Having nearly surrendered a three-goal lead in the opening round of the Varsity Football 2019 against the UWC, UFS will exercise caution when they visit NWU Mafikeng.
Delighted with getting off to a winning start, UFS captain Gauta Mokati called the late scare against UWC an ‘eye opener.’
“We are glad we experienced that so early in the tournament, as it means that we have to concentrate from the first to the final whistle,” Mokati said ahead of their trip to the top of North-West province.
Kovsies’ opponents for round two, NWU, usually do well in Varsity Football – even if they’ve not yet managed to win the tournament overall. Further to that, they are unbeaten against the Free Staters having thrashed them 6-1 back in 2013 before a 1-1 draw a year later.
“We do not focus on our opponents and instead focus on how we can improve as a team,” Mokati added.
Nonetheless, Mokati emphasised the importance of caution even if the likes of two-goal hero Dylan O’Brien will arrive at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium confident of adding to his tally.
“Playing away from home is never easy, so we are going to be cautious in our approach as we don’t know what we are up against.”
Meanwhile, with the squad injury-free and three points already on the log, UFS coach Morethebe ‘Queen’ Modutoane has named an unchanged starting XI for Thursday’s clash.
UFS vs NWU: 27. Nelson Chauke (GK), 23. Makhaola Mohale, 24. Obakeng Seekoei, 3. Thapelo Madrati, 6. Angelo Arendse, 4. Siphelele Ngwenya, 11. Thembinkosi Gwala, 16. Lindokuhle Khumalo, 7. Lebogang Ngamlani, 9. Dylan O’Brien, 15. Gauta Mokati (capt)
Replacements: 28. Mafase Malomane (GK), 21. Duncan Mohale, 10. Thabo Lesibe, 12. Themba Msimanga, 8. Obarate Saila, 13. Nnyane Nkomo, 25. Bradwell Gouws.
Thursday’s clash at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium will kick off at 18:30 and tickets are available for just R10 via the Varsity Sports App, downloadable from the Apple Store on iOS devices or Google Play Store for Android users. Alternatively, follow match updates on our Varsity Diski social media platforms.
By Sam Styrax
