Varsity Football round robin games are a tricky marathon to take part in, which calls for consistency. The 2022 edition of the #Iyachesa football heads to the last stretch and calculators are out for some teams to make the last four.
Record champions UP-Tuks find themselves desperate to collect an all-important three points for them to qualify for the semi-finals when they visit bottom-rooted Wits University on Thursday.
Former Tuks captain and three-time Varsity Football winner Lawrence Ntswane believes the Stripe Generation has the aptitude of reaching the knockout stages.
“The first thing is they need to look at the game as a quarter-final because if they lose or draw, their chances of qualifying are very limited to none. They should be together and work hard for one another,” the former Tuks defender told Varsity Football.
“Also based on previous Varsity Football editions, it has never been the case that Tuks on round seven have qualified for a top four spot. Qualifying before round seven is something we are used to as Tuks football as it has been going on for a couple of years.
“It serves as a good motivation factor as you get to peak at the right time. You get to channel yourself into championship mentality before other teams.”
The Stripe Generation’s top-four hopes were dented by a 2-1 home defeat to Delron Barkley’s UKZN a fortnight ago. Nicholas Stothard’s team have produced some intense turn-around performances to switch some disastrous moments into golden moments this season and they have another chance to do so this coming week.
“I believe they can turn things around, they got a great squad, technical team and coach. I think the only thing stopping them from qualifying is themselves. I have watched them train quite a few times and the players have a strong mentality and great drive,” said the now Pinnacle College Copperlaef teacher.
Lawrence Ntswane is one of the most decorated Varsity Football players, having won three Varsity Football titles and three USSA national championships. He also helped Baroka FC survive relegation in the 2019/20 season.
The Rabosula-born defender has plied his trade across various South African football structures, represented South Africa at the World Student Games, and played for TUT’s SAB side which saw them reaching the Nedbank Cup last 32 where they lost 2-1 to Cape Umoya. He also donned Baroka FC colours and had a stint at Royal Eagles.
Ntswane sees his younger self in Tuks’ current centre-back Mohlala Makola who has been solid at the back for Stothard’s troops.
“I have been impressed with Makola and our captain. I think they are more likely to get contracts to come to the end of the tournament,” he added.
In their short trip to Johannesburg, Tuks will need to outplay the Wits’ Educated Footballers, who are yet to win a game in the 2022 Varsity Football edition, with coach Nicholas Stothard wary of what their opponents are capable of.
“Another tricky game, the team has been knocked out already. Varsity Football is not easy, on paper we should collect six points from these last two games but football is not played on paper,” Stothard explained.
“We should be at 15 points at the end of the season and potentially finishing first or second and now we have to fight just at least for the fourth spot.”
Tuks travel to Wits Stadium to face the Educated Footballers at 18:30 on Thursday. You can get information on how to get tickets here.
By Lehlogonolo Ditshego
