After a great season Neo Lebopa had in last year’s Varsity Football, UJ Head Coach, Karabo Mogudi announced that Neo Lebopa will wear the armband as captain for the 2022 Varsity Football season.

Lebopa expressed his feelings on the captaincy to do it for the badge, and for UJ as they have done it before. “All the pressure is on us now, so, let us go out there and defend our position. Many people count on us not to disappoint the University community,” said Lebopa.

Varsity Football: Please state your full name, the course you’re studying and a little bit about yourself.

Neo: My name is Neo Lebopa, a student-athlete at the University of Johannesburg and I’m studying BSc Hons Construction Project Management. Started playing football at the age of 5 and later fell in love with it at around the age of 12. I’m from a family with a good football background and great academics too. Sports and academic excellence is my biggest motivation.

Varsity Football: What does being the UJ 2022 Varsity Football Cup Captain means to you?

Neo: It means that I’ve been entrusted with leading the university to defend its title. I’ve been given the responsibility to guide, support and express all the necessary leadership skills required to ensure the team achieves its goals.

Varsity Football: How’s this year’s group different from that of last year?

Neo: This year’s group is much younger but yet as good as last year’s group. Last year’s group had a lot of experienced players as compared to the younger ones this year but despite age, everything else is pretty much the same.

Varsity Football: What kind of a leader are you?

Neo: I’m a present leader, one that’s very vocal and overprotective. I also like to give others a chance to lead, so I sometimes deliberately pass certain responsibilities to others so that they can learn how to lead as well. I am also accountable and supportive of my teammates.

Varsity Football: Do you think you are the right person for this role? Like why do you think the coach entrusted you to lead this year’s team?

Neo: Firstly, I’m naturally a leader, even when not placed in a position to lead, I always unconsciously take that responsibility upon myself. It’s something I was born with and I think the coaches have come to notice that. Secondly, it’s because of the experience I have in this tournament and how I’ve expressed leadership skills in the previous editions of the tournament. I am very vocal in the field of play and usually the one that coordinates most of the organisation on the field of play.

Varsity Football: Take me through your feelings when you won Varsity Football.

Neo: It was an amazing feeling, it felt great to have won the country’s most elite university football title. What made it extra special was that it was UJ’s first ever VF title and we were the history makers. We felt like heroes as we brought home something that has never been there before.

Varsity Football: are your expectations from your teammates this year?

Neo: I’m expecting everyone to work hard, and show great commitment and desire to defend our title. I’m expecting everyone to enjoy themselves, showcase their talents and represent UJ with the best conduct possible.

Varsity Football: Is there any message you would like to share with the Orange Army fans?

Neo: I’d kindly like to urge the Orange Army fans to keep believing in us, we might not have had the best start but we’re going to finish strong. They should continue supporting us because we’re nothing without them and we promise to represent them in the best way possible.