The final countdown to the 2016 Varsity Football Final is here and in anticipation of the culmination of the competition, we look at the players who could have a massive impact on the final outcome.
First up, we take a closer look at the home team - Tshwane University of Technology - and briefly look at five players who have been key to their unbeaten run. The road to the final was pretty easy for the Pretoria students.
They claimed seven straight victories en-route to the semifinals before facing their toughest challenge of the competition. NWU-Mafikeng pushed them all the way but they showed their big match temperament to secure victory in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Here are five TUT players to keep your eye on!
Captain Fantastic
The old saying of "if you don't concede, you cannot lose" perfectly sums up the quality TUT has in defence. The person charged with leading that defensive structure is Elliot Seema and he has maintained a high standard of running a tight ship.
That leadership filters its way throughout the team as the team draws strength from the platform he helps to create in the centre of defence.
Set-piece Superstar
It is always expected that a tall player would be good in an aerial contest, however, it takes real skill and understanding to play to that strength. Being able to consistently use your height to your advantage becomes key and that it what TUT has in Sipho Sibiya.
The lanky defender has proved to be a massive threat on attack by using his lanky frame to easily rise above his opponents. But more than that, he knows how to find the back of the net when balls are whipped into the opponents' box.
The Engine
Every successful team has a player who works his socks off every second of the match. In Katlego Kgetjepe, TUT has a speedy midfielder who is not afraid to back himself and take the attack to his opposition.
With his speed comes silky skills but he is more than just an attacking player as he works exceptionally hard to assist in defence as well.
Midfield General
Plugging the gap between the defenders and midfielders with a strong, creative player not only helps to spark attacks from deep inside your own half but also provides an extra body in the defensive system.
Thabang Motau is that player in the TUT team who has a perfect understanding of his role in contributing to the team's overall success. It is clear to see when watching him, that he enjoys playing this beautiful game as a massive smile is usually seen on his face.
Goal Scorer Extraordinaire
Jacob Hlalele is one of the top scorers in the 2016 competition and is the heartbeat of TUT's strike force. TUT have managed to find the back of the net on 13 occasions in their seven league phase matches, with nearly half of those goals coming from Hlalele.
He has caused havoc against all the defenders he has come up against and found the back of the net with regularity, even when he is required to come off the bench to make an impact on the game.
