Varsity Women’s Football kicks off tomorrow and the competition is becoming a shining light in women’s football, where there are far too few opportunities for the sport to gain exposure and grow. Here’s why you can’t miss this weekend’s action.
Will TUT make it three in a row?
TUT have dominated the competition and they will go into this year’s edition as overwhelming favourites after winning the last two editions. They will have an opportunity to make it three consecutive titles, with coach Tebogo Mokai already warning teams that they will not surrender their trophy. The final will be played at TUT, so they will be looking to reach that stage and play in front of their supporters. The men’s team has booked a spot in the final against UJ and it would be even better for TUT to also have the women’s team in the final.
Action on the telly
If you have no way of getting to the Fanie du Toit Stadium, then do not worry. Three matches will be shown on SuperSport, which shows how much the women’s game is growing. The highly anticipated Tshwane derby between Tuks and TUT is the first game that will be shown on television on Thursday at 16h30, before last year’s losing finalists UWC take on hosts NWU-Potchefstroom at 18h30. The final will also be live on SuperSport.
A chance to see top players
There are quite a few Banyana Banyana players who could get to feature in the competition, which should make it a lot more exciting for the supporters. TUT have Letago Madiba and their rivals have Lebogang Mabatle, while UWC are boosted by the presence of Thembi Kgatlana and Leandra Smeda. Should they get an opportunity to play in the competition, these players will add valuable experience on the pitch.
Exposure for players
Varsity Football has given the men an opportunity to sign for PSL clubs, so the women’s competition will give those who aspire to play for the national team an opportunity to impress some of the scouts who will be on the lookout for talent. A lot of players have not been spotted yet, so this is a perfect opportunity for them to make names for themselves.
Goals, goals and more goals
Women’s football tends to produce a number of goals and that’s exactly what we should expect in the competition. This, of course, will be good for the supporters who attend the matches and it would certainly make those who follow the competition excited about watching the final.
By Tshepang Mailwane, Sowetan and Sunday World Football writer
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