NWU-Mafikeng returns from the wilderness, but CUT and UFH are new kids on the block.
In every tournament there are teams that will be targeted for easy points and it doesn’t come as a surprise that Varsity Football’s new kids on the block will be seen as charity cases by the old campaigners.
In this year’s competition CUT and UFH will be seen as the tournament’s whipping boys, even before a ball is kicked. NWU-Mafikeng are not strangers to this competition. They are making a welcome return after a one-year absence. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new boys.
NWU-Mafikeng
The boys from Mafikeng are back, but they want to shake the monkey of not winning this tournament off their backs. They are no strangers to the tournament; we all know what they can offer. They are two-time semi-finalists and all eyes will be on them to see what is it that they will offer on the pitch in 2016.
UJ
It is a welcome return for UJ, who will add to the calibre of Varsity Football in what is shaping up to be the most competitive season in the tournament’s history. UJ fell agonisingly short of claiming the 2014 Varsity Football final. They lost out to Tuks 1-0, having scored the most goals of the season and conceded the least. The Orange Army will look to right the wrongs of 2014 under the leadership of new coach, Mandla Zwane.
CUT
The Central University Technology, from the Bloemfontein, are a closed chapter. But if Free State University’s performance in years gone by is anything to go by, then another team from the City of Roses could be the surprise package. The fact that they are featured against a team that is also new in their opening game makes it harder for the competition’s fans to know what they can bring to the table. One thing is for sure – they will be targeted for easy points. By the looks of things, on paper they a have a great team. But they still regarded as the underdogs this season.
UFH
University of Fort Hare is well known all over the world for their education and famous alumnus politicians such as Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabi. This year the well-known institution is celebrating a century of its existence. It’s known for education and other things, but football is definitely not one of them. Will they rise to the occasion? The fact that they made it to the competition in the first place says something about them. But as to whether they will leave a mark in the competition is another. We are looking forward to seeing a new team and their inclusion is without a doubt a breath of fresh air to the fourth edition of the competition.
By Charles Baloyi — Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports writer
