Staff Reporter
As the countdown to the 2024 Varsity Football tournaments begins, all eyes are set on the University of the Western Cape (UWC) teams.
With the kick-off just two weeks away, anticipation has been building for what promises to be a showcase of top-tier university football in the country.
Both the UWC men’s and women’s football teams have been a force to be reckoned with, having won three titles between them and finishing as runners-up at least five times.
The UWC women’s football team will be under the spotlight as the reigning champions of Varsity Women Football and a strong contender for the HollywoodBets Super League – the top women’s football league in the country.
They are currently second on the log standings of the Super League.
Coach Thinasonke Mbuli said that close to two thirds of her squad are new players, and it would be unfair to put pressure on them.
“We are going to the tournament with 60% of new players, so it will be unjust from our side to expect them to win,” she said.
“Yes, we want to win the title back-to-back, but at the same time, we mustn’t put unnecessary pressure on the new, young players. We have played in the finals many times and would love to win it again. It will be tough because we have a new team, but that’s the dream.”
The Varsity Football Women’s tournament, which UWC also won in 2021 and finished as runners-up in three times, will be hosted at the Tshwane University of Technology — the same venue where UWC triumphed last year — from 26 to 29 July. The final will take place on 9 August at a venue to be confirmed.
The UWC men’s football team will kick off their varsity football campaign on 25 July, aiming to improve on their semi-final loss last year.
Unlike the women’s category, where round-robin matches occur in one venue, the men will play home and away fixtures, with UWC hosting five of the seven clashes in the mini-league.
Coach Dr Lwando Mdleleni said the mood is settled in the camp, and his boys are focused as they complete the finishing touches to their preparations.
He said the aim is to improve their results by using the experience of losing in the penalty shootouts of their semi-finals.
“I think last year we were very naïve in some instances, both in terms of coaching and players’ perspectives. We have gathered the much-needed experience and depth in knowledge to propel us. Moreover, this year we have five home games – giving us a competitive edge,” he said.
Dr Mdleleni revealed that UWC has some exciting players they had brought in to bolster the squad, such as top talents Siyanda Mabhadi and Vuyani Ncontsa, to mention just a few.
“One thing we are looking forward to is to make our fans proud. We owe them a moment to rejoice. A lot is happening in our institution, and we have a role in bringing enthusiasm and excitement to the UWC faithful,” he said.
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