UFS-Kovsies will play hosts to log leaders UJ in what is billed to be the match of Round Four.
Both teams boast impressive defensive records, conceding two goals each from the three matches they’ve played thus far.
UJ will be the more confident of the two sides having scored nine goals compared to Kovsies’ four, seven of which have come against last year’s finalists NMMU (three) and UP-Tuks (four).
UJ coach Bradley Carnell said his side have reached the objectives they set out in their first three matches and it’s given them valuable momentum fo rthe rest of the campaign.
“Two of our three matches have been away from home and we set ourselves a target of picking up four points from those matches. We’ve achieved that objective,” he said.
UJ were seen as underdogs at the start of the competition but that tag has been tossed to the side as they have now become the team everyone wants to beat following their impressive start.
“The victories we have achieved have given us momentum, confidence and we have gained the respect of every team. We went from underdogs, to leading the pack and now everyone will be wanting to take points from us,” he added.
Kovsies coach Godfrey Tenoff has been impressed with the start UJ has made and is upbeat about the prospect of coming up against the early pace-setters in the competition.
“UJ has impressed. They have knocked off last year’s finalists, NMMU and TUKS, and look very impressive,” he said.
Tenoff never dwelled too much on his opponents and has prefered to keep his players focused on their game to maintain the momentum they have gained from their two wins.
“My team is preparing well during their training sessions but more importantly, there is a wonderful attitude among the players,” he added.
Bloemfontein will be the place to be to catch an exciting, attacking game of football which will be pleasing for the fans.
“This could be the best Varsity Football match in the tournament. Nobody would’ve guessed it could happen in Bloemfontein. Support plays a huge role in who takes the victory, so supporters need to come out in numbers and enjoy the brilliant match,” Tenoff said.
A win for UJ will cement their spot at the top of the log but a Kovsies victory will see the hosts leapfrog their opponents and possibly end the fourth round the top of the standings.
UFS-Kovsies Squad: 1 Serasengoe Moodie, 4 Marathodi Phillies, 13 Tsoeu Mphezulu, 19 Jarred Meyer, 20 Dumisani Tjomelane, 15 Themba Zimo, 23 Mongezi Mologovane, 11 Lehlohonolo Mokoena, 7 Walter Phori, 24 Dylan O’Brien, 6 Manxubandile Bantshi, 3 Unathi Mabandla, 2 Khauhelo Kholotsa, 16 Lehlohonolo Thaele, 14 Glen Rikhotso, 12 Kakudi Moreleba, 10 Simon Modupi, 9 Jay Jay Groenewald.
UJ Squad: 1 Trent Harrison, 22 Wisdom Mathebula, 21 Grant Bruchhausen, 6 Lwazi Nogenga, 5 Lerato Tleane, 23 Tebogo Mandyu, 11 Tshepo Tolo, 7 Ruben De Freitas, 13 Sandro Claro, 18 Ponshu Nyathi, 17 Karl Clements, 16 Mduduzi Khumalo, 2 Matthew Edwards, 9 Lumkile Dava, 19 Ruwell Jagger, 8 Brian Monyonye, 20 Steven Sibanyoni, 15 Omphile Majwafi.
Date: Monday, August 11
Venue: Shimla Park, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 18:00
