https://mpenduloletsoalo.journoportfolio.comRSS Feed for Mpendulo LetsoaloenWed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitysportssa.com/post/vut-believes-2024-varsity-men-s-football-is-their-season-for-gloryWed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitysportssa.com/post/vut-believes-2024-varsity-men-s-football-is-their-season-for-gloryhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-hooker-jacques-marais-praises-team-x-factor-in-fnb-varsity-shield-2025Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-hooker-jacques-marais-praises-team-x-factor-in-fnb-varsity-shield-2025https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-retain-fnb-varsity-cup-status-with-dominant-promotion-relegation-winFNB Emeris produced a commanding performance in the FNB Varsity Cup promotion/relegation playoff, defeating Walter Sisulu University 47-22 to secure their place in the 2027 competition. The Durban-based Comets set the tone early and never looked back, racing into a commanding halftime lead before shutting the door in the second half.Emeris struck first in the 2nd minute following a slick attacking sequence, with Chris Horak slicing through the defence to score under the poles. The conversion was...Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-retain-fnb-varsity-cup-status-with-dominant-promotion-relegation-winhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-remains-positive-amid-tough-debut-and-uncertain-fnb-varsity-cup-futureIt hasn't been smooth sailing for current FNB Varsity Shield champions, FNB Emeris, who are having a tough FNB Varsity Cup debut season this year and their coach Jeremy McLaren has admitted that things have not gone as planned this year for the men from Durban.“I think the nature of the competition is that life will be difficult if you’re in year one. Obviously we had some planning going before the start of the competition to try and win more than just one game. Or to just be in the competition...Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-remains-positive-amid-tough-debut-and-uncertain-fnb-varsity-cup-futurehttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-remains-positive-amid-tough-debut-and-uncertain-fnb-varsity-cup-futureIt hasn't been smooth sailing for current FNB Varsity Shield champions, FNB Emeris, who are having a tough FNB Varsity Cup debut season this year and their coach Jeremy McLaren has admitted that things have not gone as planned this year for the men from Durban.“I think the nature of the competition is that life will be difficult if you’re in year one. Obviously we had some planning going before the start of the competition to try and win more than just one game. Or to just be in the competition...Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-remains-positive-amid-tough-debut-and-uncertain-fnb-varsity-cup-futurehttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/experienced-impi-women-s-head-coach-backs-underdog-teamWith the FNB Varsity Cup Women 2026 season almost underway, FNB UKZN Impi are embracing their underdog status with confidence, determined to turn it into their driving force as they prepare to challenge the country’s top university rugby sides.FNB UKZN Women’s head coach, Muziwandile Malinga, who is also the Junior Springbok ladies head coach, believes that his side can bring something different to the competition this year after long preseason preparations with his team.“I guess we will find ou...Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/experienced-impi-women-s-head-coach-backs-underdog-teamhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-captain-marais-calls-for-accountability-from-his-teamNewcomers FNB Emeris have not had a friendly welcome in their FNB Varsity Cup debut campaign. This follows back-to-back defeats in their opening two matches of the season. Amongst some of the many tasks that the Comets men have had to overcome is that they have had to travel in both matches as they have played their first two matches of the tournament away from home.FNB Comets captain, Jacques Marais has testified that this has not been an easy situation but pointed out that it has been a time o...Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-captain-marais-calls-for-accountability-from-his-teamhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-captain-marais-calls-for-accountability-from-his-teamNewcomers FNB Emeris have not had a friendly welcome in their FNB Varsity Cup debut campaign. This follows back-to-back defeats in their opening two matches of the season. Amongst some of the many tasks that the Comets men have had to overcome is that they have had to travel in both matches as they have played their first two matches of the tournament away from home.FNB Comets captain, Jacques Marais has testified that this has not been an easy situation but pointed out that it has been a time o...Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-captain-marais-calls-for-accountability-from-his-teamhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-captain-marais-calls-for-accountability-from-his-teamNewcomers FNB Emeris have not had a friendly welcome in their FNB Varsity Cup debut campaign. This follows back-to-back defeats in their opening two matches of the season. Amongst some of the many tasks that the Comets men have had to overcome is that they have had to travel in both matches as they have played their first two matches of the tournament away from home.FNB Comets captain, Jacques Marais has testified that this has not been an easy situation but pointed out that it has been a time o...Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-captain-marais-calls-for-accountability-from-his-teamhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/impi-aim-to-relive-2015-fnb-varsity-shield-glory-against-old-foes-witsFNB UKZN face old foes FNB Wits in the third-round game of the campaign and the Impi will be looking to repeat the results of the 2015 final when they were crowned champions after beating Wits 29-24.This is the sentiment shared by Siso France, vice-captain and fullback of the IMPI, who believes that his team’s highs and lows can be good for his men.“The first two games, roller coaster. Roller coaster, if you’re looking at the score but if you ask from UKZN’s side, it’s been steady,” said France....Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/impi-aim-to-relive-2015-fnb-varsity-shield-glory-against-old-foes-witshttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-winger-edward-siguake-hails-new-tap-or-kick-ruleNewcomers FNB Emeris have officially stepped onto the FNB Varsity Cup stage. Despite a challenging start to their campaign, the squad remains energised and proud to be debutants, embracing the opportunity to compete in this year’s prestigious tournament. One of these players is the electric 22-year-old Zimbabwean international, Edward Sigauke who plays left wing for the FNB Comets.The exciting winger, Sigauke, has praised the competition already, speaking specifically about the competition’s new...Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-winger-edward-siguake-hails-new-tap-or-kick-rulehttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/impi-awaken-the-giant-with-statement-fnb-varsity-shield-victoryA new chapter has begun for FNB UKZN IMPI in the FNB Varsity Shield after seasons of frustration, near misses and disappointments in past years, particularly in the previous season where the KZN team battled and survived the relegation playoffs in order to keep their spot in the competition.FNB UKZN delivered a statement performance in their opening fixture of this year’s Shield campaign, securing a commanding 46-15 victory against FNB SPU, which sees them sitting proudly at the top of the summi...Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/impi-awaken-the-giant-with-statement-fnb-varsity-shield-victoryhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/impi-determined-to-turn-the-page-and-make-their-mark-this-seasonAfter narrowly avoiding relegation in last year’s promotion/relegation playoffs, FNB UKZN enter the 2026 FNB Varsity Shield determined to make amends and rewrite the story of their 2025 campaign.Impi Head Coach Naseeb Abrahams has admitted his team’s disappointment in their performance in the past year, emphasizing that going into the playoffs wasn’t part of their plans.“Being in the relegation playoffs wasn’t something that we wanted, there was a lot of anger there [from us],” said Abrahams. We...Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/impi-determined-to-turn-the-page-and-make-their-mark-this-seasonhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-set-for-debut-fnb-varsity-cup-season-after-securing-promotionFNB Varsity College, now competing under their new FNB Emeris brand, are gearing up for a familiar challenge as they are preparing to take on the FNB Varsity Cup - just two years after making their debut in the FNB Varsity Shield competition. The Comets topped the 2025 log of the FNB Shield tournament earning automatic promotion into the FNB Varsity Cup and then capped off a dream season by beating Madibaz in the final to be crowned Shield champions as well.Comets coach Jeremy McLaren has come o...Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-set-for-debut-fnb-varsity-cup-season-after-securing-promotionhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-set-for-debut-fnb-varsity-cup-season-after-securing-promotionFNB Varsity College, now competing under their new FNB Emeris brand, are gearing up for a familiar challenge as they are preparing to take on the FNB Varsity Cup - just two years after making their debut in the FNB Varsity Shield competition. The Comets topped the 2025 log of the FNB Shield tournament earning automatic promotion into the FNB Varsity Cup and then capped off a dream season by beating Madibaz in the final to be crowned Shield champions as well.Comets coach Jeremy McLaren has come o...Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-set-for-debut-fnb-varsity-cup-season-after-securing-promotionhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-set-for-debut-fnb-varsity-cup-season-after-securing-promotionFNB Varsity College, now competing under their new FNB Emeris brand, are gearing up for a familiar challenge as they are preparing to take on the FNB Varsity Cup - just two years after making their debut in the FNB Varsity Shield competition. The Comets topped the 2025 log of the FNB Shield tournament earning automatic promotion into the FNB Varsity Cup and then capped off a dream season by beating Madibaz in the final to be crowned Shield champions as well.Comets coach Jeremy McLaren has come o...Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-emeris-set-for-debut-fnb-varsity-cup-season-after-securing-promotionhttps://www.varsitysportssa.com/post/dut-playmaker-phiwayinkosi-rasta-mchunu-on-the-inspiration-behind-his-dreadlocksThe South African football world has witnessed some quality players with dreadlocks in recent years. The likes of legendary Lifa Tsutsulupa, the heroic Siphiwe Tshabalala, the stylish Reneilwe Letsholonyane and many others are among some of these stars. Hailing from KwaNzimakwe in Port Shepstone KZN, DUT attacking midfielder, Phiwayinkosi Mchunu, is quickly unleashing his potential of being a worthy addition into this ‘dreadlocks golden generation’ as the 22-year-old has not just been a fan-favo...Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitysportssa.com/post/dut-playmaker-phiwayinkosi-rasta-mchunu-on-the-inspiration-behind-his-dreadlockshttps://www.varsitysportssa.com/post/dut-winger-iviwe-sodidi-relishing-the-support-from-home-fans-at-harry-gwala-stadiumAfter spending their debut season last year on the road without any home games, DUT Men’s Football made their first home appearance at a packed Harry Gwala Stadium against TUT where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat down in Pietermaritzburg, KZN.One of the outstanding performers in that match, left-winger Iviwe Sodidi, said the feeling of playing at home in KZN at the Harry Gwala Stadium was amazing and praised the outstanding support from fans.There was a lot of energy, the fans were excited, i...Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitysportssa.com/post/dut-winger-iviwe-sodidi-relishing-the-support-from-home-fans-at-harry-gwala-stadiumhttps://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/31/a-critique-of-the-challenges-facing-safa-and-the-banyana-banyana-saga/In recent years, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been painted with a brush of infamy, as a result of the challenges faced by the association which show a pattern of mismanagements of finances, governance instability and ongoing tensions with Banyana Banyana. SAFA Financial Problems. With regards to the biggest concerns that SAFA has had over recent years is the association having more liabilities than assets. In simpler terms, this means that the South African Football Ass...Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/31/a-critique-of-the-challenges-facing-safa-and-the-banyana-banyana-saga/https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/31/a-critique-of-the-challenges-facing-safa-and-the-banyana-banyana-saga/In recent years, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been painted with a brush of infamy, as a result of the challenges faced by the association which show a pattern of mismanagements of finances, governance instability and ongoing tensions with Banyana Banyana. SAFA Financial Problems. With regards to the biggest concerns that SAFA has had over recent years is the association having more liabilities than assets. In simpler terms, this means that the South African Football Ass...Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/31/a-critique-of-the-challenges-facing-safa-and-the-banyana-banyana-saga/https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/02/thoughts-please-sports-anchor-presenter-and-commentator-phumlani-msibi-the-man-with-a-voice-that-transended-beyond-greatness/: A stalwart, without a shadow of doubt, and one of the finest gentlemen in the sports media industry— Phumlani Msibi.Hailing from the township of uMlazi, Durban, the pioneering figure of Msibi managed to make a household name for himself in the sports media industry beginning his earlier days in broadcasting on the national South African Broadcast Channel (SABC).‘Mr Msibi’, as some affectionately referred to him, as a sign of their respect and honour to the legendary broadcaster, Phumlani Msi...Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/02/thoughts-please-sports-anchor-presenter-and-commentator-phumlani-msibi-the-man-with-a-voice-that-transended-beyond-greatness/https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/02/thoughts-please-sports-anchor-presenter-and-commentator-phumlani-msibi-the-man-with-a-voice-that-transended-beyond-greatness/: A stalwart, without a shadow of doubt, and one of the finest gentlemen in the sports media industry— Phumlani Msibi.Hailing from the township of uMlazi, Durban, the pioneering figure of Msibi managed to make a household name for himself in the sports media industry beginning his earlier days in broadcasting on the national South African Broadcast Channel (SABC).‘Mr Msibi’, as some affectionately referred to him, as a sign of their respect and honour to the legendary broadcaster, Phumlani Msi...Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/07/02/thoughts-please-sports-anchor-presenter-and-commentator-phumlani-msibi-the-man-with-a-voice-that-transended-beyond-greatness/https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/06/18/history-rewritten-south-africa-ends-27-years-wait-for-international-cricket-glory-with-2025-wtc-title/History was made, vindication all-round, and hope was restored for millions of South Africans as the South African national cricket team won the 2025 World Test Championship final this past Saturday, 14 June 2025. The Proteas displayed a performance and a half as they deafeated defiant defending champions Australia by 5 wickets, with a day and half to spare. At the heart of this historical performance in the four-day-long test match was the unity in the diverse team, as well as individual...Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/06/18/history-rewritten-south-africa-ends-27-years-wait-for-international-cricket-glory-with-2025-wtc-title/https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/06/18/history-rewritten-south-africa-ends-27-years-wait-for-international-cricket-glory-with-2025-wtc-title/History was made, vindication all-round, and hope was restored for millions of South Africans as the South African national cricket team won the 2025 World Test Championship final this past Saturday, 14 June 2025. The Proteas displayed a performance and a half as they deafeated defiant defending champions Australia by 5 wickets, with a day and half to spare. At the heart of this historical performance in the four-day-long test match was the unity in the diverse team, as well as individual...Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://mpenduloletsoalo.wordpress.com/2025/06/18/history-rewritten-south-africa-ends-27-years-wait-for-international-cricket-glory-with-2025-wtc-title/https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-ready-to-add-fnb-varsity-shield-title-to-their-promotionThe FNB Varsity College have already ticked their most important objective, which was to qualify for the FNB Varsity Cup 2026. The men from Durban North have just one more match to play to determine if their ending is perfect and if they will lift the FNB Varsity Shield in the final.Comets captain Abande AB Mthembu says his team is more than ready for their face off with FNB Madibaz for this season’s final.“It’s game nine out of nine for us, and the way we have prepared in the last 8 games has b...Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-ready-to-add-fnb-varsity-shield-title-to-their-promotionhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/promotion-already-secured-and-comets-now-focused-on-strong-fnb-varsity-shield-finishIt was mission accomplished for FNB Varsity College who have already secured their qualification for the FNB Varsity Cup 2026 season after finishing the group stages on top of the log, but the Comets have now turned their focus to the FNB Varsity Shield playoffs and finishing the campaign as champions.Leading his charge, the calm and collected coach Jeremy McLaren made a name for himself and his team as they became the first team from KZN to host a home semi-final in the FNB Varsity Shield and q...Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/promotion-already-secured-and-comets-now-focused-on-strong-fnb-varsity-shield-finishhttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/new-leadership-responsibility-for-impi-captain-buzaniFNB UKZN have history and rugby heritage in the province of KwaZulu-Natal as well as a culture of providing great leaders not just on the pitch but in life in general. Mthomboyolo Buzani is one of them and he sees the opportunity of being leader of the Impi team as a privilege.“Leading this group has been a privilege. We’ve been working towards the campaign since last October. We have gone through our trials and tribulations in terms of preparing and getting a squad camaraderie amongst us going...Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/new-leadership-responsibility-for-impi-captain-buzanihttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-hooker-jacques-marais-praises-team-x-factor-in-fnb-varsity-shield-2025FNB Varsity College have had a decent run upfront, particularly in the form of tries. Having individually scored six tries already after four rounds of the FNB Varsity Shield 2025 edition, Jacques Marais has been an X factor to the Comets side as the hooker’s contributions have been visible for all to see.The Comets number two has praised his team and their system of play, sharing that his returns have been largely due to that.“At the end of the day, rugby is a team sport and no one can score tr...Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-hooker-jacques-marais-praises-team-x-factor-in-fnb-varsity-shield-2025https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-ukzn-women-s-captain-says-they-are-ready-to-represent-ukzn-with-prideFNB UKZN Women’s rugby team have not had the best of times in the FNB Varsity Cup Women’s edition. Lack of proper preparations has been one of their most defining reasons for their slow show in the competition. This year, the Impi ladies have a plan to keep themselves in the competition and to compete, says their captain Nomonde Mbanjwa.“The plan for us this year is to maintain our place in the FNB Varsity Cup and also to try by all means to compete. The discussion this year is to play the rugby...Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/fnb-ukzn-women-s-captain-says-they-are-ready-to-represent-ukzn-with-pridehttps://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-prop-ox-meyiwa-making-a-name-for-himself-among-fnb-varsity-college-faithfulLoose-head prop Okuhlekodwa ‘Ox’ Meyiwa is already earning a popular name for himself across FNB Varsity College faithfuls. Scoring two tries against FNB UWC, Ox has been an important piece in the impressive setup of the Comets with his significance clear in the strength requiring work on the pitch such as scrum work.The front-rower has praised forwards coach and teammates for much of his work up-front and the team’s efforts particularly on the end of the forward pack.“The honest truth with  our...Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.varsitycup.co.za/news/comets-prop-ox-meyiwa-making-a-name-for-himself-among-fnb-varsity-college-faithful