The Varsity Cup at Danie Craven stadium is about more than the 30 gentlemen on the field playing the hooligan’s game. There is something about the Steers chips, the long queues for beer, the beer cup worm, the ‘Dis Altyd Lente’ as soon as we score a try and then ultimately the MC’s screaming ‘Maaaaaties’.
For Brendt Wayne de Wet, being one of the two MCs at this year’s Varsity Cup is a serious job, especially to get the crowd going and he realises that regardless of what is happening on the field.
De Wet is a radio presenter for MFM 92.6 and that is where he got the opportunity to MC for Maties Rugby at the FNB Varsity Cup. Four years later and he says that there is nothing he would rather be doing. De Wet explains that, “It is an enormous blessing. The platform has opened so many doors for me already. All thanks to MFM, Maties Rugby and Maties Sport. I also want to thank Jesus my Lord and saviour.”
Nothing brings De Wet more joy than 16 000 supporters singing and cheering together, he explains. Although De Wet draws from this energy, there is a lot of preparation going into being the MC of such big games. De Wet explains that, “I always write a script a few days before the game. I even go through the singing chants for the supporters to make sure they are right on cue with the right moments. I memorise my lines and some days even go the extra mile of practicing in front of a mirror visualising the crowds.”
The 2025 season has begun and De Wet is eager to see what this year holds for Maties captain, Ezekiel Ngobeni. De Wet is excited about Ngobeni: “He is an incredible rugby player, and he is so far having a phenomenal season with a bright future ahead of him.” Off the field, 2025 has also delivered some special moments for De Wet as he is still reminiscing about how the SU choir sang the national anthem as it brought a few tears to everyone in the stands – it was special!
Although De Wet is loyal to Maties there is something special about the whole Varsity Cup tournament. De Wet gets excited about the Varsity Cup, “Varsity Cup is an enormous platform and competition in South Africa! The tournament for me is probably one of the biggest rugby competitions in the world. The rugby talent, the broadcasting , the fans , the mascots and cheerleaders are on a next level. It means a lot to the players because this is an immense platform for players to be scouted and become provincial and national players. The competition is so prestigious, that’s why students are so excited to be part of the Varsity Cup.”
For some people “Dis Altyd Lente” is synonymous with rugby at Danie Craven but for de Wet the phrase is so much more (this certainly sums up De Wet’s character in finding a silver lining in anything), “The phrase ‘Dis Altyd Lente’ is so profound because it’s a song that represents inspiration regarding your everyday life challenges, meaning you can have a very bad day or you might find yourself in very stormy season of your life but in Stellenbosch ‘It will always be spring’ and spring as we all know provides us with sunshine light joy and a new season”, De Wet mentions.
De Wet wishes to carry on bringing the gees for as long as possible especially with how unique and special Danie Craven Stadium is. This is where he steps in the arena to make a difference and every now and then chuckles for all the creative posters the students bring to the games! Three words sum this tournament and the Maties side up for him: “Almighty, prestigious, energetic!”
By Ané Havenga
