Wits are looking to finish their 2022 Varsity Football campaign strong after picking up a point at TUT during a goalless draw with the hosts last week. One of the standout individual performances came from Wits right-wing-back Matthew Welgemoed.
The 23-year-old also shines through his versatility, as he can feature right-back, left-back and centre-back for the Educated Footballers.
Matthew’s passion for football began at the age of three. Growing up, he played provincially for Eastern Gauteng in different age groups. Since his first year at Wits, Matthew’s played in one USSA tournament, and two Varsity Football campaigns and he’s also featured with Wits at the World Elite University Football Tournament (WEUFT) tournament in China where Wits finished second.
Matthew went to Reddam House Bedfordview before attending Wits University, where he is currently studying a part-time qualification towards a postgraduate certificate in education.
Varsity Sports caught up with Welgemoed this week after his Man of the Match performance against TUT to get to know what keeps him ticking on and off the field.
Varsity Football: How did you get involved in football from the beginning?
Welgemoed: My father played for Wits back in his day and ever since I could walk, I’ve had a ball at my feet. I started club football at Benoni Northerns at age of three, playing for the U6 team.
Varsity Football: What inspired that great performance last week that earned you the Man of the Match award?
Welgemoed: My love for the game. As soon as I got the opportunity to be in the starting line-up, I felt ready and determined.
Varsity Football: What’s gone wrong with Wits in this year’s competition so far?
Welgemoed: I would not necessarily say that much has gone wrong because by analysing our games it is clear that we have had possession of the ball and have been dominant in numerous areas of the game against each opposition. I think with a little bit of football luck and perseverance we can still receive the results we are aiming for.
Varsity Football: How are you guys looking to pick yourselves up and finish off strong?
Welgemoed: Every session we are putting in a great effort and making the time that we have count by preparing and fine-tuning.
Varsity Football: What has been the highlight for you so far in playing Varsity Football?
Welgemoed: My highlight of Varsity Football would have to be the experience that I have gained. This tournament is uncertain and intense. You never know which team is going to win each game and that is what I look forward to, the unpredictability and fierce competition.
Varsity Football: What’s the mood been like in the squad after collecting a point at TUT?
Welgemoed: The team and management have been in high spirits as playing against the then-log leaders at their home ground were seen to be a challenge, but walking away with a point was a great confidence boost for the team and I believe that now that the ball is rolling, it will be hard to stop us.
Varsity Football: And lastly, what are your football ambitions after this season? and in life overall?
Welgemoed: Wits have allowed me to be an educated footballer. Therefore, my goal is to be a professional footballer and use all the teachings and skills that I have learned throughout my education to guide me through life.
Varsity Football: Thanks Matthew and good luck.
Wits host VUT at the Wits Stadium in the early kick-off at 17:00 on Thursday.
You can get information on how to get tickets here.
By S’fiso Nyawo.
