Momentum crucial : 2017-02-27
Jan Abraham Venter (Maties No12) getting tackled by the NMMU – 2017 Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff, FNB and STEERS. Monday 20 February 2017
FNB MATIES vs FNB NNMU-Madibaz at the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Photo by: Liam Hamer Nel
After four games in the Varsity Cup series Maties are on top of the standings.
Maties and Shimlas both have 14 points after four matches, but Maties are first thanks to a better points difference. After the defeat against Tuks in Pretoria, Maties won matches against Wits, Pukke and NMMU.
Braam Venter, captain against Pukke and inside-centre for Maties believes it was very important to build momentum with the three consecutive home games. “In addition to the momentum we have built as a team with the victories, it also helps a lot with the players’ confidence with the three away games that now comes. It was not only important to win the three games, but we also really wanted to win in-front off our home crowd.”
Since the first match against Tuks the Maties sustained multiple injuries. Venter was captain against Pukke, because Beyers de Villiers had to retire after he sustained concussion against Tuks and Craig Barry was injured against Wits. Fortunately Venter brought an end to the captain’s jinx and Barry was back in action this week.
“Regular injuries in different positions does break the momentum, but the guys on the bench are more than ready and able to replace the injured player. We are privileged with a lot of depth in our squad.”
Maties’ next match is Monday against Ikeys on the Green Mile. For both teams it is always more than just another game. “What happened before and scores of the past means nothing. Everyone brings something extra for this game,” Venter said.
After the match against Ikeys two more road games against Shimla and CPUT and the last game before the semi-finals in the Danie Craven Stadium against UJ.