The long wait for the popular sixth edition of Varsity Football is over. It is time for this year’s contenders to put their money where their mouth is. After a spectacular launch to mark the beginning of this year’s tournament, it is time to witness the best of Varsity Football action across the country. The 2018 tournament has the element of surprise to it, but the usual suspects will be hoping to march into the semi-final without raising a sweat. Let the games begin. Here are Round One predictions, brought to you by Charles Baloyi.
Tuks vs TUT
Sparks are set to fly in the Tshwane derby. What a way to start a tournament, with the derby! There is always drama whenever these two bitter rivals take to the pitch. Expect rough tackles, more yellow cards and controversial refereeing decisions. Tuks go into the derby as the defending champions, but throw the form books out of the window. This match has nothing to do with form. The best team on the day will claim the city’s bragging rights. The stadium will be packed to capacity and the crowd will create an electric atmosphere. Both teams have made few changes from their cup final showdown last year with about five players having moved on due to age restrictions or for graduation purposes, to pursue their careers elsewhere. It’s a final before the final and the winner can go on to top the log table.
Prediction: Tuks 2 – TUT 1
UJ v Limpopo
On paper UJ are expected to cruise into an easy victory without breaking a sweat. But then again football is not played on paper. As the tournament’s two-time finalists, UJ, are without a doubt heading into this game as the overwhelming favourites, taking their home ground advantage into account. They are regular participants in this tournament, while Limpopo are making their debut. UJ are known for being good starters and therefore are expected to collect the maximum points. The crowd in Soweto creates an intimidating atmosphere that can make any team nervous and depending on how Limpopo cope with the intimidating conditions, they might be able to steal a point. Anything is possible in football and they know that their underdogs tab can come in handy.
Prediction: UJ 3 Limpopo 1
NWU v UWC
UWC are bad travellers and that could count against them from the onset. NWU are a menace and buoyed their vociferous crowd they can tear any team to shreds. This should be a routine win for the boys from the North West. UWC will come with a defensive strategy and the best that they can get from this game is a point. But they will crush under tremendous pressure from the persistent attack from the home team. It will be business as usual for the boys from the North West.
Prediction: NWU 4 – UWC 0
UKZN v Wits
Wits have promised a lot but delivered little since the start of the Varsity Football tournament six years ago. They drop too many points away from home, but this is a game they too can win. No disrespect to UKZN, we all know that they command huge following in their home games, but doing well in the USSA competition does not guarantee them automatic success in Varsity Football. This is an evenly balanced match and both teams have the potential to win it. It can go either way.
Prediction: UKZN 2 Wits 2
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports writer
