UFH Blues succumbs to the FNB UWC in historic finals
The University of Fort Hare rugby side, Luma Ka Blues, as affectionately known suffered a 45-2 crushing defeat at the hands of the University of Western Cape (Bushies) , in a lack lusture encounter during the FNB Varsity shield final at the University of the Western Cape on the 10th of April 2017
The team was accompanied to this historic mission by a strong contingent of loyal supporters, including the Vice Chancellor and staff members.Despite this defeat, the Eastern Cape outfits did not disappoint in the 2017 season that saw them winning all their home games including a thriller against the same Bushies and remaining the only team that inflicted a pain to the Western Cape team earlier in the campaign.
This year also marked a great improvement of the team with two of our team members being showered with accolades for their consistent performances throughout the season. A brave and lion hearted Somila Jho was voted the “center that rocks” in the tournament whilst his captain, Zanoxolo Qwele went home as the “best forward” of the tourney.
Head coach Carlos Khatywa conceded “My charges did not have a good day in office on the night, with unforced errors” but remain positive that they have a lot to offer next year with their eyes firm on winning a spot in the lucrative varsity cup, come 2019.
Blues was playing its first final of the FNB/Steinhoff powered Varsity Shield which saw the teams increased to seven for the 2017 season. Fort Hare, competes with two Eastern Cape outfits, Rhodes and Walter Sisulu and others being Western Cape University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and University of Kwa Zulu Natal.
The 2017 version had no promotion and relegation and expectations will be very high next season as the seven teams will be battling for a place in the most prestigious Varsity Cup in 2018.