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Walter Sisulu University All Blacks are focused on rising above adversity as they push towards the goal of winning the Varsity Shield, head coach Akhona Mgijima said.
As they strive for success, they draw strength from their collective struggles and how the university has always been looked down upon.
The group has had to deal with much nationwide social media attention, first about their rendition of the haka and then reports that said players were being ill-treated by management.
As things stand, WSU are on course for a place in the final — they have won all their four games so far and are second on the log behind the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), who have played one game more.
“WSU has always been a disadvantaged university with people looking down on us. That has been a tag that has always assisted us and motivated us to rise above our challenges.
“Things are very good in the camp; the boys are positive, they are in a jovial mood. The boys are doing well and are focused on the goals we have set for ourselves.
“We have set goals and our goals and targets have been met so far. We take it one game at a time. All the games we are playing are finals,” Mgijima said.
WSU are coming off a 63-10 victory over Rhodes University and the win served as a momentum builder and allowed fringe players to get a run in while regulars got a rest.
Tries by Litha Nkula (2), Miyelani Ngobeni, Lisolethu Valisi, Azola Mashalaba, Soyama Mini, Asekho Marubelela and two penalty tries secured the win over their Eastern Cape neighbours.
“The game was important for us to win and get a bonus point. We were able to rest our key players,” the coach said.
The next game for the “All Blacks” is a top-of-the-table clash against CPUT on Wednesday.
The game promises to be the match of the tournament, as both sides are undefeated and have played some amazing rugby.
The head honcho at WSU is expecting a tough encounter and wants to manage the condition of his players as he may have one eye on the final which will probably be against the same opposition.
“Tomorrow’s game is going to be crucial,” Mgijima said.
“Our preparations have not been as good as they are supposed to be, so we need to manage the bodies of the players and ensure we get the combinations right.
“We have to vet ourselves in the right way to avoid injuries and we have to make sure the guys are fresh.”
In other round-six fixtures, the University of Fort Hare take on Durban University of Technology followed by Tshwane University of Technology vs Rhodes.
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