UP-Tuks are struggling to carry the ‘favourites’ tag
On the account of their opening day performance, Tuks were expected to build on that impressive 1-1 Tshwane derby performance against TUT. They played good football and showed encouraging signs going forward. A lot was expected from them against UJ. But they seem to be struggling to carry the ‘favourites’ tag. The level of expectation is already taking its toll on them after just two rounds have been played. Their 1-0 defeat to UJ is not a train smash, but it is a cause for concern. No need to press the panic buttons yet, but they need to get their house in order or risk early elimination.
TUT will not surrender their title without a fight
TUT fired a warning shot to the rest of their opponents – that they won’t give up their title without a fight. Their 7-0 demotion might have come against lowly UFH but it boosted their confidence going forward. They restored the fear factor that they are known for. Themba Ndlovu is also growing in confidence and he is slowly developing into the kind of player that could win the Player of the Tournament accolade. TUT survived a big scare against Tuks but their performance in their big win was a step in the right direction.
NWU are determined to remove the ‘chokers’ tag
Two back-to-back wins for the best team never to win this tournament. They are signaling their intentions of booking a home semi-final, possibly even a home final, to stand a better chance of winning this year’s tournament. They are certainly making the write noises looking at what they have achieved in their opening two games. Is this their year? Well, so far so good but we are not even at the halfway mark yet. But as long as they keep on winning the dream is still very much alive.
It’s only a matter of time before CUT’s wheels come off
Two out of two wins, how impressive is that? The tournament’s dark horses have made a great start. Hopefully the wheels won’t come off. They are quietly going on about their business collecting valuable points and nobody seems to be noticing them yet. But expect a dramatic collapse as their performance will take a turn for the worst. It’s only a matter of time before their season takes a nose dive.
UJ are the team of the week.
We all know that TUT recorded a rugby score in their big win against UFH last week. Mafikeng also hammered Wits 4-1 as goals were flowing like the Nile River on day two. But the team of the week prize goes to UJ. Their win was achieved against all odds as nobody expected them to come away with the maximum points against Tuks in Pretoria of all places. Yes, they won just 1-0, but that was achieved against a tried and test opposition. Nobody would have guessed the outcome of that result. Here’s to a brave performance by UJ for defying the odds. Not many teams can go to Pretoria and not return home with their tails behind their legs.
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun sports writer
