It’s still early days; no team has won anything yet. But the road to the final has begun. After two games, surely the fans have an idea of which team is capable of achieving what? I’m willing to put my head on the chopping block and predict who will finish where. Here are my picks and why they will finish in that position on the league table, heading into the semi-finals.
First place: TUT
Their two victories are not just a flash in the pan, if that’s what you’re already thinking. They are a balanced team and in with a big chance to win their first Varsity Football title. TUT will sweep aside all before them this year. I’m willing to put my head on the block and select them as the overwhelming favourites to finish first. In fact, they will win it. They have a great technical team, good playing personnel and wonderful supporters. All that’s left is for them to win the title and they should do it in style.
Second place: UJ
The 2014 finalists already occupy second place and that’s where they will finish the round robin format. UJ are a talented team with a lot of individual flare. One can argue that their game against TUT in Pretoria in the fourth round of matches will shed some light as to where these two teams will finish on the final log table. Well, let me give you the prediction of that game. TUT will beat UJ 2-1 to cement their place as the best team in the round robin stages. But UJ should earn a home semi-final alongside TUT.
Third: UP-Tuks
You don’t win a competition twice and not be seen as a worthy contender. Tuks have been down this road many times over. They have finished in the last four on three occasions and they are not about to surrender that proud record.
Fourth: NWU Mafikeng
Forget about their disastrous start in the opening game. Their 6-2 defeat against UJ in the first game was a much needed wake-up call. They will sneak into the semis by hook or crook, but they must forget about a home semi-final. This is an experienced football institution and they are expected to make the grade.
Fifth: Wits
Yes, they made the last four in 2015, but they are a shadow of themselves this year. They lack creativity and don’t seem to have a Plan B. This is not Wits’, year trust me, I’m not convinced with what I have seen in the first two matches. I have seen enough to know what they are all about this season. There is nothing that will ‘wow’ you about their squad this year.
Sixth: CUT
They started the competition like a house on fire, but sadly that will not be enough to see them through to the last four. They certainly did not embarrass themselves in this competition, but they don’t have enough quality to advance beyond the round robin stage. Some see them as the surprise package, but I don’t see that happening. They will collapse due to lack of experience.
Seventh: UWC
They might have won last year’s competition but they don’t have it in them to repeat that feat. They are clearly struggling in this edition and that’s how it will end. UWC’s win in 2015 was just a fluke – call it a once-off victory. They will finish second from bottom.
Bottom of the table: UFH
And your 2016 wooden spoon winners are UFH. Call them whipping boys – that’s what they are: whipping boys. The Eastern Cape-based institution is having a nightmare debut season and they will donate points. They will be lucky if they get three points this season. They are destined to end their campaign where they started it: right at the bottom.
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports writer
