The atmosphere was electric as the FNB Varsity College Comets went up against the FNB Madibaz in Durban on Friday, April 11.

It was a nail-biting match as a ruthless second half from the Comets saw them claim a 22-7 win over the FNB Madibaz, to win the 2025 FNB Varsity Shield trophy.

In front of a strong crowd at the IIE’s Varsity College Durban North on Friday afternoon, the Comets managed three second half tries to pull away from their visitors who fought hard right to the end. It was an enterprising first 15 minutes with both teams willing to run the ball.

The Madibaz missed an early penalty chance and then also missed a drop goal attempt. The match approached the first Suzuki Strat break with the teams still deadlocked at 0-0. Nothing could separate the teams at the first strat break. The match continued in that same fashion as both sides couldn’t quite string quality phases together. The endeavor from both teams was there, but defence was the order for the day for the first 35 minutes.

It took 37 for the deadlock to be broken and it was the home side that scored first. A strong line-out drive took them deep into the Madibaz 22 before Mambo Mkhize barged over from close range. Drico Marx slotted the conversion to give the Comets a 7-0 lead on the stroke of half time.

That’s how things ended in the first 40 minutes of the final. Twelve minutes into the second stanza and the Comets had their second try of the match. Wing Edward Sigauke had a lot of work to do to power over in the corner to take their lead to 12-0. At the final Suzuki Strat break the Comets held the Madibaz at bay after a sustained period of attack for the Eastern Cape side.

The Madibaz put together another good passage of play as flyhalf Raashied Conrad cut through the defence to score their first points. Fullback Layron Milborrow converted to narrow the gap to 12-7 with 15 minutes to play. As the match headed into the final ten minutes it was the Comets who scored next through centre MJ Schoeman. Marx was unsuccessful with the conversion as the Comets held a 17-7 lead with eight minutes to play. Just over a minute later and the Comets had their fourth try when a pinpoint cross kick from Marx landed in Cade Latham’s hands to go over for the try.

The Comets held off the attacks from the Madibaz to keep them at bay for the rest of the match and were threatening to score themselves. Ultimately the Comets held on for a 22-7 win and to claim a historic first FNB Varsity Shield title.

FNB VC Comets 22

Tries: Mambo Mkhize, Edward Sigauke, MJ Schoeman, Cade Latham

Conversions: Drico Marx

FNB Madibaz 7

Try: Raashied Conrad

Conversion: Layron Milborrow