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Shimlas 2024
The UFS Shimlas lifting the Varsity Cup on their home ground in Bloemfontein after their 2024 victory.

The highly anticipated Varsity Cup is finally here, and the University of the Free State (UFS) is buzzing with excitement! The tournament, which features the top university rugby teams in South Africa, promises to deliver thrilling matches and intense rivalries throughout the rugby season.

After an exhilarating 2024 season, the UFS Shimlas made history by lifting the Varsity Cup trophy on their home ground in Bloemfontein. The team’s impressive performance and dedication earned them a spot in the record books, and they are eager to repeat their success in 2025.

This year’s competition is scheduled to kick off on 17 February 2025 and will run for 7 weeks, with the UFS final game on 31 March 2025. The UFS Shimlas will be looking to defend their title and bring home the coveted trophy once again.

Previous winners

The Varsity Cup has a rich history, with previous winners including:

UFS Shimlas (2015, 2024)
Maties (Stellenbosch University, 2008-2010, 2019)
Tuks (University of Pretoria, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2021, 2022)
UCT Ikey Tigers (2011, 2014)

FNB NWU (2016, 2023)

UFS ready to take on the best

The UFS Shimlas have been preparing tirelessly for the tournament, with a strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and strategy. Head Coach André Tredoux expressed his excitement about the team’s prospects: “Being the defending champions comes with a bit of pressure, but we don’t see it that way. Our motto is that we want to attack the Varsity Cup, hence the best form of defence is to attack. The boys are really excited. They played well against UJ and scored lots of tries, hence our mindset is to attack everything we put our minds to.”

UFS Shimlas Team Captain Nkoka Ngobe echoed his coach’s sentiments, reinforcing his dedication to leading the team to victory. “As the team captain, I have to lead by example and bring the culture of excellence. I will never ask my teammates to do something that I cannot do, so the important thing for me is doing what it takes so that the boys can do the same.”

Get ready for the action

The Varsity Cup promises to deliver seven weeks of non-stop rugby action, with the UFS Shimlas ready to take on the best university teams in the country. Don’t miss out on the excitement – follow the UFS Shimlas on social media to stay up to date and get ready to cheer them on to victory!

Let’s go, Shimlas!

News Archive

Joint statement by UFS management, SRC and residence leadership
2008-02-22

At a meeting between the top management and Student Representative Council (SRC) executive, residence managers and the student leadership of residences all those present committed themselves to increasing the diversity of the student residences at the UFS.

All those present at the meeting held on Friday afternoon (22 February 2008) condemned the violence that took place on the campus on Wednesday night and committed themselves to respect the rule of law.

All those present acknowledged that much needs to be done with regard to the implementation of the integration in student residences.

The memorandum from primes (the student heads of residences) that was submitted to management on Wednesday was discussed.

After a lengthy discussion, some of the issues raised in the memorandum were resolved and parties agreed that outstanding issues will receive urgent attention.
Management undertook to provide a comprehensive written response to the memorandum of the primes by Monday next week (25 February 2008).
 

At the end of the meeting management and the student leadership committed themselves to working together in the interest of the University, to work closely towards addressing problem issues and to improve communication between students and management and vice versa.
 

For more information contact Anton Fisher, Director: Strategic Communication, UFS. on 072-207-8334.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
22 February 2008

 

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