CUT will take on the UKZN in Varsity Football Round 2 looking to redeem themselves after a losing start against UJ.
A tournament-opening loss, at home, would normally demotivate most teams. However, the CUT team are looking at the positives as they prepare for a battle with UKZN.
If anybody would have felt the opening day defeat acutely, then it would have been CUT captain Keitumetse Mabathoana. The armband is only half of the story, because the attacker only spent last season at UJ after CUT’s non-qualification for Varsity Football 2018.
However, his responsibility to the team means he has to look swiftly forward. In that regard, a similarly wounded opponent – UKZN lost at NWU Mafikeng in Round 1 – lie in wait at Howard College Stadium in Durban for Mabathoana and co.
“UKZN have taken some good strides in the past two or three years, but we will stamp our authority by playing positive football,” the nifty winger says.
At the same time, the 24-year-old recognises that UKZN cannot be taken underestimated. Not least because this will be CUT’s first-ever game against UKZN in Varsity Football, and The Impi have their own pedigree to defend.
“UKZN have only one Varsity Football season under their belt, but may look to their title as 2018 University Sports South Africa (USSA) football champions for inspiration,” Mabathoana argues.
As it happens, CUT coach Mosai Rakometsi has made no changes to his team for this Round 2 match, suggesting he’s backing Mabathoana, Phiwokuhle Mpalala and Mpho Molwatse to produce more than just moments of brilliance (for which the last-named earned an award last week) but all-round performances.
CUT vs UKZN: 1. Thabo Samuel (GK), 3. Waydelio Links, 7. Malefetsane Nkaki, 22. Itumeleng Chelopo, 15. Morena Lehloa, 8. Thabo Mokhele, 23. Mpho Molwatse, 12. Thapelo Moono, 2. Phiwokuhle Mpalala, 10. Keitumetse Mabathoana (capt), 11. Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane.
Replacements: 28. Mpho Motsoahole (GK), 13. Thabang Khopane, 5. Thabang Khesa, 25. Mothusi Madilola, 19. Oratile Mothibedi, 14. Pule Thaele, 4, Tsietsi Ramosedi.
Thursday’s clash between UKZN and CUT is the early kick-off, at 16:00, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport 4 and SuperSport 10. For those who want to be at Howard College Stadium, 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
