13 April 2023
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Story Jóhann Thormählen
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Photo ASEM Engage, Hannes Naude
The Shimlas had the crowd on their feet during the Varsity Cup match on Shimla Park.
An incredible crowd that supported the
Shimlas throughout and gave the team a big moral
boost.
This is how the University of the Free State (UFS) rugby supporters were described by KovsieSport and Shimla leaders after the
Varsity Cup campaign.
The UFS community was praised for its immense support and especially the way it filled Shimla Park.
Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, congratulated the
Shimlas on their overall performance, finishing second on the log, and reaching a semi-final, and also thanked its faithful fans.
The Shimlas played a second consecutive home semi-final, but unfortunately their campaign ended with a 30-65 loss to the University of Cape Town on Monday (10 April 2023).
Although the Shimlas only played three league home games, supporters came out in numbers. This was also the case in the semi-final against Ikeys.
Laka thanked the Shimla team management and student-athletes for their time, dedication, and commitment during the Varsity Cup campaign.
“I would also like to thank the UFS community, especially the students, for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. Your support was a moral booster for the team. Only a Kovsie knows the feeling.”
He further said that KovsieSport is looking forward to the same UFS support in the Varsity Football and Varsity Netball campaigns later in 2023.
Amazing crowd at Shimla Park
André Tredoux, the Shimla head coach, says his side is disappointed with
how things ended and gave credit to the Ikeys.
“We had four away games against very tough teams. The team fought hard to secure a home semi-final. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.”
Tredoux applauds the Shimla supporters. He says they even started a Mexican wave and cheered loudly every time their team scored in the semi-final, even though the UFS was far behind.
“To see Shimla Park so full is incredible. To have all the cultures, different students, and also people from the public there. They are an amazing crowd,” he says.
“We will work hard to make them proud again next year.”
I would also like to thank the UFS community, especially the students, for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. Your support was a moral booster for the team. Only a Kovsie knows the feeling. – Jerry Laka
Grateful for support
Thabang Mahlasi, the Shimla captain, says the support has been unbelievable.
According to him, more UFS students were involved this year, and supporters even came along to watch games when their team played away.
“Without their support, we wouldn’t have made it this far and we are truly grateful for what they have done for us these past two seasons.”
“It would’ve been lovely to reward them with a trophy, but unfortunately words of gratitude are all we have to offer.”
• Two Shimlas, Lourens Oosthuizen (Overall Player That Rocks and Forward That Rocks) and Zane Bester (Back That Rocks), have been nominated for Varsity Cup awards.
• The UFS Young Guns reached a semi-final by thrashing Tuks, the defending champions, 73-5 in Bloemfontein on Monday (10 April 2023). They will face Maties on 17 April 2023 (16:30) in Stellenbosch.