With four points on the road from a possible six, the Central University of Technology (CUT) have had a commendable start to their first Varsity Football campaign.
After a hard-fought stalemate against tournament favourites University of Johannesburg, their next trip to champions University of the Western Cape (UWC) may prove to be their toughest encounter to date. UWC will be eager to get their title defence up and running after two stalemates have left them occupying fifth spot on the log, two places below CUT. Getting past CUT’s airtight defence will require extra initiative from the UWC attack. CUT are yet to concede a goal in this year’s showpiece, something coach Benny Rakometse is proud of.
“Our aim is not to concede, and we are confident we won’t concede,” Rakometse calmly said. In words echoed by assistant coach Junior Leeuw, Rakometse felt the team had to focus on their attack. “We must take every chance because we missed a lot of chances in the last match [against UJ].”
Although there are minor knocks in the camp, CUT may field a different team in Cape Town. “We need to refresh the squad and test our squad depth,” said Leeuw. Rakometse felt it was necessary to give other players an opportunity to prove themselves. “Everyone must be on par with the rest of the team.”
A self-proclaimed number one supporter, who goes by the name Flash Lempe, confidently declared that UWC “are not ready for what we have.” He cited CUT’s mental strength and strong defence as reasons for this. He also felt that an extra striker was needed in order to boost the attack.
Rakometse closed off by affirming that CUT were treating every match as a final.
Can the underdogs take three points off the champions?
Kick-off is at 18:30 on Monday, 1 August 2016, at UWC Sports Stadium in Cape Town.
CUT team to face UWC:
Starting XI: Zolane Ligunya (GK), Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Matsemela (c), Sello Mokhele; Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Orapeleng Manopole, Cameron Chweu, Katlego Motaung
Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Rakgomo Taole, Vusi Vena, Katleho Molakeng, Neo Sebudi, Tokoloho Motsamai. Pule Thaele
By Sam Styrax
