FNB UCT triumph in thrilling final to be crowned FNB Varsity Cup 2025 champions

The FNB UCT Ikey Tigers spoiled the FNB Maties 150th anniversary party at Danie Craven Stadium on Monday as the two old foes battled it out for the silverware in the FNB Varsity Cup 2025 final. The Cape side ended their 11-year drought after defeating Maties 44-21 in front of a packed Danie Craven stadium in Stellenbosch.

FNB Maties 21-44 FNB UCT Ikey Tigers

UCT Ikey Tigers ended their 11-year title drought with a commanding victory over rivals Maties in an enthralling FNB Varsity Cup final.

Having lost the last two finals, it was third time lucky for the Cape side, who delivered a clinical performance to deny Maties a fairytale win in their 150th anniversary year. Despite their pedigree and home advantage, the Maroon Machine were undone by costly errors and a relentless Ikeys attack.

The opening half was all about Ikeys winger Ntokozo Makhaza, who scored two tries - including a point-of-origin stunner - and added two conversions and a penalty to give UCT a 19-11 lead at the break. Maties responded through a Ryan Manuel try and two penalties from Christiaan Van Heerden Smith.

After the break, Maties edged closer with a penalty but Makhaza’s deadly boot kept Ikeys in control. At 22-14 with 20 minutes to go, the game was still in the balance - until Ikeys fullback Duran Koevort pounced on a Maties mistake to stretch the lead.

Although Maties’ Joel Leotlela offered a glimmer of hope with a try, Ikeys scrumhalf Monray Daars sealed the deal with a late five-pointer. Makhaza capped a sensational performance, scoring 32 points and tormenting the Maties at every turn with his deadly boot.

Coach Robbie Fleck’s charges lifted their first FNB Varsity Cup trophy since 2014, while Kabamba Floors’ side were left to rue missed chances in a match, they never quite controlled.