Wits appointed assistant coach Steve ‘Skapa’ Matlou to help them win the Varsity Football tournament for the first time.

The closest they came was at Milpark Stadium in 2018 when they lost 2-1 to TUT in the cup final.

Matlou joined Wits from Tuks as an assistant coach, and knows what it takes to win the tournament having performed the same role at the University of Pretoria for 13 years.

‘I won a couple of titles as an assistant coach of the Tuks Varsity Football team and I am here to help Wits end their drought,’ he tells VarsitySportsSA.com.

‘I am here to help Wits change their mindset and develop a winning mentality,’ adds the 38-year-old, who holds a KNVB coaching qualification from the Netherlands and a Safa Level D coaching badge.

Wits will play their first game of the competition against VUT at Tuks Stadium on Wednesday (14:00, SuperSport Football, DStv channel 205).

‘We are ready for it,’ says Matlou. ‘Our preparations have gone smoothly and while we have one or two players doubtful due to injury, the rest of the team is eager to go. We trained in separate groups.’

This year’s tournament will take place in a bio-bubble at Tuks. Matlou admits he would rather play in front of a lively crowd.

‘I miss the fans, and I still find it a little weird to play without them. The fans make football what it is. But we are all in the same boat and have prepared the boys to adapt to the situation.’

Matlou cannot wait to play against his former team in Round 3 on 13 September.

‘I know Tuks like the back of my hand. I have a nasty surprise waiting for them. I will not lose to them,’ he warns.

According to Matlou, the University of Pretoria has the best facilities in the country and is the ideal host for the 2021 Varsity Football tournament.

‘Their pitches are in fantastic condition, so expect beautiful football all-round. There is no excuse not to play carpet football on their pitches.’

PLAYER TO WATCH

Lanky striker Mthokozisi Ashley Sibisi is dangerous in the air, lethal in front of goal and enjoys keeping defenders on their toes.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Current UJ coach Karabo Mogudi coached Wits to the Varsity Football semi-finals in 2015. UWC won 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 0-0 in regulation time.
• Keorapetse Molete (Jomo Cosmos), Neo Makua (Jomo Cosmos), Tshireletso Motsogi (Stellenbosch), Brylon Petersen (Maritzburg United) and Marcus Lecki (Bidvest Wits) signed a professional contract after they played in the Wits Varsity Football team.
• Wits shared the Milpark Stadium with the now-defunct Bidvest Wits.

TEAM FACT FILE

Nickname: Educated Footballers
Province: Gauteng
Appearances: Five (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Titles: 0
Biggest win: 3-2 against Tuks (2016)
Biggest loss: 0-6 against UWC (2017)
Most goals scored: 9 (2018)
Most goals conceded: 20 (2017)

2021 SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Giovanni Idi, Minenhle Mbatha
Defenders: Kal Laing, Simangaliso Dlamini, Lendle Brown, Bradley Mongwe, Joseph Musungaie, Njabulo Makhanya, Neo Maja, Matthew Welgemoed, Wendelle Martin
Midfielders: Muhamad Carrim, Bokang Tlali, Mthande Skosana, Tebogo Mandyu, Saluleko Mathonsi, Welcome Masemola, Biko Sibande, Kgwadi Molepo, Mthokozisi Sibisi, Clinton Mphahlele
Strikers: Takudwa Kadzutu, Nkanyesi Maphosa, Nkanyiso Maphosa

TECHNICAL TEAM

Head coach: Alzavian van Rheede
Assistant coach: Steve Matlou
Assistant coach: Andile Zulu
Goalkeeper coach: Fanafuthi Vilakazi
Strength and conditioning coach: Kelello Tswai
Physio: Jenna Levendis
Team manager:  Phuthego Mokgethi
Compliance officer: Vinolia Austin

2021 Varsity Football fixtures

By Charles Baloyi