Limpopo will make their Varsity Football debut on the Green Mile in Cape Town as they take on a revived UCT side.
The Ikeys battled in the inaugural tournament last year, but under a new coach and with some new faces in the squad there is much hope that they can raise the bar this year, starting with their game against Limpopo.
UCT stalwart Jonathon Melamdowitz says that there is a completely new feel to the team as they look to improve on their showing last year.
“We have a new coach and new system so it is a whole new story with training and preparation so hopefully that translates into the results,” he said.
One thing that is sure to work in UCT’s favour is the faithful crowd on the Green Mile who always get right behind their team no matter what.
“It is always a very special atmosphere, last year we only had two homes games but we got good attendances at both. Although the results didn’t quite go the way we wanted them to the supporters were behind us all the way to the end, singing and shouting,” said Melamdowitz.
Limpopo are something of an unknown quantity, so they will be hoping to catch their hosts off-guard and get their campaign off to a positive start away from home.
Teams:
UCT: 5 Gregory Bryer, 6 Byron Donaldson, 8 Khotso Nare, 9 Louis-Romain Moussi Sopp, 10 Simangaliso Makalima, 11 Michael Salgado, 14 Jody Brown, 15 Matthew Jackson, 16 Charlie Mbatha, 18 David Frankel, 20 Sepolo Taaso.
Substitutes: 1 Bevan Adonis, 3 Nkululeko Pitoyi, 4 Dylan Fine, 7 Jeffrey Tikolo, 17 Cody Williams, 19 Thansanqa Malusi, 21 Jonathan Melamdowitz
Limpopo: 16 Harold Ndhlovu, 2 Ivan Tleane, 6 Edgar Mafunisa, 24 Austin Dube, 13 Pholoshi Bapela, 20 Samuel Mathabathe, 5 Matsobane Kgantago, 19 Cyril Ndhlovu, 11 Junior Mokgotho, 17 Nelson Ndhima, 7 Given Manoko.
Substitutes: 1 Jonathan Gole, 10 Vuledzani Chikhala, 3 Rodgers Moletla, 8 Lenslot Makgopa, 22 Kgotlelelo Kgoete, 9 Theo Phophi, 15 Tsietsi Tshehla.
Date: Monday, July 21
Venue: Green Mile, Cape Town
Kick-off: 18.00
