The University of Pretoria have all to play for against the University of the Western Cape after steering their title defending campaign back on track in the latter rounds of Varsity Football.
UP-Tuks need to bring home all three log points to guarentee a spot in the semifinals although there is a chance of going through with a draw if other results go their way.
Head coach Tlisane Motaung is not one to leave things to chance and management have worked hard to instill a knockout mentality amongst the players which has created a positive and hardworking vibe within the camp.
“There is no other way but to win against UWC. We have to take the maximum points against a team who are traditionally strong at home. We cannot and will not rest on our laurels,” said Motaung.
“We want a home semifinal and we have trained this week with that goal in mind. The players understand what is needed of them and they are enjoying the pressure that has been put on them. We have a huge target on our backs as defending champions but rather than succumbing to it, the boys have risen to the challenge,” he added.
UP-Tuks have no intentions of straying from what has worked for them throughout the regular season with Motaung admitting that this will be a very tough encounter in the Mother City.
“We have created structures that work and our squad rotation has been good so there is very little we need to change. Every single player within our squad is good enough to make the starting lineup. The fact remains that UWC are a quality outfit but we are up for the challenge, no matter how strong they are,” explained Motaung.
UWC will host UP-Tuks in the final round of fixtures at the UWC Sports Stadium on Thursday, 6 September. Kick-off is at 16:00.
By Dan Lombard
