NWU-Mafikeng will be looking to knock defending champions UP-Tuks off their perch when the sides clash in a replay of last year’s semifinal.
The Pretoria students qualified for last year’s semifinal by beating their North West opponents 1-0 in Mafikeng before beating them again a week later, in Pretoria, on their way to claiming the inaugural title.
In this year’s encounter, NWU fought back from being 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw in Pretoria.
UP-Tuks coach Evangelos Vellios is happy his side has reached their first objective of getting into the semifinal phase of the competition and fully believes they will go all the way to retain their title.
“Our first objective was to qualify for the semifinal. Now that we have done it, there will be no stopping us going all the way,” he said.
NWU coach Amos Xabanisa is confident his side can break their duck against Tuks and is expecting an attacking game of football in an arena filled to brim with football crazy supporters.
“Everyone knows you can expect a huge crowd in Mafikeng. We have made provisions to get more seating into the stadium to accomodate an increase in the usual numbers. Hopefully we can attract close to 10 000 fans to the game,” he said.
NWU-Mafikeng Squad: 1 Amogelang Maduo, 7 Sipho Mateis, 2 Lebogang Phetlu, 5 Kyle Amon, 20 Tseko Weevris, 6 Sandile Mabatha, 15 Matsobane Matsi, 13 Thatohatsi Santos, 10 Orebotse Mongae, 9 Tshenolo Machwiswa, 11 Lindani Dudula, 16 Xolani Mtshali, 24 Aobakwe Mopelwa, 25 Goitseone Naane, 12 Mogomotsi Molefe, 21 Lebogang Motshegare, 18 Thapelo Tlabakwe, 8 Kagiso Modimoeng.
UP-Tuks Squad: 32 Lebo Ngubeni, 4 Lawrence Ntswane, 8 Nicholas Killas, 13 Lindsay Stowman, 20 Thabo Ndlovu, 10 Jeremiah Nkwana, 11 Richard Moremi, 5 Simbongile Njokwe, 15 Jarryd Van Den Berg, 9 Mbongeni Masilela, 18 Lucky Mathosi, 1 Dylan Paterson, 6 Khumbulani Siluma, 12 Phuthego Mabitsela, 7 Luke Steyl, 22 Dean Wilkinson, 2 Botshelo Mfulwane, 23 Vuze-Umuze Khoza.
Date: Monday, September 8
Venue: NWU Stadium, Mafikeng
Kick-off: 16.45 (Televised live on Supersport 4)
