The fourth edition of Varsity Football promises to be a real humdinger. All eyes will be on the stars of 2016 to see what they have up their sleeves. There will be no margin for error as the teams will look to avoid an opening day defeat. We all know that it’s not about how you start, but how you finish. But a positive start will go a long way towards boosting the confidence of the winning teams.
The football fanatics cannot afford to miss the opening rounds of this popular Varsity Football competition. But why should the fans keep their eye on the ball? Here are the reasons why you cannot afford to miss the first round of matches.
They could be contenders for the title after just one game
There could be one team that lays down the marker after just one game. The battle for log positions will start after the opening round of fixtures. But after the first game it will be clear to see where teams are likely to finish – the four semi-finalists, the wooden spoon and all the likes. Be sure not to miss the first block of fixtures, to determine the favourites and dark horses.
NWU-Mafikeng is back!
What would Varsity Football be without North West University? NWU-Mafikeng have returned to where their fans believe they belong. And this has brought a lot of excitement to this year’s tournament. Their stadium in Mafikeng is known as the “Slaughter House” and that was something that was clearly missed in 2015.
Their colourful fans singing their lungs out cheering for their team will be a welcome sight for all. Their fans provide the best atmosphere in the whole country in this tournament. The NWU vociferous fans cannot be matched or surpassed in terms atmosphere in the stands. The return of NWU-Mafikeng means that there will be a cricket score each time they play at home.
Prizes and other goodies up for grabs
Goodies ranging from T-shirts, pizzas, caps and cell phones, are some of the items that will be on offer. Who doesn’t like freebies? There will also be plenty of entertainment before and during half-time for fans to enjoy. Why not make a turn to the stadiums across the country to indulge a little?
This is a fact: Varsity Football rocks. Why? Because not even PSL teams provide fans with entertainment these days. Where else can you be treated to top class entertainment by DJs having not even paid for a ticket to gain entry into the stadium.
There will be plenty of goals…
There reason people flock to the stadiums is because they want to see goals, goals and more goals. Varsity Football is the place to be as goals will be galore and not just goals but entertaining football too. The players are hungry and ready to dish out entertaining football.
The matches will be televised live on TV
Not even National First Division matches are shown live on the small screen. That speaks volumes about Varsity Football teams. There is no better place to be than to be in front on your TV on explosive Mondays to watch the cream of the crop when it comes to young football talent in SA, battle it out for the crown of the best university in the country.
Varsity Football is a chance to get your autograph signed
You never know who might stage a guest appearance at the stadium. Last season the likes of Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba attended some of the matches. PSL stars such as Daine Klate, Lehlohonolo Majoro and other stars were often seen attending the popular competition. Most fans had the opportunity to take selfies and autographs signed by their heroes. Who knows, bigger and more prominent sports figures could show up at your varsity’s stadium. If you don’t attend these matches you might miss out on a chance to meet your idol.
Meet the new kids on the block
CUT and UFH – not everyone is familiar with these institutions and their rich culture, but Varsity Football offers everyone a great opportunity to meet, watch and learn more about them and their history. Will these teams be the whipping boys? Will they be targeted for easy points? The only way to find out is to tune in on the opening day.
By Charles Baloyi — Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports reporter
