CUT ready to make Free State proud

The struggles of CUT to assemble a competitive squad for the 2023 Varsity Football tournament are not deterring them from the lofty goal of reaching the semi-finals.

They have had a torrid time in putting together a squad as a great number of players didn’t meet the credit requirements to be able to compete.

This has however not dampened the spirits of what is essentially the new boys on the block heading into this year’s competition and they are determined to make their tertiary institution in Bloemfontein and indeed also the whole of the Free State proud.

CUT reached the semi-finals in their debut Varsity Football season in 2016 and repeated the feat a year later.

CUT coach Benny Rakometsi concedes they have had their challenges in preparing for their campaign. However, he is adamant his team will give it their all as they want to make use of this golden opportunity to measure themselves against the very best.

“Most of our players we had been preparing with didn’t meet the 60 credit requirement [to participate in the tournament], so we are going to be playing with a new team altogether. It is going to be tough, but we are ready to give it our best in each and every game.

“Our target for the season is to make sure that we at least qualify for the semi-finals. We know that we are going to be up against the very best universities, but we will try our best.”

CUT will get to play in a historic derby against UFS towards the backend of the round-robins, and Ramoketsi says they are looking forward to the encounter.

“We are going to play in a derby, with CUT up against UFS, and I think this is definitely going to be very exciting.”

CUT 24-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Xolane Valashiya, Badlezane Athenkosi.

Defenders: Simo Ndlovu, Khotso Mphene, Pogiso Dikole, Phumo Lehakoe, Kabelo Mofokeng, Keletso Khumalo, Iefa Motlatsi,

Midfielders: Tumelo Mothabeng, Mpho Bartman, Mzemele Siyabonga, Edward Tshabalala, Matala Malefetsane, Karabo Monyane, Ngcobo Mpho.

Forwards: Oratile Mothibedi, Lehlohonolo Nkaekae, Tisetso Mpholoana, Mbonisani Ngwenya, Pule Thekiso, Jaden Bontes,

CUT gets their campaign underway on Thursday 27 July against UWC at CUT Park (18:30).