UJ calls on public to back their boykies
A packed 10 000-seater UJ stadium expected during home games.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is calling on the community to be draped in orange and
arrive in big numbers when their Varsity Cup team plays at home during this year’s FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
While they have little control over the UJ supporters to attend away games, it will be a different story at home in Joburg. For this purpose the University implemented a “Rugby that Rocks” campaign.
UJ kicks off their Varsity Cup venture away from home this coming Monday 3 February in Pretoria against the defending champions Tuks. Their first home game is only on Monday evening 10 February against the FNB Madibaz.
FNB UJ will host four home games during the Monday-evening competition, which is when the suburb of Westdene is expected to be awash with orange as supporters fill the 10 000-seater UJ Stadium.
UJ sport events manager Niamh Faherty says the made-for-television tournament epitomises 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,” Niamh says.
“Every year the UJ team builds on the last. There will be epic pyrotechnics, amazing rugby and a show that won’t be forgotten easily.”
She says the “back your boytjies” message was central to the idea of building community pride in the local university team.
“Our efforts are focused on helping them to 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 through which we 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 evening.”
Niamh says fans once again will have the chance to “back their beauties” as the finalists vie for the Miss Varsity Cup title.
“And of course there are the cheerleaders – I personally shall 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.”
She says Hoepie, the official team mascot, also will entertain the crowds with his smooth dance moves while Prof, the Varsity Cup mascot, tries to keep up.
“Prof is never very far from Hoepie; his dance skills are not quite at the same level but Hoepie never would dare take him on at general knowledge!”
Faherty says road closures in conjunction with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department will be implemented again on match days.
“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 says only residents displaying their official 2014 residents’ passes will be able to get through the roadblocks.
“UJ would like to thank the Westdene community for their assistance. We are offering them free tickets to the games as a token of our appreciation for their patience and understanding.”
Niamh says the residents’ passes and free tickets will be available from the UJ Sport Events office and will be distributed to the surrounding community before the start of the tournament.
The remaining home fixtures are against FNB Wits (February 17 at 5pm), FNB UCT (March 3 at 7pm) and FNB Maties (March 10 at 7pm). Gates open at 4pm. Tickets cost R20 and are available at all UJ gymnasia and the UJ Unlimited shop. They can be purchased at the UJ Stadium on match day as well.
For more information, email niamhf@uj.ac.za or visit www.uj.ac.za. Alternatively, follow @UJ_Sport or find UJ Sport on facebook.
Road closures are in effect from 3pm on Monday afternoon at these intersections:
Motor Street and 1st Street, Ararat Street and 1st Street, Lancaster Road and Aberdeen Street, Lewes Road and Motor Street, Ararat Street and Lewes Road, Lewes Road and Tenby South Street, Seymour Street and Thornton Road, Stafford Street and Thornton Road, Park Lane South and Dover Street, Park Lane North and 4th Avenue, Monmouth Road and 4th Avenue, Aberdeen Street and Warwick Road, Glasgow Road and 4th Avenue, and Maldon Road and Avalanche Street.
