CPUT snatches victory from SPU at soggy Suzuki Park Varsity Shield clash

Danie van der Lith|Published 1 week ago

Cape Peninsula University of Technology staged a dramatic comeback to edge out Sol Plaatje University 20-22 in a gripping Varsity Shield encounter at a rain-soaked Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on Friday night. Picture: Danie van der Lith

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) staged a dramatic comeback to edge out Sol Plaatje University (SPU) 20-22 in a gripping Varsity Shield encounter at a rain-soaked Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on Friday night.

The wet conditions made handling difficult, but both teams delivered a fiercely contested battle that had the passionate crowd on the edge of their seats.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that the teams were evenly matched. CPUT struck first in the 14th minute when Oyintando Maseti slotted a penalty, giving the visitors an early 0-3 lead. Their forward pack then asserted dominance as Lihle Kula powered through a driving maul to score the first try of the match in the 26th minute.

Though the conversion was unsuccessful, CPUT held an 0-8 advantage.

SPU’s defense was relentless but at the end CPUT played for 80 minutes to win the game. Picture: Danie van der Lith

SPU, struggling with discipline and conceding penalties, finally found some momentum before halftime. It was than man Khanya Kama who stepped up with a well-taken penalty to put the hosts on the scoreboard, reducing the deficit to 3-8 as the teams went into the break.

Emerging from the tunnel with renewed energy, SPU exploded into the second half.

Just a minute in, Tyron China dived over the try line, and Kama’s conversion gave the home side a 10-8 lead. The SPU supporters erupted in celebration, sensing a shift in momentum.

However, CPUT struck back quickly as Praveen Padayachiey finished off a slick backline move in the corner. Maseti’s successful conversion saw them reclaim a 10-15 advantage.

The soggy field made conditions heavy underfoot, but there was no shortage of end to end action during the game. Picture: Danie van der Lith

The hosts refused to back down.

In the 52nd minute, Aviwe Mpepo — who was later named the Player That Rocks — dotted down a crucial try, with Kama’s conversion putting SPU back in the lead at 17-15. When Kama extended the gap to 20-15 with a penalty in the 57th minute, it looked as if SPU was on course for victory.

But CPUT had the final say. As the clock ticked down, Kyle Ahrendse found space and crossed the whitewash in the 74th minute, levelling the scores. Maseti calmly slotted the conversion to hand CPUT a dramatic 20-22 triumph, silencing the SPU faithful who had cheered their team on all evening.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, SPU showed tremendous grit in the challenging conditions. With performances like this, they will be a tough side to beat as the Varsity Shield progresses.