Live TV bonus for Fort Hare, UWC
The University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) were both handed a pleasant pre-season boost with the news that they will be playing in a televised curtain-raiser to the Varsity Cup double header at UCT’s Groote Schuur fields on Monday, February 2.
Up-and-coming universities, Fort Hare and UWC, will lock horns at 12.45pm on Monday – the opening day of the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International – before making way for Shimlas v NMMU at 2.45pm and a repeat of last year’s final, UCT v Maties at 4.45pm.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for both universities and a first, yet, again for us in the Varsity Cup,” said Varsity Cup Chairman Francois Pienaar.
“I can’t imagine that these two sides have played against each other before on live television… it’s another platform (for both sides) to showcase their universities and, of course, their rugby talents.
“Both teams have wonderful students and players, and they concentrate on all aspects of university life,” added Pienaar, “it will be great to see them lock horns before those two exciting Varsity Cup games at UCT!”
Dr Maya van Gent, from Fort Hare, expressed her delight at the confirmation that her team would take part in this SuperSport-televised curtain-raiser.
“It’s great exposure for us,” said Van Gent. “Sponsorship is a crucial part of modern day sport and this exposure will do us the world of good.
“We’ve invited a host of people to come and watch this game – including our alumni – so hopefully everybody will be able enjoy the day with us.”
Of course, Fort Hare came close to qualifying for the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, only to lose out in promotion/relegation games against Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) late last year.
However, this match against against UWC is another opportunity for Fort Hare to show they belong in the ‘big league’.
“It is a step closer,” agreed Van Gent, “but I’m not worried about getting into the Varsity Cup – I’m worried about staying in the tournament and giving a good account of ourselves.
“The Varsity Cup is a tough competition and I want us to be ready for it should we get the chance to take that step up.”
Monday’s fixtures at Groote Schuur:
University of Fort Hare v UWC, kick-off 12.45pm
Shimlas v NMMU, kick-off 2.45pm
UCT v Maties, kick-off 4.45pm
* All matches will be televised live on SuperSport
