The age old saying: pulling a rabbit out of a hat came to fruition this past week for the North-West University Mafikeng team. The team emerged victorious from their two games played this past week and went on to secure a qualifying spot in this year’s Varsity Football tournament semi-finals.
NWU-Mafikeng faced off against Central University of Technology (CUT), current log second place holders, playing to a goalless draw on 29 August 2016 in Bloemfontein, Free State. This was a welcome outcome for the Blue Army, loyal supporters of the NWU-Mafikeng, knowing that the team needed a draw or a win in order to progress in the tournament.
In a sizzling game on 1 September 2016 with Wits University hosting, NWU rose to the challenge and delivered a 3-1 smack down in the backyard of their opponents, while securing a comfortable qualifying spot in the 2016 Varsity Football tournament.
Having pulled the proverbial rabbit out of its game plan hat this past week, NWU-Mafikeng is set to lock horns with current log leaders Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), a team with a sterling record of play in the 2016 tournament, with five wins, two draws and no losses. The game will be televised live on SuperSport 10 on Thursday 8 September with TUT hosting.
“We played good football in this tournament and I am confident, despite losing in our first encounter with TUT, that we will give them a run for their money and play the kind of football expected from us by our supporters,” said NWU-Mafikeng coach, Amos Xabanisa.
NWU-Mafikeng team to face TUT: Amogelang Maduo (GK); Tshepo Desmond, Mojuda Matlhanyane, Sifiso Ngwenya, Wendelle Martin, Thabang Makgwane, Vusumuzi Ludwala, Sandile Mbatha (c), Orebotse Mongae, Mogomotsi Molefe, Thapelo Tlabakwe.
Subs: Luzuko Jevuka (GK), Sipho Mateis, Tshepo Baholo, Katlego Banda, Tshepo Mediro, Koketso Motsile, Tebogo Mokgobo.
By Phenyo Mokgothu
