Two victories away from being crowned Varsity Football champions, the Central University of Technology (CUT) will go all out when they host the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in Bloemfontein.
Well aware of the risk of banking on a penalty shootout, CUT coach Benny Rakometsi declared that his team will not sit back and absorb the pressure in the first semifinal of the tournament. “We will attack all the way and we will play our natural game,” said Rakometsi.
Having seen their goals dry up in the past two encounters, CUT will need to rediscover their goal-scoring boots as they face up against a side that shares the record for most goals scored among the semi-finalists [shared with TUT].
“We have been unlucky not to score because we have created a lot of chances.” In equal measure, Rakometsi feels that CUT will have to make the necessary tweaks in their defence if they are to advance to the final. “We have been conceding because of minor errors and we will work on that.”
With some of the players previously unexposed to the playing level offered by Varsity Football and academic commitments taking their toll, motivating the players is proving to be a challenge for Rakometsi. However, he believes the team could summon some motivation from the fact that they have exceeded all expectations and have shown consistency throughout the tournament.
Apart from a season-ending injury to Orapeleng Manopole, CUT have managed to shake off niggles ahead of the encounter with UJ. Kickoff begins at 15:30 at the CUT Stadium in Bloemfontein. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport 10.
CUT Starting XI: Zolani Ligunya (GK); Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Matsemela (c), Sello Mokhele, Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Cameron Chweu, Abrahm Singozo, Katleho Motaung.
Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Pule Thaele, Elliot Mekwa, Vusi Vena, Rakgomo Taole, Neo Sebudi,; Katleho Molakeng.
By Sam Styrax
