The 2014 finalists are back to reclaim a trophy that they lost to another Pretoria team, UP-Tuks. TUT is all that stands in the way of UJ and the 2016 trophy. Will they upset the all-conquering TUT to claim their first trophy? UJ have been through it all in this year’s competition. There was a point when few thought they would qualify for the knockout stages. But they made it to the final against all odds. Here are five reasons why they might upset TUT and lift their first Varsity Football title.
1) They almost ended TUT’s unbeaten run
They almost stole the three points in their 1-1 draw against TUT in Pretoria in the round robin format. That game was full of drama with two red cards and tackles flying in. UJ gave TUT a big scare in that game. They know how to play TUT and they could pull off a surprise victory.
2) Losing to another Pretoria team in a final is unthinkable
Two years ago, UJ lost 1-0 to Tuks in their home final. Another defeat against a Pretoria team is the last thing on their minds. A cup final is a once-off game and anything can happen. Playing away from home will not bother UJ. Their biggest motivation is to make sure that the trophy heads to Joburg.
3) UJ have experienced losing in this year’s competition
UJ lost two matches in the round robin stages and that can work in their favour. They went through different stages from starting the tournament like a house on fire with the 6-2 victory against NWU, to that 3-0 defeat to UP-Tuks. They know how to bounce back from defeat and TUT have never experienced defeat in this in this year’s tournament.
4) UJ haven’t lost twice to the same team
UJ drew 0-0 against CUT in their group stage match. But when they needed to produce a result they knocked CUT out of the tournament in in the penalty shoot-out. They held TUT to a 1-1 draw and can go on to beat them when the stakes are high in a cup final.
5) UJ have nothing to lose
TUT are the overwhelming favourites to win this year’s tournament. UJ are the underdogs and this could work in their favour. Even if UJ lose the final, it won’t be a train smash as not many people expect them to win. In fact, winning the final will be a big bonus.
By Charles Baloyi, Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports reporter
