UP-Tuks are known to be an institution that takes winning seriously, this was a point that was distributed from Soweto all the way to Mafikeng, when both the ladies and gentlemen secured their place in the Finals.
“It’s a great achievement for the University to have both teams in the final but that is expected of any teams who represent the University of Pretoria in any sport. The expectation now is on both teams to go on and win the finals next week,” coach Wesley Sergel said when asked about his feelings with both UP-Tuks teams in the finals.
“A special mention must go to the Tuks Men’s coach, who has managed to get his team to a second consecutive final, which is always difficult at any level and credit must go to their team for setting the standard for all university football teams in South Africa,” he added.
Coach Evangelos Vellios was feeling just as proud of his crest on his chest and shares the same positivity that Sergel shares with his club and players.
“We very happy, it’s a great achievement to see both our teams in the finals, but it means nothing unless we win it. People only remember winners and we want to make history yet again,” Vellios said.
These Ladies brought exactly 11 players to the game, due to call up’s for the National team, as well as players that were unable to participate due to the age constraints of the competition, and even with these factors the ladies still managed to walk away with a fiery and exhilarating win.
Sergel had nothing but positive words with regards to his outstanding team and even those that were missing from this game.
“It is always a privilege for players to play for this country and that is a great opportunity for them to test themselves on the international stage and come back as better players.
“We will miss their presence in the team but it also gives other players the opportunity to play and prove themselves as they did in the semifinals. We have a strong squad and I trust every player to do their best when called on,” he said.
Sergel explained that they had been pushed hard by a competitive UJ side.
“It was a great team performance, where all the girls worked very hard for each other and left everything on the field and managed to get the result. UJ are a great side as defending Varsity Football Champions and pushed us to our maximal limit today, our team will grow from this experience and only improve,” he said.
Sergel was even more ecstatic when he witnessed both his players get awarded for their performances, Jade Pereira being awarded Samsung Super Striker and Cailin Whyte being awarded FNB player of the match.
“Both players really deserved their awards today, as Jade Pereira was lethal in front of goal and always gives us a chance to score when she is on the field. Cailin Whyte was exceptional today in front of the goals and fully deserved her man of the match award with numerous crucial saves that kept us in the match. She is a great talent and one for the national team to watch in the future,” Sergel stated.
There was another double inh the men’s game where Jeremiah Nkwana was awarded Samsung Super Striker and Jarryd Van den Berg was awarded with the FNB man of the match award.
It will be exciting to witness a double win from both UP-Tuks teams, and as an institution that thrives on excellence, anything is possible.
Do not miss out on the final game of the tournament where we will witness a double Gauteng final, where the UP-Tuks ladies take on their Tshwane neighbours and the UP-Men take on their UJ rivals.
By Gabriella Ferreira
