By Joe Lubasa
The time has come again where the highlight of the sports calendar year takes centre stage, as Leicester Varsity returns for another year as both De Montfort University and University of Leicester battle it out in a series of sports for the ultimate bragging rights.
After speaking to Matthew Hobson from the DMU Sports team, he spoke about his experience behind the scenes as it was his first varsity working to help prepare for the varsity series.
“There is quite a lot that goes into planning in terms of venues, timings, and days of fixtures which suit both DMU and UOL teams. And the other element is staffing and getting officials for all of those events as well.”
For many years, Varsity has delivered many memorable moments between the two universities and this year looks to be no different. The Men’s first team who are looking to progress into the midlands conference cup final are to face tough league opposition in Coventry in order to progress into the final as well as finishing strong in the league.
As well as the men’s first team, the 3s are also looking for domestic success as they chase the league title in their division, as well as looking strong ahead of the matchup against the Leicester 3s team where both teams have shared two fierce draws earlier on the season in the league.
Terrence Sibanda of the 1s team spoke about his personal experience playing varsity football, as well as his aspirations of breaking the losing streak which had eluded the first team squad of a win against Leicester 1s for the last few years.
“I’m most excited for the occasion. The fact that it’s varsity speaks for itself. Its always going to be the biggest game of the university football year. For me the bragging rights is what it’s all about because I have friends from UOL. It’s a game we’re always talking about.”
As well as looking forward to the football, Terrence spoke on other sports he was looking forward to watching.
“Other than football, I’m looking forward to basketball. That’s always a big event that people go to and its always a close game.”
Regarding basketball varsity, women’s team captain Talitha Okolo spoke about how she wanted to get one up on University of Leicester after winning one from the last three of the varsity series. She also touches on what varsity means to her as a whole.
“It’s a matter of preparation, and in training doing everything with a purpose so when it comes to games, we’re prepared for what’s about to happen. What excites me the most about the rivalry is the vibe and the atmosphere. During varsity, the crowd is going wild from both sides.
As said previously, basketball brings in a large audience and it should be no different this time round, seeing as Talitha, in her four years of study has only beaten University of Leicester once, she has extra motivation to close this chapter of her university experience with fond memories.
“Out of the years I’ve played women’s basketball, I remember beating Uni of Leicester once and that was in 2022. I get a bit anxious just because so many people come to watch but as long as I leave knowing I did my best, I’ve no reason to feel phased.”
Asides from her own sport, she spoke on other sports she was looking forward to watching.
“I’m looking forward to futsal. It’s a good sport to watch during Varsity, the other men’s basketball games and also the men and women’s volleyball.”
Photo by Elizabeth Dunne on Unsplash
