There is a saying that a wolf that is on top of the hill isn’t as hungry as the wolf climbing a hill. The same thing can be said about football, as footballers that have reached their height are not as hungry as the players that are still launching their careers.
You see, players that are still in search of their big break in football will stop at nothing to make sure that happens. Players, who have never been given the exposure, will do everything to make sure that they utilise their God-given talent and that they are noticed by the powers that be. This is exactly the situation at this year’s eagerly awaited 2016 edition of Varsity Football.
There are hundreds of footballers dying to showcase their talents and they would trade just about anything just to be given a platform to do so. The tournament cannot start soon enough, as most of the players deprived themselves a well-deserved winter break going to the gym to make sure that they are in the best possible condition for the tournament.
The platform has been made possible for them to unearth their talents and the ball is in their court. Television, digital websites, newspapers, social media and of course word of mouth, are all there to spread the good news. Who doesn’t want to play in the Premier Soccer League, Bafana Bafana and of course the biggest football institutions in the country: Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates?
University of Pretoria talisman Thabo Mnyamane is a prime example of a player, who fulfilled his dream of competing in the Premiership through this initiative. The door is now open for the current crop of players to raise their hands as scouts and agents will keep an eye on the latest developments at the popular Varsity Sports competition.
While most people can argue that it’s too late for players in the 25-years age category and above to be spotted, anything is possible in football. South Africa does not have the best development structure in the first place, as most players that went on to shine in the PSL were discovered late. So the opportunity is still there for the 2016 stars to be snapped up provided they come to the party.
Take Maritzburg United’s captain Ashley Hartog for example, at the age of 29 Hartog, joined SuperSport United from FC Cape Town and he went on to win the Absa Premiership title with Matsatsantsa a Pitori. If Hartog went in pursuit of his dream at that age, why should the Varsity footballers not dare to dream? All that they have to do is rise to the occasion and talent scout will be on hand to fulfill their dreams by snapping them up.
Hartog now 33 went on to enjoy a career in the top flight division and as they say the rest is history. Hartog was spotted by three time Absa Premiership title winning coach Gavin Hunt, who has a good eye for talent. The same Hunt will also keep an eye for outstanding footballer in 2016. Who knows maybe that could be you?
As the saying goes, what life would be without dreams? Let the dreams begin, let the current crop of players in 2016 show us what they are made off.
The long wait for Varsity Football is finally over! 2015 was a year of the underdogs. Last season’s competition had it all the drama, tears, heartbreak and joyful scenes. This year’s edition promises fireworks we are set for a bumper of a tournament.
University of the Western Cape embarked on a giant-killing act last season. Against all odds the Mother City-based institution were crowned champions for the very first time. But the honeymoon is over for UWC; it’s time to get back to work. UWC were hungry as wolves, but will history repeat itself? Was their historic victory just a fluke? Can newcomers UFH and CUT string a surprise or two? Will the tournament big guns reign supreme this year?
Stay glued to your television sets and head down to the various stadiums around the country to witness the drama unfold at the fourth of edition of the popular Varsity Football spectacle to get all the answers to these questions.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome back NWU-Mafikeng and UJ back to where their supporters think they belong in this competition. A special welcome to new kids on the block UFH and CUT – I just hope they won’t be charity cases and donate points. Let the games begin!
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports writer
