The University of the Free State (Kovsies) depth will be thoroughly put to the test on Thursday when they welcome the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to Bloemfontein for their final round-robin match in Varsity Football.
While UFS have already managed to secure their place in the top four of the competition, the goal on Thursday will be to earn a full house of points and book a home semi-final.
The Blues were, however, dealt a massive blow with the news that their star striker, Sello Diphoko, is no longer available to play for the team. Diphoko left South Africa last week to go and further his studies and football career at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.
While Diphoko made a big impact on the team again and left big boots to be filled, UFS was geared for the move by having handed Boy Rantsoti starts against UKZN and Wits in their two previous outings.
Rantsoti scored in both games and is primed to take over from the influential Diphoko, who was the Varsity Football top goalscorer and Player of the Tournament last season.
The striker feels that he is ready to take on the challenge and he too has a point to prove in the Blues’ remaining games of the tournament.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to start after having played the first four games from the bench,” he told Varsity Football.
“Working my way to the starting XI is one of the factors that built my confidence. Because it showed that the coaches trust me and have seen the work rate that I have been putting in during the training sessions.
“I know a lot of people are saying that I’ve got big shoes to fill but that’s not on my mind because if I want to do things that Sello Diphoko did I might end up losing the form that I’m in. I’m going to play the way I play and help the team win all the remaining games.
“The mood in the camp is all about winning the competition and with Sello leaving for overseas it makes time for me to make the step up and help the team by scoring more goals, and who knows maybe I might end up winning the golden boot. It is also one of the goals that I want to achieve this year.
Furthermore, UFS, have been given an advantage for the crucial tie with the match being moved to Shimla Park. Their home field has proven to be a happy hunting ground this season as they are unbeaten at their fortress.
Rantsoti added that they have been given a big advantage to secure at least one more game at home this year.
“Having to play TUT at home gives us a great advantage to win the game so that we can play the home semi-final. We have a good record in our home games as we have one won each match at home,” he added.
“We know that TUT is one of the toughest teams in the tournament. The team worked hard during the off-week and we’ve been preparing for this game. I trust and believe that we are going to win the game and earn ourselves a home semi-final.”
Thursday’s game between UFS and TUT at Shimla Park will kick off at 17:00.
