NMMU Madibaz – who finished last in their first Varsity Cup campaign and had many pundits, myself included, questioning their aptitude for the competition – last night beat reigning champions UP Tuks to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time.
With no KZN representation in the Varsity Cup, I’ll admit that I’ve adopted to Madibaz as my sort of “special project”, given that they’re recruited heavily from the “second tier” ranks in Durban, with many Sharks Academy boys deemed surplus to Sharks requirements opting to make the move down the coast to PE to play for Madibaz. It’s been a real pleasure seeing some of these boys mature and develop further via the Varsity Cup competition and a huge triumph to see them finally claim a “big scalp”, on their way to a first-ever top four finish.
Perhaps the biggest reason, though, that I’m so proud of what NMMU has achieved this season is the fact that my old friend Tim Goodenough – the guy who literally wrote the book (twice) on achieving exceptional performance through concentrating on coaching the mind – has been an integral part of their team and their success this year. Tim, who was involved with the Sharks back in 2008, has instilled such a firm sense of belief and confidence in the Madibaz team that I have no doubt they would not have made it this far without his input.
So a big congrats to Tim and everyone else involved with Madibaz this season. I can only wonder how many more trophies we might have in Durban had he been allowed to continue his work with the Sharks…
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Hey Rob, ever considered sending both copies of the book to Plum and co.? 😆
Anyways, this bodes well for Eastern Cape rugby. The Kings could well yet become a force to be reckoned with.
Any chance of getting Tim on the first flight to Durban?
how is the impi doing?
@Poisy (Comment 3) : finished third… missed the final by a single point
Here’s the Madibaz 22… names in bold were at the Sharks Academy.
NMMU: 15 Jarred Buys, 14 Mayibuye Ndwandwa, 13 Devon Lailvaux, 12 Xolani Mnisi, 11 Gerhardus Smith, 10 Justin Van Staden, 9 Dwayne Kelly, 8 Timothy Agaba, 7 Stefan Willemse, 6 Albertus de Swardt, 5 Mzwanale Zito, 4 Schalk Oelofse, 3 Gareth Hartley, 2 Martin Ferreira, 1 Roy Godfrey (captain).
Replacements: 16 Francois Coetzer, 17 Dexter Fahey, 18 Louis Fourie, 19 Ulrich Pretorius, 20 Simphiwe Shabangu, 21 Lesley-Dean Luiters, 22 Logan Basson, 23 Lizo Gqoboka.
What is the Shield Log look like?
@SteelShark (Comment 6) :
# TEAM PL W D L PD BP PTS
1 CUT 7 7 0 0 115 4 32
2 UWC 7 3 0 4 49 5 17
3 UKZN 8 4 0 4 -72 0 16
4 UFH 7 3 0 4 -20 3 15
5 TUT 7 1 0 5 -72 4 8
@robdylan (Comment 4) : better than last year but almost doesnt count
@robdylan (Comment 4) : At least they improved since last year 😎
CUT vs UCT for promotion/relegation 😈
Wonder if this tim guy had anything to do with us winning our first currie cup in 12 years?
@SteelShark (Comment 10) : Nope, that would be Wits vs CUT 😳
@SteelShark (Comment 12) : I think Wits have a two year buffer period
its amazing that people still underestimate the power of the mind in sport. I would go so far as to say that it is ALL IN THE MIND when youve reached a certain level. For example I bet there are at least 10 000 golfers in the world with the talent of Louis Oosthuizen. The difference is doing it under pressure.
@Poisy (Comment 8) : I think they have made a massive step up from last year. They need to be congratulated and encouraged to build even further on what they have achieved.
And sometimes all you need is love.
@McLovin (Comment 16) :
Love yes along with faith i guess, for the Sharks team
@Salmonoid (Comment 15) : im not saying they havent done well compared to last year,im saying its not good enough we should be in the final so better luck next year. we cant congratulate being average 2much,theyv accomplished nothing yet they need to work harder
There’s somehing special happening in EC Rugby, I have a feeling this year is the start of much greater things to come from here.
Rob – good to connect. The NMMU success story has many people who have been working hard for long periods of time to make this shift possible. From Brent the coach, to his management team and the NMMU people supporting the team, and most importantly, Roy the captain and the 40 players who created and sustained the high performance environment that allows 23 to put it all on the line on a Monday night. The NMMU supporters have been immense, and the home games have a level of support that is something really special.
Its been a priveledge to be part of the team, and the best part is that we are aiming higher than a historic semi-final, we are here to play. Cant wait for Monday! Thanks for your support
@TG (Comment 20) : sir well done on a wonderful achievement for everyone in that team. I know Mr Brent Janse van Rensburg well from his days at Queen’s, he was my phys. ed instructor at school. I know he is a no nonsense kind of guy and must’ve instilled a great level of discipline. Wonderful to see some EC boys there. Please extend my congratulations to 2 fellow Queenians in Beast Ndwandwa and big Gareth Hartley, of course the rest of the team as well and Mr Janse van Rensburg
@TG (Comment 20) : Congrats – a pleasure to watch such committed players. I know Roy Godfrey’s dad quite well and that man is super chuffed at what his lad has achieved. Best of luck for Monday’s big game. 😀
@Ludz (Comment 21) : Brent is a high quality coach, one of the best rugby coaches I have worked with, great guy too, I think that is part of the NMMU recipe, lots of great guys working hard 🙂
@diablo (Comment 22) : We speak a lot about our Vibe and what competing for NMMU means for the team – I think because it means so much, that leads to that level of commitment. Roy has been a quality leader this season, I have enjoyed working with him
Bad luck Madibaz, you guys should be playing in the final. By far the better team.
So much for rewarding try scoring by making a conversion worth 3 points. Next time reward try scoring by making a try worth 6 points and keeping a conversion worth 2 points. Team scoring and converting still get their 8 points but a team doing the hard work of actually getting over the chalk are better rewarded.