The TuksRugby team was off to a good start in the 2024 FNB Varsity Shield campaign, beating the University of Fort Hare 36-0 on Friday, February 23, in Alice.

The result was never in doubt. Keane Galant scored Tuks's first of five tries in the ninth minute. Credit should go to Fort Hare's defensive play, as they managed to keep Tuks at bay for the next 20 minutes. Only in the 30th minute did Hilton Gie score Tuks's second try. 

The Tuks co-captains, Allister Williams (hooker) and Ethan Burger (loosehead prop) showed what it meant to lead from the front with three tries in the second half. Williams dotted down twice, and Burger once. In doing so, they ensured a bonus-point victory. 

Williams promised beforehand that he and his teammates would go for it if the opportunity to go "big" should arise. And they did. 

Kamohelo Tlome (flanker), who was in the thick of things for most of the game, deserved the Player That Rocks Award. 

One of the team's elder "statesmen," Kyle Cyster, who played from the bench on Friday, said the only goal they have is to make sure Tuks will play the Varsity Cup tournament next year.

"If you see how we train, you will know how committed every player is. We are not taking anything for granted in the shield tournament. It is essential to respect our opponents."

As a versatile backline player, Cyster is small in stature. He is only 1.73 metres tall, but don't get fooled. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with guts and skill. He is a playmaker who, on a good day, can outfox any defensive structures to set up scoring opportunities. 

Cyster is relaxed about playing from the bench. All that matters to him is to be on the field, whether it is for 80 minutes or 10 minutes. It is about playing and making a difference. 

"From last year to now, my role in the team has changed as I am one of the experienced players in the team. It means I have to set an example for the younger players. To me, it is all about playing for 'The Stripes'. Everything I do on the field should be to the team's advantage. I see myself as a servant of the team. It does not help if I have a good game but the team loses. When the team wins, it is a good game."

Cyster credits his dad, Edward Gelant, for significantly impacting his rugby career.

"My dad was himself a good player. I think he played a few games for Western Province as a scrumhalf. When it comes to rugby, my dad was a perfectionist. You either did something right or not. It meant that he kept pushing me to be better. I was born out of wedlock. It did not matter. My dad was my dad. I never lacked anything. For that, I will always be grateful. My biggest regret is that my dad's not alive to see what I have achieved," said the Tuks masters student. 

On Friday, March 1, the Tuks will play at home against the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Kick-off is at 15:00.