Semi-final preview: Tuks vs UWC

Logs leaders UP-Tuks are set to take on UWC at the Tuks Stadium in the first semi-final of the 2024 Varsity Football this Thursday, 12 September at 5pm. The Stripe Generation have only lost one game this season and it was against UWC in round 5. A missed penalty in the 85th minute denying Tuks the draw. The Pretoria based side have won the tournament 3 times, but missed out last year after failing to quality while UWC have only won it once previously and lost in last year's final on penalties to TUT.

Semi-final head to head stats:

Both teams hitting form when it matters and on paper UWC are the more attacking side scoring the most goals out of any team with Tuks solid in defence with the most clean sheets. Leandro de Sousa has been deadly in front of goal for UWC while Tuks will be looking to Samukelo Ngodela to add to his tally.

Previous match-up: (round 5 on 22 Aug)

In their round robin fixture it was UWC who travelled to Pretoria and handed Tuks their only defeat of the tournament so far and here's how the game played out.

Tuks were the first to show signs of attack, with Matome Rangata and Ntokozo Madela interchanging positions on the wings. Their aerial ball tactic didn’t pay off as UWC remained grounded and solid at the back. Tuks had two solid clear cut chances to take the lead.

UWC were relentless in attack and immediately capitalized on their chance through talisman Leandro De Sousa who tapped in a perfectly delivered cross after 34 minutes. They doubled their lead through captain Damian Overmeyer's sensational free kick.

In the 63rd minute, the home side were hunting and poaching to remain in the game as they pushed more numbers upfront. The Stripe Generation pulled one back from the penalty spot through captain Tshepiso Mahlangu when Rangata was brought in the box to make 2-1.  

The dramatic ending unfolded when the home side again were awarded a penalty on the 85th minute, again Mahlangu stepped up, but this time he failed to convert.

Coaches thoughts:

Tuks head coach Nicholas Stothard - “We need to take our chances against UWC. We need to strike the balance and make sure we are thorough in our pressing and also our defences structures. We were blessed with midfielders, we got captain Tshiamo Mokoena, Camagu Mdevulana, Matlamela, Sam Ngodela who can play on the left as well, Paballo Mamabolo and Joshua Wood who is our box to box player.”

UWC head coach Lwando Mdleleni  - “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 game against Tuks is 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."

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

Tickets HERE.