By Morgan Piek
The University of the Free State (UFS) Kovsies is quietly confident and upbeat ahead of the opening match of the 2022 Varsity Football on Thursday in Bloemfontein.
Kovsies are competing with a target on their backs after finishing as the runners-up in 2021 and were only bettered by the University of Johannesburg who won the final 4-1.
The Bloemfontein-based outfit has a tough assignment first up when they get to host the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) in their opening game. Last year in the semi-finals, Kovsies beat the team from the capital city 2-1 to reach the championship match for the first time and the visitors will be coming to the City of Roses with a score to settle.
UFS are well aware of the reputation they earned in their outstanding campaign last season, but they have adopted the mindset that it all starts from scratch this week and while they are impressed in 2021 it is time to move on and write a new chapter in their history.
Kovsies head coach, Tebogo Motsamai, agrees that their previous campaign belongs in the history books and his new crop of players now has an opportunity to create their legacy.
“I told the guys that we cannot go into the tournament with last year in mind,” said Motsamai.
“Last year is history now and we need to open a new chapter. The other teams have also prepared for Varsity Football and they are also aware of us. They will bring their games and target us for points.”
Motsamai added that facing UP-Tuks in their first game of the tournament will certainly not be an easy day at the office and warned that their opponents will be seeking to make an early statement.
“They won’t just come easy – it’s going to be a hard tournament,” the Kovsies tactician added.
“It’s going to be hard in our first game. It won’t be easy – remember we beat them twice last year. When they come, they will be prepared and they won’t want to drop points against us.”
The defender, Thapello Madrati, will have the honour of wearing the captain’s armband this season and will have big boots to fill stepping into the role previously held by the inspirational and influential Thabo Lesibe.
Last season’s Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner Sello Diphoko is back for his second campaign while midfielder Arlonso Diedricks played a pivotal role in their surprise run to the final adding that extra steel and work rate in midfield.
Thursday’s round one fixture between the UFS and UP-Tuks at Shimla Park gets underway at 17:00. The match will be shown live on SuperSport 4.
You can get information on how to get tickets here: https://www.old.varsitysportssa.com/football-fixtures-results/
UFS Kovsies squad:
Goalkeepers: Tisetso Seodinyane, Ntobeko Mhlongo, Obakeng Moabi
Defenders: Thapello Madrati (captain), Thandolwethu Khoza, Iva Marubelela, Aphiwe Zulu, Lizwi Kunene, Thato Skhosana, Themba Mimbirre
Midfielders: Tumisang Thipe, Bradwell Gouws, Arlonso Diedricks, Ethan Goldstone, Tenson Phiri, Angelo Arendse, Paballo Mnqwazana
Forwards: Sambulo Sithole, Boy Rantsoti, Sello Diphoko, Thato Nkhatho, Iviwe Dyabuza, Duncan Mohale, Benedict Kraai.
