Improved fitness program give UJ the edge in this seasons Varsity Football

Fitness, the secret behind UJs amazing start to their Varsity Footbal campaign.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is having a wonderful in 2018s edition of the Varsity Football tournament.

The boys in orange currently occupy second position on the log and have won two of their first three matches and drawing their third to remain undefeated.

Both wins are impressive as they destroyed the University of Limpopo 7–1 in their opening fixture and went on to give Wits University the edge as they beat them 2–1 in their local derby.

These results are the product of UJ’s strong commitment to an extensive fitness programme according to Joel Kgokong, UJ soccer manager.

He said, “Much of this can be put down to the programme we have in place under one of the sports scientists, Sereeta Miles, who has managed the fitness of the players very well.”

This was the type of start UJ was dreaming of during the pre-season and now they are making it a reality.

Kgokong realised that the team’s future success could be in the hands of their fitness during the University Sports South Africa winter games in July. He said, “Maintaining fitness is one of the challenges we have had.

“But that’s what we have managed to achieve and Sereeta has been able to get the players to peak fitness for this tournament, so that is definitely one of the reasons why we have been able to perform better.”

UJ is aiming high this year as they are tired of ending the season without any silverware.

Kgokong said, “We are tired of making the semi-finals and sometimes losing in the final so there is a real focus on trying to win the tournament this year. We have several players with a fair amount of experience because they have been part of Varsity Football since 2014.”

This renewed enthusiasm and strong sense of urgency, and the fitness programme make the team believe that 2018 will be their year to finally lift the trophy.

Kgokong cautioned the players and fans to remember that there is still a long way to go before they can celebrate.

He said, “We are not in a rush and do not think we are going to beat everyone else. For each match, we have a plan in place and make sure that we come out with at least a point, or preferably three. If we can do that, once we reach match five we will be on track to secure a spot in the semi-finals.”

UJ will attempt to continue their form as they next face the University of KwaZulu Natal on 16 August.