UP-Tuks Mens Football are gunning for glory as they return to top flight university football competition. The Pretoria outfit makes a return in the 2024 Varsity Football after failing to qualify for the 2023 edition.
Nicholas Stothard’s troops are prepared to put aside last season’s absence and chase their fourth title and equal their rivals TUT who are the defending champions.
“Obviously we missed last year’s Varsity Football and that was due to a number of reasons. The qualification is quite a gruelling process, the USSA we attended in Secunda in 2022 there were a number of issues the tournament wasn’t really completed,” said Stothard.
“Unfortunately, we found ourselves out of the top eight that qualified in the 2023 edition, also the seeding was unheard of as there were four Varsity Football teams in one group.
“Not qualifying affected us deeply because it was the first time we held a record of a team that always qualified. It gave us added motivation to come out stronger.” AmaTuks are set to return armed with experienced players like Tshepiso Mahlangu who won the competition with NWU.
“With regards to returning players, we’ve got a number of players we have the likes of Atlegang Masemola, our captain Tshiamo Mokoena, Edward Rankwe and Raymond Matlamela,” he said.
Tuks will begin their campaign with a tricky fixture as they will play hosts to VUT.
“We have five home games as DUT do not have a host venue, we need to be comfortable playing at home in front of our fans and create a fortress. VUT are a tough opponent the last time we played them we won 2-0 but we scored late. They are a ball-playing team and I think with their experience in Varsity Football they are aiming for top four but we are looking forward to the clash.
“We don’t usually start against them so we need to make sure we are prepared for it and start the season with three points.” concluded Stothard.
UP-Tuks Provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Koketso Mokou, Jayden Van Der Walt.
Defenders: Atlegang Masemola, Khothatso Balepile, Goitseone Phasha, Edward Rankwe, Tshepiso Mahlangu, Nkosana Shabalala.
Midfielders: Languta Mavunda, Paballo Mamabolo, Camagu Mdevulana, Tshiamo Mokoena, Joshua Wood, Quintin Stokes-Waller, Sthembiso Mzila, Raymond Matlamela, Reagile Langa, Lindokuhle Mthimkhulu, Matome Rangata, Njabulo Dlamini, Samkelo Ngodela.
Forwards: Ntokozo Madela, Mnqobi Mkhize, Ofentse Mosupi.
UP-Tuks kick off their campaign against VUT on Thursday 25 July at TUT Stadium (18:30).
Full Fixtures: HERE.
Tickets HERE.
By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego
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