Two male players from the Tshwane University of Technology’s 2018 Varsity Football squad have secured professional contracts with Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Baroka FC.
According to Kegoikantse Kgomo a Senior Sport organiser, 24 year old central defender Vusi Sibiya was offered a two year contract with a two-year extension option while the 21 year old goal keeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube got a four years offer with the club. Kgomo said they are proud that their football is making positive strides in improving the image of the university.
“This is surely good news and the boys deserve the opportunity. Thanks to coach Bushy Moloi and his team for unveiling this talent. We know where they come from and they will surely represent us well going forward, we wish them all of the best,” he added.
This follows TUT’s overwhelming performance in this year Varsity Football competition away from home, where the two players made a significant contribution. Sibiya was a marvel to watch in the heart of defence for coach bushy Moloi, while Ncube was the fans’ darling with his tactical ball handling and distribution skills in the tournament.
In an exclusive interview Vusi said, this is a good move for him and he is happy to have signed with Baroka FC because it is participating in top flight football. He said although this came as a surprise to him, but people have always told him that he deserves a PSL contract. The Soshanguve-born sweeper said his height and the fact that he can help Baroka to defend and score set pieces might be the reason he was offered this opportunity.
“I would like to let other players to know that patience, dedication and hard work is a key to success, both on and off the field. A lot of people had been telling me that I deserve a PSL contract but that didn’t get to my head instead it encouraged me to work harder,” he said.
Sikhumbuzo said, this is all thanks to God the almighty. He said prayer, humility and hard work is the recipe that yielded these results for him. “This didn’t come as a surprise to me because I just knew that this is my year. After winning four real save awards, one moment of brilliance and a match of the man award, I just knew that this is God’s timing and it is always perfect,” Sikhumbuzo added.
Coach Bushy said he thanks the People’s University, University Sports South Africa (Football), Varsity Football and sponsors for affording everyone an opportunity to display their talent. “Indeed these two have played very well and what a blessing for them to sign for a PSL team,” Bushy said.
Shadrack Nthangeni, Director of Sport and Recreation said, the Directorate will continue to make sure that they create opportunities for students to showcase their talent at the highest possible level.
“We are really pleased and also excited that we managed to provide opportunities for our players,” he added.
By Mokete Radebe
