New Impis Supporters’ T-Shirt Launched

New Impis Supporters’ T-Shirt Launched

UKZN’s Rugby team, the Impis, launched their new supporters’ t-shirt at the Howard College campus on 1 March.

The Varsity Cup/Shield tournaments, which kicked off in February, see university rugby teams pitting their skills against formidable opponents from institutions around the country.

The FNB Varsity Shield games contribute to the overall UKZN student experience and playing for the teams helps to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills needed over the course of their lives.

Activation Manager for the Varsity Shield/Cup, Ms Lamulile Makhubu, said the campus launch drives awareness of the tournament and boosts University pride and loyalty. This is important as it links to Goal 4 of the University’s Strategic Plan which is geared at achieving high impact societal and stakeholders’ community engagement. It also offers the first opportunity to introduce the new Varsity Cup Campaign on campus and drive up some “gees” and excitement.

Highlights from the day included entertainment by the rugby teams’ cheerleaders and the Impi’s mascot, a build-a-burger competition, a “race” with cardboard cut-out cars, and an impressive dance-off between cheerleaders and fans.

Makhubu, who is currently doing her Masters in Sports Science, thanked all the fans that pitched up to support the rugby teams, with a special word of the thanks to the sponsors of the event. ‘I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to the sponsors (FNB, Steers and Suzuki) for their significant contribution to the successful campus launch, despite the challenges that arose. Your support and dedication were pivotal in making the event a reality, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it,’ she said.

‘I also want to extend my gratitude to the promoters, supporters, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that the event ran seamlessly. Their hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for their exceptional efforts,’ she added.

Makhubu, who is also an accomplished rugby player, and is currently playing as a prop (1- Loose head /3 – Tight head) for the Pietermaritzburg campus encouraged UKZN rugby fans and everyone who is linked to the University to tune in to the games on TV and to watch the team when they play at the Howard College Stadium. ‘Last year, I was fortunate enough to play my first full game at the 2023 Women’s Varsity Cup. Although I still play for the club, my academic pursuits, work commitments as a gym attendant on the Pietermaritzburg campus, and rugby obligations prevent me from participating this year,’ she said.

Students from all campuses have access to watch these games (see bus schedule below), adding to the overall student experience at the University.

See schedules attached and below.

FNB Varsity Shield Fixtures 2024

FNB Varsity Cup Womens Fixtures 2024

#fansthatrocks #VarsityShield

Dates of the games

15 March 2024 – Howard College – Live on Supersport – Kick off at 15h00
22 March 2024 – Howard College – Kick off at 16:00; Women Kick off at 14h00; Men Kick off at 16h00
12 April 2024 – Howard College – Kick off at 19h00

The bus plan is as follows for the games that will be covered on TV (students to contact their campus Student Support Services Officer [SSSO] in the SRC)

1 Bus (60 seater) for Medical School: departs at 13h30; returns at 18h00
2 Buses (60 seaters) for PMB: depart at 13h00; return at 18h00
2 Buses (60 seaters) for Edgewood: depart at 13h00; return at 18h00
2 Buses (60 seaters) for Westville: depart at 13h00; return at 18h00

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer
Photographs: Sethu Dlamini