FNB NMMU-Madibaz rugby fans can book a ringside seat for their team’s 2015 FNB Varsity Cup campaign following the announcement of a new season ticket package.
The nine-week tournament, which is presented by Steinhoff International, starts on February 9 and will see the Madibaz pit themselves against the top tertiary teams countrywide.
Season ticket holders will receive entrance to all four of the Port Elizabeth team’s home games, plus bonus tickets should NMMU’s Varsity Cup and Young Guns teams go through to the play-offs and finals.
Ticket holders will also be entitled to reserved parking at the Madibaz Stadium on the NMMU South Campus and receive a branded Varsity Cup supporters’ T-shirt or vest, with access to vendor services in the main pavilion.
According to NMMU deputy director of sport Petrus Boukes, the university had made a limited run of 1 000 season tickets available.
Boukes said fans could look forward to top-class student rugby on par with provincial competition.
“All eight teams want to win the Cup. For the past two years, we have lost the semi-final by a single point and we need to improve on that if we want to show progress.
“Last year, a penalty by Pukke in the last 90 seconds deprived us of the opportunity to host the final here in PE.”
He said the Madibaz were in a rebuilding phase, after losing a number of front row stalwarts like captain Roy Godfrey and Timothy Agaba.
“But we have a number of exciting young players and our coaching staff is confident that we will be more than competitive.”
Former vice-captain and fullback Jarryd Buys, who has represented both the Leopards and SWD Eagles’ Currie Cup teams, will lead the young squad.
Boukes said Varsity Cup’s success was built on the twin pillars of winning rugby and the “sportainment” concept made popular by American college football.
“We have lots of activations on the night, like the Dare to Dive and kicking for cash competitions, and our cheerleading squad and mascot Diba to entertain the crowds.
“We’d also like to get our own brass band in action at the events.”
He said an Alumni Golf Day had been planned to coincide with the first home game against CUT on February 16.
“Our alumni are an important component of our local support base. Besides the season ticket packages, we also invite approximately 80 former students to join us in the Investec Alumni Legacy Suite as special guests on the night.”
He said funds thus raised would be allocated towards the construction of a dedicated rugby clubhouse, which would contribute to raising the profile and performance of the club.
“The Madibaz need a permanent, dedicated ‘home’ to build and enhance their cohesion and camaraderie. This is an often-overlooked element of team performance.
“Sports psychological intervention before competition needs to happen in an environment of belonging to gain maximum benefit. Our aim is to create a ‘home from home’ effect in the stadium, where they prepare and play.”
Spectators’ R10 entrance fee to the beer garden would also be added to the building fund, he said.
The CUT game kicks off at 4.45pm. This will be followed by clashes with UJ (March 2), Shimlas (March 9) and Tuks (March 23).
The season ticket costs R200 per person. To buy tickets or supporters’ gear, contact the University Shop on 041 504 4371.
Alan Straton
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