It was the team from Bloemfontein’s third straight defeat in the competition while they are still without a win.

The fullback, Kyle Cyster, was the hero for the Madibaz as his hat-trick of tries led his team to their first win in two years.

The Ixias stand-in captain and Cheetah's scrumhalf, Zinedine Booysen, said they left it for too late.

“The Madibaz came out with a massive flourish and they put us under pressure right from the start.

“We just kicked in too late, I honestly think that we came into the game too late.

“It's a third consecutive loss for us and considering there will be relegation this season, we're going to have to take a deep look at what is going on in our camp.

“We will defiantly bounce back.”

The Ixias host the Maties in Bloemfontein next week.

Madibaz: Tries - Warwick Griffin, Kyle Cyster (2x7,1x5), Khakalethu Bophi Conv. - Sibalomzi Mqeni (2) Pen - Mgeni

Ixias: Tries - Tiaan Drotské, Sisipho Nofuya, Christiaan Venter, Zinedene Booysen Conv. - Floris Brand (3)

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport