UCT Ikey Tigers crowned Varsity Cup champs: 'A dream come true!'

Dan Corder on CapeTalk's Afternoon Drive interviews Robbie Fleck, Head Coach of the Ikey Tigers and Sipho Dyonase, Ikey Tigers Captain.

Listen below:

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Ikey Tigers were crowned Varsity Cup champions on Monday, 14 April, after a commanding performance against Cape rivals Stellenbosch University’s Maties – right in their backyard at the iconic Danie Craven Stadium.

Could the number 14 be their lucky charm?

"It was a dream come true."

- Sipho Dyonase, Captain – Ikey Tigers

This victory ended a decade-long title drought for the Tigers and served as a powerful reminder that heart, hunger, and heritage still reign supreme in this fiercely contested tournament – qualities that coach Fleck says were the driving force behind their triumph.

"We really worked hard to get that victory..."

- Robbie Fleck, Head Coach – Ikey Tigers

Fleck emphasises the importance of striking a balance between recognising that the players are students, with academic responsibilities and lives beyond rugby, and building a strong, lasting culture within the club.

While it was a challenge, he believes they managed to get that balance right, and that this harmony off the field ultimately translated into success on it.

"That enabled these guys to play with a lot of freedom."

- Robbie Fleck, Head Coach – Ikey Tigers

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.