Speedster Mazaka back for NMMU

Vuyolwethu 'Oscher' Mazaka is back from suspension and has been named in the FNB NMMU team to face the defending champion FNB Maties in Varsity Cup action in Stellenbosch this coming Monday.

Mazaka missed his team's 36-17 loss to UCT this past Monday, having served a one-week ban after being red-carded for a dangerous tackle in the 30th minute of NMMU's ground-breaking 28-18 win over TUT on February 23.

He is back this week, however, replacing Wade Roos in the No.14 jersey for this FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International fixture.

Roos drops down to the bench in the only change to the starting XV that did battle against UCT, with Marius Muller - who was amongst the replacements last week - missing out on selection altogether.

Looking ahead to the challenge of facing Stellenbosch on their home patch, NMMU coach Kolie Brandt said: "It's a challenge we relish and I can assure you win or lose, NMMU will play their hearts out. Hopefully for the full 80 minutes this time."

Meanwhile, Brandt also confirmed that the NMMU team would be flying up to Cape Town on Sunday and hopefully have a light run in preparation for Monday afternoon's clash.

FNB NMMU: 15 Jade Barkhysen, 14 Oscher Mazaka, 13 Daniel Howitz, 12 Devon Melville, 11 Aluzant Munnik, 10 Willem Laubscher, 9 Lusu Booi, 8 Jaco Swanepoel, 7 André Goosen, 6 Morné van der Westhuyzen (captain), 5 Jacques Naude, 4 Luke Beling, 3 Pierre Hammond, 2 Allistair Langson, 1 Tyron Williams.
Replacements: 16 Shaun Slabbert, 17 Frans van der Walt, 18 Jannie Fourie, 19 January Siyabulela, 20 Neil Weitz, 21 Lalendle Ayabonga, 22 Wade Roos.

Coach: Kolie Brandt
Assistant coach: Werner Barnard

Kick-off: Monday, March 9, 4.45pm, Danie Craven Stadium