Experienced NMMU coach Lukhanya Wasa has his sights set on qualifying for the semifinals of the first Varsity Football tournament which starts next week.
Wasa has been involved in coaching for more than 20 years, and was part of the coaching team that led NMMU to USSA glory in 2011, so he knows what it takes to compete with the top university sides in the country.
Although NMMU have battled to maintain those high standards since he took over as first team coach last year, Wasa is confident that his team will be able to spring a few surprises in the coming weeks.
“Last year I took over as head coach of the first team. We did badly in trying to defend our USSA title in Cape Town last year but half of our players were involved in the semi-professional leagues so we couldn’t select them.
“I have got a wide group of players that have been playing in the local league here and also training for USSA qualifiers.
“It is a pool of about 45 players that I am working with in preparation for Varsity Football,” he told varsitysportssa.
Although he knows that the competition in the inaugural competition will be fierce, Wasa is expecting his side to raise some eyebrows as preparations for the tournament have been going very well.
“Honestly the boys are responding well, and I am confident that at least we can go out there and surprise people.
“As the tournament is just starting this year we want to go out there and do well, and be there in the top four.
“If it comes to winning the whole thing it will be a bonus for us, but for now it is about playing as well as we can and qualifying for the semifinals,” he added.
Whilst winning away from home will be a major challenge, the NMMU coach is expecting the home fans in Port Elizabeth to play a major role for his side.
“The support will be good so that will be a great help when we play at home,” he said.
