Kovsies striker Jay Jay Groenewald believes that his side is on track to being serious national competitors.
The Free State side qualified for their first Varsity Football semifinal, with a 1-1 draw against NWU ensuring that they will travel to Johannesburg to face unbeaten table-toppers UJ next week.
Groenewald says that one of the reasons he chose UFS as a tertiary institute is because of its vision for Kovsie soccer.
“Kovsies has the vision to establish themselves as a serious national competitor and I want to be part of that transformation,” He says.
With four years of Kovsie football experience behind him, Groenewald says that this year’s tournament has been run amazingly. He adds that the competition has increased in comparison to last year, which forces each team to train harder to be more successful.
Born and raised in Bloemfontein where he attended the renowned institution known as Grey College, Groenewald says his first instincts to play soccer had a lot to do with his mates at school.
“I wanted to join all my friends, but it’s become my passion now,” he says.
Groenewald was chosen to be part of the Bloemfontein Celtics team to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Macufe cup. Although he didn’t get the chance to play, he was placed as a substitute.
Groenewald was also awarded top goal scorer at the USSA National Tournament in 2012 and was asked to join the National USSA camp.
Finally Groenewald adds that he couldn’t be happier with the dynamic of the team,
“We are a well-connected team, with friendship on and off the field. We get along so our achievements are celebrated together.”
By Michelle Smit
