A combination of demanding study schedules and commitment to other clubs has made it difficult for defending Varsity Football champions UWC to find enough time to train together and is contributing to the side’s poor performance this year.
The Bellville-based side are still winless in 2016 after they have shared the spoils in all four games so far – the latest draw a 1-1 stalemate away at the University of Fort Hare on Monday. They find themselves in fifth position in the log standings with three games remaining in the round-robin stage. The team need to finish fourth to secure a semi-final spot.
The team comprises of mainly players who are registered with clubs in the National First Division, Motsepe League and SAB League, and most of their clubs are involved in pre-season trainings, making it difficult to release their players for UWC.
“The guys have commitments with other clubs and they are starting pre-season training and other guys have classes until late. So, we only really only have Fridays to practice with the whole team,” explains Coach Salie Adams.
Adams also attributed the team’s winless streak to the fact that the new and first year players are still adjusting to the new team dynamics and routines. “The challenge for the team is for the seasoned and new players to come together as one cohesive unit,” he says.
According to Adams, the team have been fighting to get the points his players understand that they are playing for more than just a title and a cup. “Being Varsity Football winners brings honour and prestige to the university at large and to the students, staff and fans who cheer them on.”
Adams believes his task now is to find just the right combination of players to bag all three points when his side host fourth-placed UJ at UWC Sport Stadium on Monday 15 August 2016. UWC are one point shy of their opponents and a win will put them in the top four.
UWC starting XI: Renald Leaner, Clinton Herwel, Akhona Bonga, Keenan Davis, Nhlanhla Manana, Kwanele Nocanda, Ryan Steer, Thulani Mkosi, Josh Silent, Phiwokuhle Mphalala, Masibulele Maseti
Subs: Brent Layman, Suhayl Allie, Lwando Ngqwemla, Aghmat Ceres, Andile Phango, Akhona Cawe, , Giovani Gaffoor
By Zandile Bangani
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