Excitement in the air at UWC
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) will be looking to make home advantage count when they come up against the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in their Varsity Shield opener on Monday (kick-off 5pm).
FNB UWC head coach Deon Davids wants his side to hit the ground running with the help of some strong home support at the Bellville campus.
"Despite the fact that we know very little about our opponents, home advantage must count... we're hoping to get the people out in their numbers to support our team.
"As we get closer to the opening game there is more excitement in the air and we are looking forward to being as competitive as we can be," he told varsitycup.co.za.
So how exactly does one prepare to play against a team which is admittedly an unknown quantity?
Davids revealed: "The focus has got to be on doing what we want to do as well as possible. [And] then, in terms of your defence, you need to develop a sound defensive system in which the players can operate.
"Hopefully we will be able to adjust to what the opposition are offering," he added. "We had a practice session with the Western Province Amateur side last week which went very well."
However, the clash on Monday night will be just the start of a gruelling first week which will see UWC play three Varsity Shield games in seven days.
Davids has planned accordingly and believes the key will be to strike a balance between rotation and continuity.
He explained: "We have got to look at a rotation system in this competition, but it is also important that you keep some continuity. So, if we do make changes, it will be with that in mind.
"I definitely know who my best XV are," he added, "but it is about working around the injuries and the specific opposition that you are playing against."
By Michael de Vries
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