Free State teams looking for spirited return to Varsity Football

For the first time in Varsity Football history, supporters in the Free State will witness both the Central University of Technology (CUT) and University of the Free State (UFS) in the showpiece tournament in the same season. Sam Styrax reports

While UFS took part in the first two seasons of men’s Varsity Football (2013-14), they have sat out all subsequent editions and are making their long-awaited return with only one survivor from their earlier participation, forward Dylan O’Brien. CUT, on the other hand, have two semi-final finishes to boast from their two seasons in the competition (2016-17), one more than their local counterparts.

Considering that fact, some supporters may view CUT as dark horses for the tournament. Their captain, Keitumetse Mabathoana, prefers to approach the tournament as underdogs, particularly after failing to qualify for last season’s competition through the USSA National Championships.

“We didn’t play last year, so the opponents may undermine us, but we know what we are capable of,” says Mabathoana, who coincidently turned out for Thursday’s opponents, the University of Johannesburg (UJ), last season.

“We will treat each match as if it’s a final, which will increase our chances of going further in the tournament,” Mabathoana adds.

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UFS captain, Gauta Mokati, is more decisive about his team’s goals though.

“There is a lot of excitement in the camp and we want to make sure we secure a home-semi-final,” the 25-year-old says.

Preferring to avoid singling out any players, both captains claim that they will rely on unity and brotherhood to spur them forward in the tournament; Mokati highlighting that participation in such tournaments “goes beyond football”.

To usher in their return to Varsity Football, both teams will be relieved to begin their campaigns in front of their respective home crowds.

UFS host 2015 champions University of the Western Cape (UWC) at Shimla Park Stadium at 16:00 (to be broadcast live on SuperSport 204 and SuperSport 210), before CUT take on two-time finalists UJ at the CUT Stadium at 18:30.

UFS’s Varsity Football 2019 squad: 1. Obakeng Moabi (goalkeeper), 2. Bokang Moneli, 3. Thapello Madrati, 4. Sphelele Ngwenya, 5. Thapelo Masemola, 6. Angelo Arendse, 7. Lebogang Ngamlani, 8. Obarate Saila, 9. Dylan O’Brien, 10. Thabo Lesibe, 11. Thembinkosi Gwala, 12. Themba Msimanga, 13. Nnyane Nkomo, 14. Ashley Shingange, 15. Gauta Mokati (captain), 16. Lindokuhle Khumalo, 17. Mihlali Fatyela, 18. Katleho Phutheho, 19. Otsile Ngwako, 21. Duncan Mohale, 22. Sone Lephaka, 23. Makhaola Mohale, 24. Obakeng Seekoei, 25. Bradwell Gouws, 26. Sipho Malewa, 27. Nelson Chauke (goalkeeper), 28. Malomane Mafase (goalkeeper), 29. Mbali Tshabalala (goalkeeper)

CUT’s Varsity Football 2019 squad: 1. Thabo Samuel (goalkeeper), 2. Phiwokuhle Mpalala, 3. Wydelio Links, 4. Tsietsi Ramosedi, 5. Thabang Khesa, 6. Katleho Molakeng, 7. Malefetsane Nkaki, 8. Thabo Mokhele, 9. Katlego Lephoto, 10. Keitumetse Mabathoana (captain), 11. Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane, 12. Thalepo Moono, 13. Thabang Khopnane, 14. Pule Thaele, 15. Morena Lehloa, 16. Jimmy Melemo, 17. Tlotlego Mjikeliso, 18. Fanyana Nkosi, 19. Oratile Mothibeli, 20. Tumelo Motloung, 21. Vuyani Blom, 22. Itumeleng Chelopo, 23. Mpho Molwatse, 24. Tebogo Mbaliswa, 25. Mothusi Madilola, 26. Setjhaba Motsatse, 27. Reatile Mafa (goalkeeper), 28. Mpho Motsoahole (goalkeeper)

Tickets for both matches are available at https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/2f57f02a-629d-e911-80c6-0cc47a93d288. Alternatively, follow match updates on Varsity Diski’s social media channels.