UKZN Goalkeeper has warned that after previous disappointing seasons, improved preparations and a new technical team led by Delron Buckley have set his team for an exciting season in this year’s edition of the Varsity Football tournament.
Following a span of disappointments in previous seasons and failing to live up to the high expectations set at the 2018 USSA games, the University of KwaZulu-Natal team has yet to stamp their presence on the Varsity Football competition.
The men from KwaZulu-Natal have only won two games since joining the top of the Varsity Football pyramid in 2018 – that’s two out of 21 matches. They experienced their worst campaign in 2021, losing all seven games and only scoring three goals. However, for this year’s edition UKZN has roped in former Bafana Bafana striker Delron Buckley, who has plied his trade in the German Bundesliga for many years as a player and has ventured into coaching since hanging up his boots.
Buckley’s appointment has brought somewhat of new energy to the squad despite their poor displays in the past, with vice-captain, Thando Radebe saying the positive mood in this squad is something worth noting.
“The team has been together for a long time preparing for this season unlike in the previous years when we had just met two months before the competition, which has been one of the main reasons for those performances”, says Radebe.
The UKZN goalkeeper went on to add that his side will come out guns blazing in this year’s edition of the Varsity Football campaign as much better preparation has been put in place by Buckley and his team, with some of their opponents being in for a big surprise.
“This season is promising to look at the way things were done from the first day in preparation for the tournament and with an experienced technical team…I can tell you that our opponents are in for a big surprise,” Radebe adds.
With many players having graduated from the team over the years and some notably joining top-flight teams including the likes of duo Sifiso Mlungwana and Nqubeko Dlamini who have both since joined Lamontville Golden Arrows, the new look on the UKZN side promises to finally showcase the true potential of the KZN province in the Varsity Football competition.
The first game for UKZN will be against VUT on Thursday, 21 July. With VUT finishing in second-last place in 2021, UKZN needs to prove their improved credentials if they want to have a chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
Full UKZN Varsity Football squad:
Goalkeepers: Thandolwakhe Radebe, Khayelihle Luhlongwane, Mandlamadoda Mkhize
Defenders: Manqoba Mkhonza, Phumlani Mkhize, Felix Tom, Menelisi Dube, Senzo Mkhabela, Mongezi Ngcwangu, Dylan Ruiters, Simiso Xaba
Midfielders: Sifundo Nkosi, Sandile Ndlonzi, Anele Nxumalo, Sbusiso Ntuli, Nkululeko Dlamini, Thulani Ndlela, Nkululeko Mgamle
Forwards: Njabulo Mkhize, Sabelo Nyameka, Olwethu Myeza, Wandile Zungu, Malusi Mavundla, Banele Ntuli
By Mpendulo Letsoalo
UKZN will be playing at home against VUT for their round one fixture, which kicks off at 18:30 on Thursday, 21 July at the Peter Booysen Park.
You can get information on how to get tickets here
