The North-West University Mafikeng Campus football team has to bounce back in next week’s game on Monday, 25 July 2016 against new-kids-on-the-block University of Fort Hare. The home team will be up against one of the two debutants in the Varsity Football tournament.
Following last week’s demoralising first-match defeat at the hands of the University of Johannesburg, the NWU-Mafikeng team has set its target of claiming a convincing victory to prove to their large support base that they still are a formidable team, to be reckoned with in the Varsity Football tournament.
Gearing up for next week’s game, NWU-Mafikeng, as part of their rigorous physical and mental preparation, had a friendly sparring match against PSL giants, Orlando Pirates at the Potchefstroom Campus of North-West University on 20 July 2016. Coach Amos Xabanisa of the NWU-Mafikeng indicated that the team couldn’t be more satisfied with the readiness ahead of their next game.
“Last week’s game was nothing out of the ordinary, and the team understands that that is how football is,” said NWU Mafikeng Team Coach, Amos Xabanisa. “Our main concern as the technical team was to help the boys move past the loss and focus their mindset on getting back into the game ahead of their next match.
“The friendly match (against Pirates) had the very effect we were hoping for in that our players were able to re-energise and draw up a collective tactical plan for the game. The team couldn’t be more ready as a team. We are definitely going to bounce back.”
NWU-Mafikeng have named an unchanged side from the one that faced UJ in the Varsity Football opener. The match gets underway at 18:30 at the Mafikeng Stadium.
NWU-Mafikeng starting XI:
Alistar Maduo, Gift Mogorosi, Mojuda Matlhanyane, David Ngwenya, Tshepo Mediro, Sipho Mateis, Tshepo Makgopela, Sandile Mbatha, Orebotse Mongae, Mogomotsi Molefe, Thapelo Tlabakwe
Subs:
Luzuko Jevuka, Thabang Makgwane, Tshepo Baholo, Prince Maila, Wendelle Martin, Katlego Banda, Vusumuzi Ludwala
By Phenyo Mokgothu
