The excitement is mounting ahead of the second and final leg of this year’s edition of Varsity Athletics. The first leg took place a fortnight ago in Stellenbosch and the competition will reach its crescendo at the Kenneth McArthur Track in Potchefstroom on Friday.
The competition is anyone’s now with a mere 45 points separating NWU (15 590) and UJ (15 545) with defending champions, UP-Tuks (15 434) lurking in third spot.
According to Roger Haitengi, the UJ team manager, his side is in it to win it. “I’m happy with our performance in Stellenbosch. Yes, NWU walked away with the honours but we were always in with a shout and we will definitely be looking to fire on all cylinders on Friday in Potch.”
When Varsity Sports asked him who his stand-out athletes were in Stellenbosch, the Namibian triple jump record-holder said there were a few performances that stood out for him.
“Tamzin Thomas put in an awesome performance and ran a 23.48 in the 200 which was good. Jason van Rooyen threw a PB (personal best) in the shot-put of 19.66m and Varsity Athletics rookie, Attain Magomo, also with a PB of 15.69m in the triple jump. Odele Tega in the 200m for men did well and so did our relay teams by winning 2 out of 3 relay events,” according to Haitengi.
“Our expectations are high for Potch and we are looking to win Varsity Athletics 2019. The athletes are looking good and they want to improve their pb’s. We want to maintain a high level of execution and be clinical – at the end that’s all we want, our athletes to execute and be clinical.”
“But regardless of whether we win or not, I’m very proud of the team and their season thus far. We’ll be looking to put in a good performance and hopefully those who will come out will be entertained. I’m sure it will be a nail-biting affair. All that I can say is UJ all the way!” he concluded enthusiastically.
Friday’s first event starts at 15h30 and tickets can be bought here.
By Shafiek Mouton @fiekie7 on Twitter
