After coming agonisingly close to the championship in their maiden season in Varsity Football, the ‘Orange Army’ are ready to do battle and better their previous season in their quest for the 2016 title.
The highly anticipated 2016 Varsity Football season kicks off this month, and two teams are welcomed back into the competition – the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and NWU-Mafikeng, who will kick off the season when they do battle in the first match of the season.
The University of Johannesburg, also known as the ‘Orange Army’ are making their second season appearance in Varsity Football since its inception and they can look back at their stellar 2014 season for motivation ahead of their return to the league, as a driving force to their title challenge
The Orange Army’s 2014 season was one to remember, and they had the numbers to prove it, they went undefeated in all seven matches leading to the final. They were also fruitful in front of goal with a tally of 19 goals. They also had a water-tight defence which only saw them concede six goals. The team’s only disappointment was failure to win the competition as they lost just one match, but it was their most important, against two-time champions UP-Tuks, going down 1-0 in Soweto.
After missing the 2015 season and a reshuffle in the coaching staff, the new look UJ side will be led by new coach Mandla Zwane after previously being led by former Bafana Bafana international Bradley Carnell. UJ will be a breath of fresh air, as they look to make an impression in the league and play entertaining football with the flair they are known for. The team is currently on pre-season and will face Jomo Cosmos on Tuesday as part of pre-season preparations.
The season kicks off on 18 July, with NWU-Mafikeng hosting UJ at the NWU-Mafikeng Stadium at 16h30
UJ Varsity Football stats:
2014 season record: DWWDWDDWL
Goals scored: 19 Goals Conceded: 6
Coach for 2016: Mandla Zwane
By Nkosinathi Shazi
