It will take a brave man to gamble with his last penny and predict a team that will eventually lift the title given the events that we witnessed on the opening day of the popular Varsity Football tournament. Few would have expected Limpopo to suffer such a major dramatic collapse at the hands of UJ. The boys from Limpopo were expected to surrender the three points, but not to be whipped in that manner. The Tshwane derby produced fireworks as expected, but few would have guessed a TUT victory. Wits were perhaps the biggest winners as the rarely pick up points on the road. Even though they are new in the competition UKZN were still expected to collect a point if not win the game. Here is what were learned in Round One.
Rude awakening for Limpopo
Limpopo wanted to swim with the big fish and their wishes were granted. But they were taught a lesson that they will not forget. They leaked seven goals against rampant UJ. UL were embarrassed and completely out-played by a red hot UJ. They received a welcome that they were not expecting and at this rate they will leak in more goals every match that they are involved in.
TUT are the kings of Tshwane
There is a new sheriff in Tshwane and they are known as TUT. You see, TUT and UP-Tuks measure their chances of winning the competition based on which team wins the derby. As it stands TUT have already won the competition because they got one over their illustrious rivals. But funny enough that is not how things work in the real world. Tuks will not hear the end of TUT’s victory until they eventually redeem themselves if they meet them at a later stage. Expect the same noise for the next 8 weeks as TUT fans will tell those who care to listen that they have claimed the bragging rights.
TUT’s goalkeeper will play in the PSL next season
Anyone who has watched Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana first choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in action will agree that he is simply the best. Khune is known for his excellent ball distribution. It seems that someone has been taking lesson and that boy is none other than TUT goalkeeper Zulu. The lanky goalkeeper showed some excellent ball distribution and wonderful command of his eighteen yard box. The youngster is a complete package. We won’t be surprised if he goes to the National First Division or PSL next season. What a talent
UWC’s poor away record continues
Call it a curse for the lack of a better word. But UWC’s poor away form is starting to affect them and before they know it they will be out of the tournament. They are a completely different team away from home than when they are at their slaughter house – the Operation Room. If UWC don’t come up with a solution to their problem, they will have to bid farewell to this exciting competition prematurely.
Wits won a game
It’s a big deal when Wits wins a game. It has to be a big deal because they don’t seem to pick up too many points in a season. In fact this should be widely celebrated that they won a game. It doesn’t matter if that win came against UKZN, the newcomers – a win is a win. They all count as they collect the three points. Who can blame Wits from raising their hopes after winning just one match, as a win is rarely seen in part of their world? Well done Wits.
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports writer
