UJ well prepared for FNB Varsity Cup

FNB UJ will host four home games during the Monday-night competition and the suburb of Westdene in Johannesburg is expected to be awash with orange as supporters fill the 10 000-seater UJ Stadium. The team kicks off its campaign with an away game against defending champions Tuks but will host FNB Madibaz on home soil on 10 February.

UJ sport events manager Niamh Faherty said the tournament epitomised everything that a sporting event should be, with fast-paced action on the field and quality entertainment on the sidelines. "The aim of the games is to get the community and students involved and to give them a fantastic sporting experience," said Faherty.

Not all about rugby

"Our efforts are focused on helping them get through to that final, which they have worked so hard for, but this event is not all about rugby. It's about the Pink Shorts campaign, which lets us stand up against women abuse, it's about the kids who get to watch their heroes up close and personal, and it's about grabbing an opportunity to experience all of this for two hours every Monday night."

Faherty said fans would once again have the chance to back their beauties as the finalists vied for the Miss Varsity Cup title. "And of course there are the cheerleaders - I would personally go to the games just to watch the skill and rhythm of this group. The UJ cheerleaders always bring it, and with new outfits, new routines and a new sponsor, it's Samsung UJ all the way."

Road closures

Road closures would again be implemented on match days in conjunction with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.

"We've done so for the safety and security of the community and spectators and have set up free parking in Kingsway Avenue and a shuttle service to assist the process." She said only residents displaying their official 2014 residents' passes would be able to get through the roadblocks.

The remaining home fixtures are against FNB Wits (17 February at 5:00pm), FNB UCT (3 March at 7:00pm) and FNB Maties (10 March at 7:00pm). Gates open at 4:00pm. Tickets cost R20 and are available at all UJ gymnasia and the UJ Unlimited shop, but can also be purchased at the UJ Stadium on match day.