NWU will look to their home fans in Mafikeng for that extra boost as they try to make the Sports Stadium a fortress again this year.
Seen by many to be the tournament favorites, NWU have are already feeling early pressure after drawing 2-2 with last year’s Finalists – NMMU.
A late strike from Sifiso Ngwenya secured them a single point in Port Elizabeth, but coach Amos Xabanisa is expecting more as his team hopes to impressive their excitable fans.
Mafikeng campus’ home games quickly gained a reputation as being some of the best attended games in Varsity Football 2013.
With the NWU boys heading home for the first time in 2014 coach X, as he is affectionately known, knows the crowd will help his team lift their game.
The coach has decided to stick with the same team that did duty in the Eastern Cape stating that his team is correct – they just need a few tweaks.
“I will be sticking to the same line-up, though I will do some few tactical changes,” he said ahead of the clash.
“I had time to speak to the boys during this weeks training sessions.
“Rest assured our defense will be more organized and much better” said Coach X.
When asked about the pressure put on the team as one of the early tournament favorites Coach X was confident that his charges could soak it up.
“This team can handle pressure as shown in the second half of our first away game against NMMU.
“An additional factor is that majority of the matches of the tournament are going to be broadcast live.
“The boys are excited about this and are looking forward to showcase their talent on the national stage” enthused Coach X
“Our fans can expect good football, a fast passing game and a lot of flair”
The traveling UWC boys have been sweating on a number of key players; captain Cleo Popkas picked up a knee injury in their 2-2 draw with UJ along with Akhona Bonga (groin strain) and Josh Silent (hamstring).
Thankfully for the UWC students, their captain will be fit – but the other two will miss out. Jason Brown comes in for Bonga with Nxumalo Mxolisi slotting in on the bench for Silent.
UWC coach Aboobaker Williams has however called on the experience of Dane Crowie to start after he scored the late equalizer against UJ from a free kick.
Williams has made a further change with Chad Smith making way for Mookrey Mubeen, also on the bench.
Bubi Williams has always prided his team on their fitness, but he does feel that his guys may be feeling a little fatigued after playing in the Vodacom and the Castle leagues.
The clash in Mafikeng will be UWC’s second game on the road and having played in Johannesburg previously, but they will be hoping that the crowds further North are not too hostile to them.
Teams:
NWU: 1 Amogelang Maduo, 7 Sipho Mateis, 2 Lebogang Phetlhu (captain), 5 Kyle Amon, 20 Tseko Weevirs, 21 Lebogang Motshegare, 6 Sandile Mbatha, 15 Matsobane Matsi, 17 Letlhogonolo Mirwa, 10 Orebotse Mongae, 9 Tshenolo Machwisa.
Substitutes: 18 Thapelo Tlabakwe, 11 Lindani Dudula, 13 Thatohatsi Santos, 12 Mogomotsi Molefe, 25 Goitseone Naane, 3 Sifiso Ngwenya, 16 Calvin Ntshudisang.
UWC: 1 Reon October, 20 Kuhle Mpahlwa, 13 Keenan Davis, 24 David Morgan, 5 Cleo Pokpas, 23 Jason Brown, 7 Thulani Mklosi, 2 Vuyani Baloti, 9 Curley Beukes, 15 Wade Crowie, 10 Tapelo Sixishe.
Substitutes: 4 Dane Samaai, 22 Zuhlume Sinuka, 14 Mookrey Mubeen, 8 Nxumalo Mxolisi, 16 Siphosethu Pitoyi, 14 Ayanda Nkunkwana, 12 Phiwokuhle Mpalala.
Date: Monday, July 28
Venue: NWU Sports Ground, Mafikeng
Kick-off: 19.00 (televised live on Supersport 204 and 210)
