UWC will be out to show newboys UJ just what Varsity Football is all about when the two sides meet in their opening fixture in Bellville on Monday.
UJ will be making their debut in the tournament under the guidance of former Bafana Bafana star Bradley Carnell, and will want to announce their arrival in style.
However, they are up against a UWC side that will be keen to impress in front of their home crowd, and captain Cleo Pokpas says they will not take a backwards step for any team.
UWC finished sixth last year, but they have made some key changes since then and Pokpas is hopeful that it will pay off on the pitch.
“This year we have been training since last December, we have got a new coaching staff, new administrators and a couple of new youngsters.
“Our approach to the game is very different because of the players, so our style is obviously different as well.
“I think that is going to be a great advantage to us because we have a lot of pace in our team, our defence is well structured as well,” he explained.
With both teams having gone a recent overhaul of sorts this should be a gripping clash in front of the UWC faithful in Belville.
Teams:
UWC: 1 Reon October, 20 Kuhle Mpahlwa, 13 Keenan Davis, 24 David Morgan, 5 Cleo Pokpas, 6 Akhona Bonga, 7 Thulani Mklosi, 2 Vuyani Baloti, 9 Curley Beukes, 15 Wade Crowie, 10 Tapelo Sixishe.
Substitutes: 4 Dane Samaai, 22 Zuhlume Sinuka, 19 Chad Smith, 17 Josh Silent, 16 Siphosethu Pitoyi, 14 Ayanda Nkunkwana, 12 Phiwokuhle Mpalala.
UJ: 1 Trent Harrison, 22 Wisdom Mathebula, 21 Grant Bruchhausen, 2 Matthew Edwards, 5 Lerato Tleane, 14 Karl Clements, 23 Tebogo Mandyu, 11 Tshepo Tolo, 7 Ruben De Freitas, 13 Sandro Claro, 18 Ponshu Nyathi.
Substitutes: 16 Stuart Peverett, 6 Lwazi Nogenga, 3 Ruwell Jagger, 20 Stephanis Sibanyoni, 17 Jarred Abrahams, 15 Omphile Majwafi.
Date: Monday, July 21
Venue: UWC Stadium, Bellville
Kick-off: 18.00
