Tuks coach Maud Khumalo wants to end TUT’s dominance in the Varsity Football women’s tournament.
Only two teams, UJ and TUT, have lifted the trophy – UJ in 2013 and TUT every year from 2014 to 2019.
Khumalo believes her Tuks team can join that illustrious company in 2021.
‘We have to break the cycle. We cannot have one team winning all the time. Six consecutive years is a lot. It has to change.’
Khumalo, who holds Caf A and B and Uefa B coaching licences, started working with the Tuks team at the end of 2018.
Tuks are in Group A with DUT, TUT and Wits. They kick off their campaign with a Tshwane derby against TUT at Tuks Stadium on 29 September (18:00, SuperSport Variety 4, channel 209).
Khumalo says her players have prepared well and are not scared of TUT.
‘We are focused and looking forward to the tournament. We have not played for a long time due to the lockdown. Some players graduated and we made a few changes to the team.
‘Someone needs to end TUT’s dominance and we can be that team. Mental strength will be key when we play them in our first game.’
Khumalo says being tournament hosts in a bio-bubble could work for or against Tuks.
‘It’s our first time in the bubble. I’m worried about the recovery time as we play almost every day.
‘The derby against TUT could also finish our girls,’ she adds. ‘The rivalry is intense. Players take it personally and think they have a point to prove, which results in a physical and tense derby.’
PLAYER TO WATCH
Morongwa Manamela is a versatile, two-footed footballer. She is quick-witted with the ball and a great passer. The TuksSport graduate has represented South Africa at U17, U20 and senior levels.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Mapaseka Mpuru played for SA U17, SA U20 and Banyana Banyana. In 2019, she was called up to the Banyana squad for the Fifa Women’s World Cup in France.
- Morongwa Manamela captained the SA U17 and U20 teams.
- Nthabiseng Patience Mlotshwa featured in the U17 World Cup qualifiers.
TEAM FACT FILE
Nickname: Tuks
Province: Gauteng
Appearances: Seven (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Biggest win: 6-0 against CUT (2019)
Biggest loss: 5-1 against TUT (2016)
2021 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Mapaseka Mpuru, Mamello Lesesa
Defenders: Gretel Buttress, Relebogile Favourite Phala, Thandokazi Chithi
Midfielders: Morongwa Manamela (captain), Kwenadi Rethabile Makhwela, Lesedi Petlane, Mmakhogotso Rose Mashishi, Nomhle Skosana, Thando Khubeka, Nthabiseng Patience Mlotshwa, Thembelihle Malatjie, Olwethu Tetyana, Hope Prudence Wairimu, Betty Mallela
Strikers: Wendy Shongwe, Siphokazi Bophela
2021 Varsity Football women’s fixtures
By Charles Baloyi
Photo: Reg Caldecott/TuksSport
