The University of the Free State will look to build on their momentum ahead of a possible semi-final berth in the 2022 edition of Varsity Football.
Kovsies secured their first away win last week, beating the University of KwaZulu-Natal 1-0 in Durban to climb into second place on the log.
With two rounds to play before the playoffs, the win away from home could prove to be a vital one, while their upcoming game against Wits will be equally important.
A win in Bloemfontein on Thursday night can virtually assure UFS a spot in the knockout round, but they are aware that they have to dispatch the Educated Footballers first.
The win against the Impi has been a boost to the confidence of the Free Staters and they want to use it as a platform for a strong finish to the round-robin stage.
The midfielder, Angelo Arendse, who wore the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Thapello Madrati, said that, while the objective is reaching the last four, their focus remains on Thursday, but they are quietly confident.
“It was an honour to captain the side in the absence of Thapello Madrati who is the team’s captain. Being able to lead the team to a win alongside interim vice-captain Ntobeko Mhlongo was even better,” he told Varsity Football.
“The three points in KwaZulu-Natal were crucial for our semi-final objective. We weren’t naïve about the game as we played against a wounded dog, in front of their home fans.
“They still had a mathematical chance going into that game. The coach gave us the game plan and we worked hard to execute it. To finally get maximum points on the road could not have come at a better time.
“I am very happy for Boy [Rantsoti], who got his first start. He has been working hard in training and he got the crucial goal that inevitably gave us the win. Bradwell Gouws, Ntobeko Mhlongi and Aphiwe Zulu were also exceptional in Durban as well.
“Going into our next fixture against Wits – we are aware of the log but we are not getting ahead of ourselves. This game is a high-profile game because of what is at stake for us. To be able to do it in front of our home support would be good for our supporters.
“The preparation has been going well, although we have some guys recovering, we will be 100% for Thursday’s encounter.”
Thursday night’s sixth-round tie between UFS and Wits at Xerox Shimla Park in Bloemfontein kicks off at 18:30.
You can get information on how to get tickets here.
By Morgan Piek.
