With the clock starting to tick towards kickoff for the 2023 Varsity Football tournament, it is time for the top university talent to step onto the field, showcase their talents and chase their dreams.
These are the players of each team to watch over the next nine weeks.
UJ – Advocate Mokwena
If there's one player to watch in the middle of the park for UJ this year, it has to be Advocate Mokwena. Also known as "Advo", he managed to walk away with three man of the match awards during last year’s campaign. He is pulling the strings in midfield for the Orange Army with his incredible ability to create goal-scoring opportunities as well as stability, indeed a team player and a leader both on and off the pitch.
TUT – Neo Ramphisa
Attacking midfielder Neo Ramphisa can certainly be regarded as the hungriest player in the TUT camp. His versatility and reading of the game is one aspect TUT will utilise in their attacking plays with his passing accuracy and speed playing an important part. The agile midfielder can further play as a supporting striker and also drop back to help in defence.
NWU – Heaven Sereetsi
Keep an eye out for Heaven Sereetsi, a rising star for NWU with the versatility to operate on either side of the field as an attacking winger. His exceptional football skills have earned him top awards such as Best Player in the North West ABC Motsepe league. As a pivotal player for NWU, his contributions will be vital to the team’s success in Varsity Football.
UFS – Aphiwe Zulu
The time to shine for Aphiwe Zulu in Varsity Football is now. The hard-working UFS defender has been installed as captain and he is sure to lead by example, being hugely instrumental in helping the side reach back-to-back semi-finals. While Zulu is rock-solid in defence, he also knows how to score goals, earning him an accolade as UFS Football's Most Valuable Player of the Year.
CUT – Simo Ndlovu
The player tipped to excel for CUT this season is centre back Simo Ndlovu. As part of the last line of defence, Ndlovu has one of the most important roles to fill on the park. Even more than that though, he has been given the added responsibility of leading the team in this year’s competition. Apart from being a strong defender, Ndlovu also possesses some noteworthy aerial skills.
UFH – Sinobumu Kapase
Lethal striker Sinobomu Kapase will be the UFH player to keep an eye on. Despite his tiny stature, he has all the skills and talent one could possibly want in a striker as well as the strength to take on strong defenders. Kapase’s work ethic is of the highest standard and he leads by example, being part of the team’s setup for the last five years.
UWC - Shuaib Martin
Shuab Martin brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the UWC side this season, knowing exactly what is at stake. His ability to keep the rest of the team composed and steer them in the right direction this season will be the key. Martin is a classic example of the football adage – your side can be a good striking force but if their midfield isn't functioning well, there's no way you can win matches, it all starts in the middle of the park.
VUT – Thabiso Moeketsi
VUT is ready and rearing to go in this year’s Varsity Football tournament thanks to an intense training programme that included game preparation and in the last final days some crucial speed work. One man that is going to literally put his body on the line in the team’s lofty ambitions of reaching the semi-finals is goalkeeper Thabiso Moeketsi. His passion is without equal and he will indeed be the last man defending.
2023 fixtures HERE.
.png)
Comments