Semi-final preview: NWU vs UFS

Second on the log NWU will host 3rd placed UFS at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium in the second semi-final of the 2024 Varsity Football this Thursday, 12 September at 7.15pm. It's a very evenly matched contest on paper, but the Blues hold the psychological advantage of having beaten the Eagles 3-1 in the opening round of the season. NWU will be looking to avenge that loss and will no doubt be spurred on by the what is sure to be packed out home ground at the Slaughter House.

Semi-final head to head stats:

Nothing significant seperating the two when it comes to form and stats with the Eagles scoring one more goal and keeping the most clean sheets in the tournament so far. The Mahikeng side have also lifted the trophy once before so will be looking to return to the glory days of 2019. UFS were finalists in 2021, but lost to UJ.

Previous match-up: (round 1 on 25 July)

In their round robin fixture it was UFS who travelled to Mahikeng and stunned the Eagles 3-1 at the Slaughter House.

A high tempo game that saw Obakeng Seeikoei rise above the NWU defenders in the 24th min to deliver a powerful header into the back of the net, giving the visitors an early lead.

NWU struggled to find their rhythm and paid the price for a defensive error just before halftime. A miscalculated clearance allowed UFS captain Boy Rantsoti to seize the opportunity by skillfully maneuvering past the remaining defenders to extend UFS's lead.

The second half saw NWU come out with renewed determination and their efforts paid off in the 54th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Reatlegile Kgosithebe, stepped up and confidently converted the penalty.

UFS regained their composure and continued to apply pressure that lead to a penalty. Boy Rantsoti took responsibility and calmly placed the ball into the net, securing his second goal of the match.

Coaches thoughts:

NWU head coach Nkululeko Khwezilomso Malgas - “As much as we lost against them in our first match, this is a new game on a new day. It’s a different round of the competition, and we are ready. The players now understand each other better, and the belief among them has grown significantly."

UWC head coach Tebogo Motsamai - “We won’t be going there with the mindset of having beaten them before. They’ve had six games since then, and they have shown that they have improved. It’s not by mistake they are there, or that we are there. But this is our year to take the cup, and we will deal with one game and then the next.”

Don't miss the semi-final live on SuperSport.

Tickets HERE.