The TuksWomensRugby team got their first 2024 Varsity Cup victory beating the University of KwaZulu 51-5 at home on Friday, April 12. Mamello Mustafa of Tuks, was named Player That Rocks.

The result means that Tuks will play the University of Fort Hare on Friday in the semifinals. Tuks will have to be at their best to win, as Fort Hare is still unbeaten. Maties and the University of the Western Cape will contest the other semifinal. 

The Tuks captain, Jess Maré, was quite chuffed about how the team played against UKZN.

"The score might not reflect it, but it was a very physical game. What clinched it for us was that we trusted the process and strategies we practised during training.

"One of the exciting aspects of the way we played was the momentum we'd build up from set pieces. It translated into having a little freedom and allowing us opportunities
to be creative on the attack."

Maré was impressed with the way Mamello Mustafa (hooker) played.

"Mamello has an exceptional work rate on the field. She gained metres whenever she had the ball, being so strong and fast. Something else she brings to the team is versatility. She can play wherever she is needed. She is also a natural leader because of her passion for the game. She is continuously motivating teammates. She deserved to be the player of the match.

"But I don't want to only single out one player. I am proud of the whole team. Every player gave it their all on Friday. That is why we are in the semifinals."

John William Wessels (TuksWomensRugby assistant coach) feels there is room for improvement.

"Don't get me wrong. The girls did play well, but there were mistakes made. We should have scored at least four more tries. The support when we are on the attack is something that we need to work on. It happens too often that a player finds the gap and gains metres, but when needed, there is no one in support to continue the attack. We end up losing the ball. There were also moments when we had an overlap situation in a backline movement, only to drop the ball. I am sure we will fix it this week."

Wessels was impressed by the play of Maré and Mihle Jade (loose forward).

"Jess put in some hard tackles and had good carries with the ball. Every time Mihle got the ball, she forced her opponents to pull out all the stops to bring her down.

"The team suffered a slight setback on Friday when Anja van Heerden tore ligaments. As a centre, her ball-handling skills are brilliant. Unfortunately, she is out for the rest of the tournament.