FNB Madibaz hooker Ruan Jonker is determined to bounce back from another stinging defeat when they host Central University of Technology at the Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha on Monday (kick-off 5pm).
The Nelson Mandela University side went down 60-26 to University of Western Cape in this week’s FNB Varsity Cup match in Cape Town.
The 22-year-old Jonker crossed for one of Madibaz’s four tries in the match but admitted not completing the job left him less than satisfied.
“It’s much more important to get the job done than to score a try and we are focused on bouncing back when we play our next match,” said the fifth-year postgraduate certificate in education student.
“We know that we are the underdogs in this competition, but we also know what we are capable of and will be working hard to produce that when we play on our home field on Monday.”
Jonker, who grew up in Despatch and was educated at Muir College (junior school) and Grey High, made his debut for Madibaz in the Varsity Shield competition in 2019.
He was part of the Madibaz team that gained promotion to the Varsity Cup last year after they ended top of the overall log from the Shield seasons in 2019 and 2020.
As a member of a youthful squad this year, Jonker said they were learning all the time.
“We are gaining a lot of experience from the Varsity Cup and trying to perform to the best of our ability.
“The players know we need to make sure our systems work better. We feel we are letting ourselves down at times, but we are determined to bounce back.”
The hooker said he was happy to contribute to the cause by scoring a try, but getting the job done was more important than receiving credit for going over the whitewash.
Jonker said their focus would be on finishing the job when they hosted CUT in the next round.
“We need to learn from what we have experienced so far and try to make sure we get it done properly.”
Wing Khakalethu Bophi, who scored a brace in the opening match against Wits, continued to show good form by crossing over for another two tries against UWC, while Madibaz’s fourth came from skipper Arnouw Nel. Siphosethu Dlongodlongo added three conversions.
Madibaz trailed 30-14 at the break but were unable to contain their opponents in the second half as the home team ran in a further four tries.
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