Following years of so close yet so far, NWU Mafikeng are aiming to kickstart a run to the 2019 Varsity Football title against UKZN on Thursday. Phenyo Mokgothu reports.
Noble Boys coach Karabo Masehela believes his team is ready for the 2019 Varsity Football tournament, not least their season opener against UKZN, who they beat 2-0 in both teams’ final 2018 fixtures.
“We are aware of the mammoth task ahead,” Masehela tells varsitysportssa.com.
“Our resolve for the 2019 tournament is to be mentally strong, physically fit and keep our spirits high through the training process ahead of the match. Our boys have the motivation and determination to pull us through.”
Masehela was previously the assistant coach, but is now the head coach of the NWU Soccer Institute following his official promotion in June. At 29, the former SuperSport United youth graduate will also be the youngest head coach in Varsity Football this season.
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“I’m confident that my boys are in this year’s tournament to compete. It is no longer just about participating, but about earning our rightful place as an institute of soccer amongst institutions of higher education.”
Masehela believes that his players – led by Paseka Matsheka, a fourth year B.Com Management student – are ready to repay the purple army fans for the support they have given the team in Varsity Football, despite three semi-final heart-aches (2013, 2014 and 2016).
“This is an opportunity for us to regain trust from the fans, to truly discover our identity and to have confidence in our capabilities,” Masehela concludes.
NWU Mafikeng’s Varsity Football 2019 squad: *1. Athi Johannes (goalkeeper), 2. Tholinhlanhla Mseleku, 3. Wandile Luvuno, 4. Gift Mogorosi, *5. Sibusiso Ndlovu, 6. Lindani Nkabinde, 7. Paseka Matsheka (captain), 8. Kananelo Motsoeneng, 9. Adam Fynn, 10. Tshepo Baholo, *11. Kagiso Moshotetsi, *12. Bongani Taaibosch, 13. Andile Ximba, *14. Tshepiso Mahlangu, 15. Goratileona Mashishi, *16. Kabo Matshane, *17. Letlhogonolo Modise, *18. Tshepang Morakile, *20. Godfrey Finger, 21. Banele Hlophe, *22. Lesego Motsepe, *23. Simphiwe Mlangeni, 24. Mandisi Gadla, *25. Tumelo Moeng, *27. Kagiso Ramadivhane (goalkeeper), Luzuko Jevuka (goalkeeper) [*new for 2019]
NWU Mafikeng’s match against UKZN will kick off at 18:30 on Thursday, and tickets are available at https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/2f57f02a-629d-e911-80c6-0cc47a93d288. For match updates, keep track of Varsity Diski’s social media channels.
