“We are not here to just participate. We are here to win. We want to make that clear from the first time we step onto the field. We want to make a statement,” said newly appointed Madibaz captain, Ivan Luddick.

“Every game will be important and we will take it week-by-week and game-by-game. But our first game, on 8 February against the University of Johannesburg, will be our opportunity to come out and showcase our intentions,” said the 23 year old scrumhalf.

Ludick joined the FNB Madibaz in 2013, bringing a wealth of experience with him to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University side. He finished his schooling at Oakdale High School, representing the South Western District’s Craven Week team in 2009 and 2010. While at the Craven Week in 2010 he was approached by the Sharks Academy and joined their ranks, playing for their under-19 and under-21 Currie Cup teams, as well as the Vodacom Cup team. At the same time Ludick also studied a degree in B.Com Economics and Management.

Looking ahead at the 2016 season and his selection as captain, Ludick said he is very excited and honoured to be leading a promising young squad onto the battlefield.

“We have come through a very tough season, but we now have many talented players whom have stepped into the gaps left by our senior players that have moved on. We also have a group of guys who have been part of the team for some time now, and I believe they will help me to inspire the younger guys to greater heights.”

Madibaz coach David Maidza believes Ludick’s selection as captain will bring a “calmness” to the side along with vice-captain and loose forward, CJ Velleman.

“Ivan has been in the system for a while and has grown superbly as a player and a leader. I am positive that he will brings a lot of calmness, control and guidance to the side. CJ is also a natural leader, having proven his qualities in this year’s campaign, and the two will work well together.”

Maidza also believes the structures in place through the Madibaz and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s partnership with Eastern Province Rugby, and the Southern Kings franchise returning to Super Rugby this coming year, will play a big role in turning the university team’s fortunes around.

“Through the Kings Academy and success the junior EP teams and FNB Madibaz Young Guns have enjoyed this year I truly think things are looking good for the Madibaz. We have a lot of young student athletes coming through the ranks, laying a good foundation for us to build on.”

“A very important point for us at this stage is to retain the talent we have. Our junior teams are doing very well, and with the Kings returning to Super Rugby I believe we have a better chance of keeping our players and not losing them to other franchises.

Madibaz’s first home game is against FNB Maties on 15 February, followed by three away games against last year’s winners FNB Shimlas in Bloemfontein, FNB CUT in Bloemfontein and FNB Tuks in Pretoria before returning to Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth to face FNB NWU-Puk and FNB Ikeys in their last two matches before play-offs.