UP-Tuks Football will be in desperate search of victory when they welcome defending champions UJ on Thursday following a hefty 3-0 defeat against UFS Kovsies in the opening round of Varsity Football last week.
Tuks’ newcomer Ofentse Mashiane, who made his DStv Premiership debut for Mamelodi Sundowns last season, believes last week’s loss woke them as they look to welcome Karabo Mogudi’s charges.
“I am disappointed with our start, I felt we did not give our all and lacked confidence. We need to work hard as a team, our focus is now on us – Tuks. We are trying to fix ourselves and not worrying much about our opponents,” he told Varsity Football.
Both teams are wounded heading to this encounter, UJ were stunned at home by TUT who walked away with a 2-0 victory, while Tuks had an unsatisfying trip to the City of Roses, suffering a 3-0 defeat against UFS Kovsies.
The Soshanguve-born midfielder lauds that his side is determined to not drop any points at home.
“I’m excited about our next task, it is going to be a tough game. Current champions and former champions, I’m expecting a lot from them as they also lost their first game,” he added.
“It is a must-win for us to boost our confidence. One thing I know about my team is that we are going to fight, no one is going to come to our home and take our points.
“This is our home and we are ready to fight. I am confident we are going to come on top.”
Varsity Football has over the years produced a crop of players who went on to ply their trade in top-flight football and the Tuks star is delighted to represent The Stripe Generation.
“Playing in Varsity Football means a lot to me, it’s a new environment and challenge and the style of play is different. I am excited to be in the set-up and thankful to the coaches for believing in me,” he explained.
“I aim to bring the cup home, my target is to get a Man of the Match in each game. To compete for one another and build each other. I like to explore and the aim is to get out of my comfort zone.”
With stadiums now allowed for full capacity, Mashiane cannot wait to play in from of home fans.
“I cannot wait for Thursday, I am in a rush to embrace and enjoy football. There will be a lot of attacking and defending, we will see what is going to happen,” he concluded.
By Lehlogonolo Ditshego
The record champions welcome the defending champions at Tuks Stadium on Thursday, 28 July. The game will be broadcast on SuperSport 4.
You can get information on how to get tickets here.
