NWU are out to prove that their maiden Varsity Football title in 2019 was no fluke.

The Noble Boys lifted the trophy two years ago after Lindani Nkabinde’s goal propelled his side to a famous 1-0 victory over TUT in the final.

Having not taken place in 2020 due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Varsity Football will make its eagerly-awaited return in a bio-bubble at the University of Pretoria on 8 September. The Noble Boys will begin the defence of their title against UJ (18:00, SuperSport Football, DSTV channel 205).

NWU coach Karabo Masehela has warned their opponents in the tightly contested men’s competition to underestimate them at their own peril. While their provincial rivals, TUT and hosts Tuks, are the favourites on paper, Masehela is full of confidence.

‘There is an air of optimism in our camp,’ the 31-year-old tells VarsitySportSA.com. ‘Our pre-season preparations have gone well. We played in high-profile friendlies against teams from the GladAfrica Championship and Botswana. We are bringing tactical discipline, intensity and resilience to this year’s competition. We want to be a hard team to beat.’

While few expect NWU to repeat their historic 2019 title-winning feat, Masehela insists they are not here to make up the numbers in 2021.

‘We will shock the neutrals again,’ he warns. ‘We are a team on a mission. We will not surrender our title without a fight.’

Masehela believes the pressure is on pre-tournament favourites TUT and Tuks, while his team has little to lose and everything to gain.

He is concerned about the long break between tournaments and admits there is a big difference between playing friendlies and competitive football, but doesn’t expect that to influence the way they will play in Varsity Football.

‘You can expect champagne football from us,’ says the man who holds a CAF C coaching license. ‘Beautiful football matters to us. We are a well-oiled machine and we are obsessed with beautiful football.’

PLAYER TO WATCH

Banele Hlophe is a dangerous centre-forward, who is deadly in front of goal and a defender’s worst nightmare. The 25-year-old is unpredictable, quick and has a strong aerial presence. He is an energetic player, who can score off both feet and averages one goal per game.

DID YOU KNOW?

• NWU surprisingly failed to qualify for the 2015 Varsity Football tournament.

• They had a development partnership with Mamelodi Sundowns.

• Players who signed for professional teams before 2019 include Thabo Mnyamane (Marumo Gallants), Shane April (TS Sporting), Xola Mlambo (AmaZulu), Orebotse Mongae (Platinum City Rovers), Thapelo Tlabakwe (Security Syst, Botswana), Tebogo Mokgobo (Hungry Lions) and Luzuko Jevuka (Mbombela United).

• After the 2019 Varsity Football tournament, three players signed professional contracts with Premier Soccer League and GladAfrica teams: Kagiso Ramadivhane (Jomo Cosmos FC), Lindani Nkabinde (Baroka FC) and Mandisi Gadla-Baroka FC.

TEAM FACT FILE

Nickname: Noble Boys
Province: North West
Appearances: Six (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Titles: 1 (2019)
Biggest win: 4-3 against UWC (2016)
Biggest loss: 2-6 against UJ (2016)
Most goals scored: 11 (2019)
Most goals conceded: 8 (2019)

2021 SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Athi Johannes, Lesedi Mokwena, Kamogelo Matane
Defenders: Tshepiso Mahlangu, Wandile Luvuno, Kutlwelo Mothapa, Lesego Motsepe, Kananelo Motsoeneng (captain), Bongani Taaibosch
Midfielders: Danny Mongaoto, Phallang Mokhina, Thabang Majoro, Lesiba Mahlong, Israel Matshane, Kago Ntefane, Omphile Shuping, Tsholofelo Mokwena, Katleho Tsotetsi, Andile Duma
Strikers: Adam Fynn, Kgothatso Ngubeni, Banele Hlophe

TECHNICAL TEAM

Coach: Karabo Mesehela
Assistant coach: Clifford Shale
Team manager: Lawrence Mosala
Physio: Thabiso Ramakgolo
Goalkeeper coach: Leandro Epalanga
Strength and conditioning coach: Rangaka Mogotsi
Compliance officer: Azania Moshushu

2021 Varsity Football fixtures

By Charles Baloyi

Photo: Varsity Sports