defeat to Maties in Round 5 of this year’s Varsity Cup.

It was just the second time that the Ikeys had tasted defeat this season, meaning they’re still firmly in the running for a semi-final spot.

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UCT sit in third on the log after five (of seven) matches and they’ll want to bounce back to winning ways when they host UFS-Shimlas on Monday, 24 March.  

It’s not the first time this season that UCT will have the chance to bounce back in front of their fans after a defeat on the road.

They’ll will also want to make sure they maintain their 100 percent home record which would take them one step closer to securing a place in the final four. 

‘Bitter pill to swallow’

Their Western Cape derby defeat against Maties in the dying minutes last week was a bitter pill to swallow, but that result may just give them an extra bit of motivation to go all the way.

Ikeys prop, Zachary Porthen, believes his side possess all the qualities to get the job done in 2025, having come close in the past two seasons.

“We have a strong, well-rounded team with a lot of experience,” said Porthen.

UCT may have come up short against their old foes, but they’re confident in their structure and game plan.

“I think with our approach being player-driven, we know where we went wrong in our defeats. So, we know where we need to be better in the last couple of games,” added Porthen.

The last time UCT were defeated on their travels, they went on to win their next two games in convincing fashion.

Should they repeat that feat this time around, they’ll book themselves a spot in the semi-final, with the possibility of hosting one at the Green Mile.

Former Springbok centre and Western Province legend, Robbie Fleck, has transitioned into a new phase of his career as head coach of the UCT Ikey’s Varsity Cup team in 2025.

Monday, 24 March’s Varsity Cup fixtures

UCT Ikeys vs UFS-Shimlas – 16:45 (Live on SuperSport)

NWU Eagles vs UJ – 19:00

CUT vs Wits – 19:00

Maties vs UP-Tuks – 19:00 (Live on SuperSport)

Which team do you support in Varsity Cup?

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