Despite having several crucial injuries in his side, UWC head coach Lwando Mdleleni will be looking to fire UWC into the finals of Varsity Football 2024 on Thursday. The 2015 champions were the only team to beat Tuks in the round robin stages and will be on the hunt to repeat their success of round 5 where they picked up a 2-1 away win in Pretoria.
Lwando and his technical team have made some players in the team one of the most sought-after young players in the tournament.
UWC have not shown their usual defensive solidity this season with growing suggestions that they need to close the back door especially during the crucial times. However, they have also been scoring with their lanky striker Leandro De Sousa hitting the back of the net and captain Damian Overmeyer coming in handy.
With all the challenges coach Mdleleni is adamant and remains optimistic ahead of Thursday’s crucial match against UP-Tuks.
“The round-robin stage was a key element in our season's development. We consistently improved with each match, learning valuable lessons from the games where we dropped points. Those experiences have prepared us well for the intensity and demands of the knockout stage. Our primary goal from the start was to reach the semifinals, and now that we are here, we are eagerly anticipating this challenge,” the positive coach said.
The last match against VUT is now a thing of the past and Mdleleni understands that. He said while his team might have won their previous encounter against Tuks, the team cannot afford to focus on that result.
“It’s behind us now, and this upcoming match presents a completely new challenge. The stakes are much higher, with everything to play for, so we are approaching this game with a fresh mindset and strategy,” he said.
“After our match against VUT, we immediately shifted our focus to preparations for this game. We have developed a comprehensive plan, and right now, our efforts are centred on ensuring everyone fully buys into it and that the players understand it deeply.”
All that is left now is for him and his medical team to deal with the few injuries they have and be ready to fight for the results that if they win will see them play the final at their home turf.
Fixtures HERE
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