Varsity Football double derby to bring the heat

Four Varsity Football teams will fight for dominance at the Tuks Stadium this Thursday, when TUT take on NWU and UP-Tuks play UJ.

The first game will be current champions TUT (Tshwane University of Technology) taking on NWU (North-West University) followed by home side UP-Tuks playing Jozi giants UJ (University of Johannesburg).

TUT skipper Rorisang Rapelang is excited for the Double-header but is focused on earning their third consecutive win.

"It's a great for the growth of the tournament and Varsity Sports brand. Honestly, our focus is on the game at hand, we will enjoy the perks after doing the job on the field."

The unbeaten captain is feeling positive about their chances against NWU and believes defeating the Mahikeng-based side last year has given their opponents extra vigour.

"We are feeling good, we are optimistic of making the top four, but we are also aware that a great start doesn't guarantee anything. The games we won don't have anything to do with the upcoming games.

"We are expecting a tough game from NWU and we are expecting them to throw everything at us. Like our past opponents they will not be easy to beat, and the fact that we beat them last year will serve as an extra motivation for them to beat us."

NWU captain Maseka Patsheka believes the clash against TUT is personal.

"We are going into this game with every weapon that we have and we promise it is going to be one of the hottest Varsity Football games. It's very personal.

"They are the defending champions, so clearly they are doing something right, clearly they know how to grind and fight for results, so we looking to stop that, equally so they know the danger that we possess, they know they have to be as cautious if not more."

The culmination of the day will see UP-Tuks taking on UJ in their backyard. It's an important game for both sides as UP-Tuks and UJ are one win and one loss each two weeks into tournament and a win on Thursday would lift them to the higher echelons of the tournament log.

What adds extra gravity to this clash is that, in their history, UJ and UP-Tuks have drawn one game and each have won two games against each other, meaning whoever claims a win on Thursday will have the historical upper-hand.

UP-Tuks' inspirational captain, Simbongile Njokwe, is confident ahead of the game and explained they will be looking out for UJ's pace out-wide.

"We are excited for the upcoming game. The preparations have been going well, we just need to convert chances, that’s all.

"They have quick wingers. So, the team will need to look out for those long balls they will be playing."

The Varsity Football Double Derby kicks off with TUT versus NWU at 4pm CAT (SA, GMT+2) with UP-Tuks versus UJ at 6:15pm.

Catch the clashes live on SuperSport 4 & SuperSport 10 or buy your tickets at http://varsitysportssa.com.