Varsity Football 2016 will kick off on Monday 18th July, and it will see the newly promoted sides in action, as NWU-Mafikeng host University of Johannesburg at the NWU-Mafikeng Stadium in the season opener.
Former finalists in 2014, the UJ football team, face off against familiar foes in NWU-Mafikeng as they start off their campaign in a tough away encounter. But the team from Johannesburg are brimming with confidence as they enjoyed a very successful pre-season, winning the local Johannesburg league and claiming gold at the Federation of Africa University Sports Games (FASU). They will look to maintain their momentum going forward.
“The mood is pleasant and the spirit is high,” said newly appointed coach Mandla Zwane at the Varsity Football launch in Johannesburg. “NWU are a good football side, they play local one-touch football, however we are prepared and we are going to match them pound for pound.”
The sides last met in 2014 and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Not a lot has separated these two sides as both of them finished in the top two in the 2014 edition, whether that will be repeated will depend who wants the competition more.
UJ knows that they will have to be wary of the style of play adopted by NWU-Mafikeng. “We know what to expect, they are tough opponents, they like to pass the ball a lot, and play onw- touch football,” said vice-captain Omphile Majwafi. “Opening games are very important and we want nothing but a victory to start our season well,” he added.
It will be UJ’s first match in Varsity Football since their defeat in the 2014 final and the coach acknowledged their achievements of 2014 will motivate the boys and drive them forward. “It is a new side, new experience but the boys want to win it and do it for the fans,” the coach said.
The match between NWU-Mafikeng and UJ will be played on Monday 18th July at the NWU-Mafikeng Stadium at 16h30, and will be televised on SuperSport.
UJ team to face NWU-Mafikeng:
Starting XI: Damaine van der Walt, Ruwell Jagger, Matthew Edwards, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Fortuin, Lindani Mazibuko, Omphile Majwafi, Tebogo Mandyu, Tshepo Tolo, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Sbongeleni Gamede
Subs: Mpumelelo Sambo, Emmanuel Ndu, Samuel Warder, Ntokozo Tshabalala, Jared Abrahams, Given Msimango, Sanele Mthethwa
By: Nkosinathi Shazi
