The Varsity Football captains look ahead to this year’s tournament, which will be played in a bio-bubble at the University of Pretoria from 8 September to 4 October.
THABANG LEBESE (UJ)
How have UJ prepared for 2021 Varsity Football?
We have focused on staying fit and being able to handle the pressure that comes with playing a match every second day. We have been simulating the tournament schedule by playing friendly matches, and conditioning and training twice a day to help us cope with the load. We have also analysed our friendly games in order to know which areas to fix and what we can learn as a team.
How do UJ plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble?
We have been in camp as a team to prepare for being in the same place together, and the management staff have been hands-on with getting us used to sanitising and following the Covid-19 protocols.
What are your expectations for UJ heading into the tournament?
We expect to go all the way and win the tournament. We took the first step by winning our domestic league. We want to write our names into UJ and Varsity Football history.
SALULEKO MATHONSI (WITS)
How have Wits prepared for 2021 Varsity Football?
Preparing for this year’s Varsity Football wasn’t easy, but one thing we’ve done right is to try simulate how the bio-bubble works within our weekly training schedule. This is vital because it has helped to prepare players for the tournament both physically and mentally.
How do Wits plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble?
For us, it’s all about mental strength and unity. Being away from familiar surroundings can get to anyone, which is why we will strongly focus on making sure that everyone is mentally prepared for the bio-bubble.
What are your expectations for Wits heading into the tournament?
I know the team is capable of winning matches. Consistency is one factor we would like to achieve as a team. We are also going to take it one game at a time.
KANANELO MOTSOENENG (NWU)
How have NWU prepared for 2021 Varsity Football?
Our preparations have gone very well. Every player has played their part to ensure that the progress is visible among us as a team in terms of fitness, team building and discipline. A minimum of two hours every day doing tactical work, drills, endurance and many other activities on the field goes a long way. Playing more friendly matches would have contributed slightly to our preparation, but unfortunately this was not an option due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
How does NWU plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble?
We will have to adapt to playing without our 12th player – our supporters – and we will have to adhere to Covid-19 protocols for the sake of our own health and those around us. As a team, we will guide and support each other.
What are your expectations for NWU heading into the tournament?
We have high expectations and a great amount of faith from everyone who supports us. We believe in ourselves, given that we won the tournament in 2019, and aim to defend the title. But most of all we want to enjoy the matches and learn from other players.
BLESSING MABASA (TUKS)
How have Tuks prepared for 2021 Varsity Football?
We have prepared well. We have had gym in the morning and field sessions in the afternoon, two to three times a week. We have also played friendlies against strong ABC Motsepe League teams like Highlands Park and Leruma.
How do Tuks plan to deal with the challenge of playing the tournament in a bio-bubble?
We plan to keep ourselves as busy as possible. For example, by bringing PlayStations into the bio-bubble so we can play a tournament as a team. After every game, we will eat and recover well so that we are fresh and energised for our next match.
What are your expectations for Tuks heading into the tournament?
That whenever we go into a match, regardless of who we are playing, we defend like animals when the opposition is attacking, and when we attack, we become as ruthless as lions hunting down their prey, so that they can divide and devour.
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