TUT has dominated the Women’s Varsity Football tournament like no other, clinching six of the eight titles on offer, but had a disappointing campaign by their standards last year.
The Tshwane University of Technology unveiled former SA U17 coach Simphiwe ‘Shorty’ Dludlu as their new coach ahead of last year’s campaign, taking over from former Banyana Banyana coach Anna Monate, who is now with UJ.
However, things didn’t go according to plan and TUT only finished third in their group, missing out on the semi-finals for the first time.
Following the disappointment from 2021, the team enters this year’s edition with a new technical team around head coach Christina Kutumela, who is eager to bring the trophy back to Tshwane. “We are looking forward to the tournament and want to bring the trophy back,” Kutumela told Varsity Football.
“The preparations have gone well, we’ve had everyone available from the squad and came up with a strategy that we believe will do wonders for us.”
TUT are again paired with the University of Pretoria Tuks, Wits University and the Durban University of Technology in Group A, kicking their campaign off against DUT, who they beat 7-0 in 2021.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Yolisa Ntsabo – A dangerous striker, who is doing well tactically and also convinces with a strong shot.
Tshegofatso Aphane – A brilliant midfielder, with good technique in her kicking game. She is also the captain of the team.
DID YOU KNOW?
TUT has played in seven of eight Varsity Football women’s cup finals, losing the first against UJ in 2013 before winning the next six.
TUT play in the Hollywoodbets Super League and finished second behind Mamelodi Sundowns last season.
TEAM FACT FILE
Nickname: Red Army
Province: Gauteng
Appearances: Eight (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021)
Titles: Six (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Biggest win: 4-0 against UJ (2017)
Biggest loss: 7-0 against DUB (2021)
2022 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Thando Sitole, Nelly Nhlapo, Valencia Ntwayagae
Defenders: Dineo Sharol Ramaoka, Nokuthula Tshuma, Lebogang Chuma, Phumza Tshangisa, Kopano Mokwela
Midfielders: Tshegofatso Aphane (captain), Tshegofatso Motlogelwa, Thandeka Wandile Maluleka, Reneilwe Mogale, Sarah-Jane Ndhlovu, Glenny Mafikeng, Botsiba Confidence Lebea, Ayanda Princess Masina, Tsholofelo Hope Ngako
Strikers: Nombulelo Khumalo, Johanna Ramanna, Khothatso Lerooibaki, Yolisa Ntsabo, Rethabile Mohlouao
TECHNICAL TEAM Head coach: Christina Kutumela First assistant coach: Vongani Shirinda Second assistant coach: Grace Somo Team manager: Mbali Jiyane Goalkeeper coach: Given Motsoeneng Physiotherapist: Leago Lethole Logistics manager/compliance officer: Khomotso Kganakga Technical Advisor: Sizwe Lucky Sibiya
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