Varsity Football
All About Mental Toughness For UWC

UWC will host their first ever semifinal and they could not be better prepared, however, it is their mental state that will determine their success on the night.
The Cape side have by far been the form side of the competition and are the favourites to progress to the final but it will come down to how they approach the game and handle the level of expectation that will determine their ultimate destiny.
"I can only motivate the guys to a certain extent. There comes a time when it is all up to the players to motivate themselves and let their drive and ambition take over. Everyone is certainly eager and want to achieve success in the match but it is going to come down to how tough they are mentally.
"At this stage of the competition, everyone is fit. Fitness cannot and should not be a concern. It is simply up to the individuals to determine exactly what they want," UWC head coach Salie Adams said.
The coach went on to add that there is never satisfaction when it comes to preparing for such a critical match as a coach will always have a bit of doubt as to whether or not the squad has gone through enough.
Small niggles are a cause for concern for UWC but despite that, Adams knows he has a massive task on his hands to select the best team.
"I have a few concerns with niggles to a few players but, as you can imagine, everyone wants to be involved in the game. I have spoken to the squad and made them understand that not everyone will be able to take part in the match but it is good to see everyone is this focused for the encounter," he added.
Weather conditions could play its role in determining the outcome of the match as rain has been predicted and has been plaguing Adams during the week.
"The weather conditions and the playing surface will certainly play a factor in this match. Strangely enough, we have not had rain at any of our home fixtures thus far. Our only experience of it was in Port Elizabeth against the Madibaz and that was only a heavy field.
"So it [the weather] has definitely been on my mind and hopefully we can adjust quickly if it happens to rain," he stated.
