Varsity Cup a revolution - Mbalula
University of Pretoria crushed Nelson Mandela University 4-1 in the final of the Football Varsity Cup played at the Tuks Stadium last night. Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula hailed the impact of the competition in its maiden year.
University of Pretoria crushed Nelson Mandela University 4-1 in the final of the Football Varsity Cup played at the Tuks Stadium last night. Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula hailed the impact of the competition in its maiden year.
"I'm very much excited about this competition. It is indeed a revolution for football at the level of Varsity," he says.
"The standard of football has been so good, it is almost at the level of the PSL and if I could, I would sign all this players, (to PSL clubs).
The sponsors must put their money where it's supposed to be and that's in sports. We've seen how young people support the game and at the same time it breeds healthy minds."
The minister's words were echoed by Former Leeds United and Bafana Bafana captain, Lucas "Rhoo" Radebe.
"The competition is the best thing to have happened to our football at this level," he said.
"I've watched a lot of games & they have been great. The excitement it brings as well. Obviously the standard can still improve going forward.
"The aim for competitions like these is to become a feeder base to our national teams and PSL clubs as well. I've seen a lot for talent here and some of them have what it takes to make it far in their careers.
Thabo Mnyamane of North-West University has earned himself a contract with AmaTuks to play in the Absa Premiership as a result of the competition. Rhoo outlined the qualities Mnyamane needs to make it in football and highlighted the importance of education.
"He must know that it will be even more hard work in the PSL. It takes a lot of commitment and sacrifices to make it. It's up to him if he wants to play at the highest level.
"It's good that students play football while at university because education is key. It's good to have something to fall back on when your playing days are over. it's something that's lacking in our PSL players."
- Jacasport