Rugby
Robbie Fleck Ends UCT’s 11-Year Varsity Cup Drought with Famous Win Over Stellenbosch
After a two-year wait, the University of Cape Town Ikey Tigers clinched the Varsity Cup title with a 44-21 win over Stellenbosch University. Coach Robbie Fleck praised their resilience and standout player Ntokozo Makhaza. The team's success on the road and potential future opportunities are now in focus.
Varsity Cup Champions 2025 - UCT Ikeys
After two years of heartbreak, the University of Cape Town Ikey Tigers finally captured Varsity Cup glory with a convincing 44–21 victory over Stellenbosch University (Maties) in the 2025 final just over a week ago, last monday.
It was a historic win for UCT, marking their first Varsity Cup title since 2014 and a long-awaited redemption after falling short in the previous two finals.
This time, they left nothing to chance, silencing a packed Danie Craven Stadium with a performance full of attacking flair, defensive grit, and unshakable belief.
Fleck: “We stuck true to ourselves”
UCT head coach Robbie Fleck praised the team’s character and commitment throughout what was a challenging season.
“I’m incredibly proud of the guys. This campaign started eight months ago, and we’ve been building every step of the way,” Fleck told SportsBoom.co.za.
“We stuck true to ourselves and played the ‘Ikey Way’ and that’s what got us here.”
The Ikeys had a rocky start to the season, disrupted by on-field protests and tough away losses. But when it mattered most, they showed resilience defeating Tuks 48–35 in Pretoria in the semi-final, before pulling off a dominant win over Maties in the final.
Ntokozo Makhaza Steals the Show
Star flyhalf Ntokozo Makhaza delivered one of the great Varsity Cup final performances, scoring 32 points and earning both Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament honours.
“Makhaza was brilliant,” said Fleck.
“But we had so many players step up, Keagan Blanckenberg was massive, and even Asad Moos, who’s been struggling with injury, has been outstanding.”
Fleck also believes several of his players deserve recognition at the next level: “These guys should get a real shout with Western Province. They’ve proved they belong.”
Road Warriors
One of UCT’s key strengths this season was their form away from home. While most teams struggle on the road, the Ikeys thrived.
“We love to travel,” said Fleck. “We’re a tight, connected group and that’s what makes it work. This is a special team.”
What’s Next for Fleck?
With a Varsity Cup title under his belt and a successful campaign behind him, many are wondering if Fleck will return to the professional coaching scene, where he previously led the Stormers.
His response? “Absolutely not,” he laughed but with this kind of success, the rugby world will surely be watching.
UCT’s long wait is over. After years of building, battling, and believing, the Ikey Tigers are back on top of university rugby — and they’ve done it in style.
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.