Madibaz head coach David Manuel wants his team to make a statement in their opening game at the Ussa rugby tournament at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha on Monday. Photo: Varsity Sport
The hosts begin their B section campaign against Varsity Cup side Emeris on Monday.
The team’s head coach views the clash as the perfect chance for his players to prove they can compete with the country’s strongest tertiary teams.
“We are creatures of habit and the more you win the more winning becomes a habit,” Manuel said.
“We haven’t been slaying enough dragons. We need those big wins to leave a reference point in our mind; that we can compete at this level and beat the top teams.”
As they start their campaign against a top-tier team, he believes it is as good a time as any to wield the sword.
In addition, the Madibaz will potentially come up against the likes of CUT, who played Varsity Cup rugby this season, and Walter Sisulu, runners-up in the Shield competition.
These are dragons that need to be slayed, too, as the pathway leads to where they need to be next year, according to Manuel.
The tournament forms part of what he describes as an extended off-season programme following Madibaz’s inconsistent Varsity Shield campaign.
He said there were critical boxes that needed ticking, particularly taking advantage of key moments and winning the big games.
“Those experiences leave positive residue in the mind and help build confidence going forward.”
The Madibaz have set themselves the goal of winning all three of their pool matches to leave them in the best possible position to earn promotion.
“That’s the challenge we’ve set ourselves,” Manuel said.
Balancing preparations with examinations has required careful planning, but the experienced mentor is pleased with the commitment shown by his squad.
“We made sure not to compromise the players’ academic responsibilities,” he said, explaining that they continued with gym sessions and field training before increasing the workload over the past two weeks.
“We’ve thrown everything at this tournament and hopefully we can reap the rewards.”
If you could not manage the pressure, you should not be in this environment, Manuel said.
“Controlling emotions and impulses can be difficult for young players but our culture, standards and training environment are designed to help them regulate those situations.”
Manuel is also encouraged by the leadership within the group.
“We recently had a lengthy leadership meeting and there was tremendous engagement from the players. Buy-in is vital because it allows everyone to put their egos aside and focus on what’s best for the team.”
The return of several experienced campaigners has strengthened the Madibaz’s challenge.
Former captain Leon van der Merwe, influential centre Lwando Davane and experienced scrumhalf Curwin Casper are all available after missing the Varsity Shield.
“They have been sorely missed,” Manuel said. “They understand the culture and system, so their return has been seamless.”
According to the coach, the hosts should benefit from being familiar with the conditions at the Madibaz Stadium.
“We know the field and how the wind moves and that gives us useful reference points when it comes to our tactical game. Playing in front of our home crowd is definitely an advantage.”
Beyond results, his hope is that the event will strengthen the connection between the university and rugby community.
“We want to inspire the next generation and get people from Gqeberha and the surrounding areas excited – because this is their university. We are here to provide opportunities, transform lives and develop players.”
But, ultimately, it is performance that counts.
“We want success. That’s our focus going into the tournament.”
Kick-off is at 3.30pm.