Will it be third time lucky for the Madibaz?
Besides the obvious prize of top-tier rugby in 2026 for Mandela University, the coach also sees it as an opportunity to get a team from his province back into the cup.
To do that, they will need to upstage UJ in terms of physicality, intensity and speed.
'This is a Varsity Cup team; they are big men and strong in the set piece with a powerful maul. They are used to the intense pressure of the game at that level,' he said.
Manuel said the Joburg side also had several young players who thrived in the chaos produced by playing at pace.
'They don't mind taking quick taps and taking on their opponents in broken play.'
The Madibaz lost to Varsity College in the Shield final on April 11 and have spent the intervening time on recovery and preparation.
While mildly disappointed with the result, Manuel stressed how proud he was of the squad's growth this season after the departure of 10 senior players at the end of last year.
'That sort of contingent makes up the spine of the team, so these young players had to stand up and fill those gaps,' the coach said.
'They weren't ready for the first game (which they also lost to Varsity College) but as the season progressed, they grew immensely.'
Thorough preparation and each player's understanding of his job within the team are key to his coaching strategy.
'These guys latched on to those lessons and kept growing throughout the season, so I'm massively impressed.'
Seven wins from nine matches — including big victories over powerhouse teams UWC (twice) and CPUT — speak volumes in this regard.
Manuel acknowledged the contribution by skipper and No 8 Leon van der Merwe, who was named the 'Player that Rocks' three times.
'He has been our man of steel and epitomises the type of player we want to produce through our elite rugby programme,' the coach said of their inspirational leader whose Varsity Shield career will, win or lose, draw to a close next week.
'Leon has been such a great leader.
'He doesn't speak a lot but knows when to say something.
'His tenacity and consistency, whether we are up or down, has never faded.
'He has been such an example of how to balance semi-pro rugby with academics.
'I definitely believe he can go places.'
Kickoff is at 11am.
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