Wits University will be looking for a strong start in the 2016 Varsity Football tournament when they travel the short distance to entertain Gauteng rivals TUT on Monday evening in Pretoria.
TUT will be full of confidence going into this clash because the last time (2015 Varsity Football group stages) these two sides met, it was Wits who were playing at home but the men from Pretoria were the ones that were successful that evening, coming out 2-0 victors.
However, the Witsies last season managed to pick their season up after the defeat to TUT, when they managed to go all the way to the semi-finals in the tournament where they were eventually knocked out by a great UWC team that went on to lift the trophy.
This time around however, the Witsies will feel they’ve got better experience in the tournament with a couple of their players coming back whilst the squad has also been rejuvenated by a number of debutants, who have been trusted to lead the team to a better finish.
One of the players to look out for in this Wits side is midfielder Saluleko Mathonsi, who is a third year B.A Law student. Mathonsi made his debut in the tournament last season at the age of 16. In the preseason Mathonsi has looked really sharp according to the team manager Sanele Nene. His sharpness and experience in the tournament will definitely be of great value for the men in yellow, as he will add to the team going forward as well as assisting the new players in settling into the tournament. Mathonsi also possess a ferocious right foot that will hopefully help Wits reach their seasons ambitions.
Even though TUT went all the way to the final last season, Wits will hope ‘Lady Luck’ and good preparation will lead them to a great start in the tournament at the TUT Stadium in Tshwane on Monday evening when the two sides battle it out.
Wits team to face TUT at TUT Stadium on 18 July:
Starting XI: Sthembiso Zuke, Snethemba Msane, Kaizer Maphanga , Obert Rukato , Baliwe, Moyakhe , Tristan Gatter, Luke Perreira , Saluleko Mathonsi , Mahle Mtabane , Shaun Matintela , Greame Dor
Subs: Brylon Petersen , Vuyo Qhwesha , Sicelo Khumalo , Iacovos Ioannides
Jauhar Gilbert , Mahudu Seageng , Hlohonolofatso Mahate
By Sifiso Nyawo
