The 2021 Varsity Football tournament cannot come soon enough for TUT.

The Red Machine have a score to settle with NWU and are eager to unleash their latest recruitments.

TUT coach Bushy Moloi blamed poor officiating for his side’s shock 1-0 defeat to NWU in the 2019 cup final in Mafikeng. TUT finished the match with nine men after Thuso Mlamla and skipper Rorisang Rapelang received red cards.

‘We were robbed,’ Moloi tells VarsitySportsSA.com two years later.

After a one-year absence due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Varsity Football will return in 2021 and be played in a bio-bubble at the University of Pretoria from 8 September. TUT are set to open their account in a Tshwane derby against Tuks that is being billed as a dress rehearsal for the final. Kick-off is at 16:00 (SuperSport Football, DSTV channel 205).

The arch-rivals have won the Varsity Football competition six times between them and there is never a dull moment when they meet, so expect flying tackles, tension, goals and plenty of drama.

Moloi has been plotting the downfall of Tuks for a while.

‘We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to reclaim our title,’ he says. ‘The players have been training together for over a month and our preparations have gone well. The derby against Tuks will keep fans on the edge of their seats. We want to claim the bragging rights at all costs.’

However, Moloi’s biggest wish is to see at least five of his players sign professional contracts with PSL clubs after the Varsity Football tournament.

‘The concept of this competition is to develop players and help them fulfil their childhood dream of playing in the PSL,’ he explains.

TUT lost 3-1 in a friendly match against PSL club Baroka recently, and will conclude their pre-season preparations with a friendly against GladAfrica Championship side Pretoria Callies at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Lanky goalkeeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube had a stint with PSL club Baroka and gained a lot of experience in Polokwane. The 24-year-old has excellent ball distribution. He is quick to come out of his line, reads the game well and is good at stopping penalties. Ncube’s leadership qualities will also enable him to motivate the TUT players to do well.

DID YOU KNOW?

• TUT have appeared in five successive Varsity Football cup finals (2015 to 2019).

• They have lost the most Varsity Football cup finals (three).

• TUT coach Bushy Moloi won the Telkom Knockout trophy with Baroka as an assistant coach in 2018.

• The Tshwane derby cup final between TUT and Tuks in 2017 ended six minutes before full-time because of crowd violence. Tuks were leading 2-0 at the time.

• TUT players who have signed for professional teams since 2012 include Vusi Sibiya (Baroka FC), Sipho Sibiya (Swallows), Terence Mashego (Cape Town City), Elliot Seema (Baroka FC), Themba Ndlovu (Black Leopards), King Ndlovu (Marumo Gallants) and Keabetswe Mokoena (Royal AM).

TEAM FACT FILE

Nickname: Red Machine
Province: Gauteng
Appearances: Eight (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Titles: 2 (2016, 2018)
Biggest win: 7-0 against UFH (2017)
Biggest loss: 0-3 against VUT (2016)
Most goals scored: 16 (2016)
Most goals conceded: 8 (2016)

2021 SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Sikhumbuzo Ncube, Rorisang Mpoza
Defenders: Tebogo Lekaba (captain), Thabang Sete, Nthabeleng Brian Tshoba, Boipelo Molale, Tshepiso Mnisi, Sanele Nene
Midfielders: Thuso Godfrey Mlamla, Jim Naselele, Thabo Myeni, Ndumiso Mazibuko, Philasande Khubeka, Cassius Mailula, Tumelo Hope Moeng, Tiego Mathebe, Hendrick Xaba, Obakeng Masilo
Strikers: Ronald Mabaso, Tumelo Nelson Mosupyoe, Kwanele Khoza

TECHNICAL TEAM

Coach: Bushy Moloi
Assistant coach: Job Monatse
Assistant coach: Alliance Kubayi
Assistant coach: Lebogang Radebe
Sports scientist: Mokgaetsi Sebola
Protocol officer: Jonny Moutlana
Team manager: Lerato Mokae
Compliance officer: Portia Lekgothoane

2021 Varsity Football fixtures

By Charles Baloyi

Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Varsity Sports