It will be the battle of the champions when reigning Varsity Football champions UWC take on former champions UP-Tuks at UWC Stadium on Monday 18 July at 18h30.
In what is expected to be a mouth-watering opening 2016 Varsity Football clash, both sides need to prove a point as to who are the kings of university football in South Africa after UWC wrestled the 2015 title away from Tuks, who were champions in 2014.
But come Monday, history will be set aside as each team will try avoid being on the losing side of the opening match of the campaign.
UWC, in particular, intend not to disappoint their home fans and intend to send a strong message to their competitors and the football world that they didn’t win the title last year by fluke.
It is a clash that UWC head coach Salie Adams is looking forward to. “It will be nice to play in front of the very supportive students who gave the players the extra oomph or the extra drive to perform (last season),” said Adams.
The UWC coach understands that their opponents are not to be underestimated. “Our first game is obviously against the University of Pretoria who are a tough team,” said Adams. “Tuks always have that aura about them that they are the best, so we need to just go out against that. But the main thing is to make sure that we get the best out of our players and make sure that they also believe in what they can do and just play within themselves to perform to their best.”
According to Adams the objective is clear: finish in the top four. “That (finishing in the top four) will give us an opportunity to defend our title,” Adams added.
After a number of students graduated from the university, Adams has unleashed a new-look team with a mix of old and new faces. Most notable omissions from Adams’ team are last year’s Varsity Football Player of the Tournament Thulani Mkosi and star midfielder Tapelo Sixishe. But the coach is not concerned. He believes that he has the best squad that is capable and ready to do battle.
UWC team to face UP-Tuks on 18 July at UWC Sports Stadium:
Starting XI: Brent Layman, Aghmat Ceres, Clinton Herwel, Akhona Bonga, Masibulele Maseti, Eathon Swart, Ryan Steer, Suhayl Allie, Chad Smith, Josh Silent, Kwanele Nocanda.
Subs: Renald Leaner, Keenan Davis, Jason Britz, Giovani Gaffoor, Lukho Phikela, Ayanda Nkukwana, Phiwokuhle Mphalala.
By Zandile Bangani
