TUT’s Red Machine is currently at a standstill after dropping points in consecutive matches, but goalkeeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube is backing his teammates to find their form.
Despite their draw against UKZN and loss to UFS, TUT remain top of the log with 10 points from their five games to date. Considering all have been on the road, it’s perhaps no surprise Bushy Moloi’s side might be struggling with fatigue.
As goalkeeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube tells varsitysportssa.com, TUT remain determined to get the Red Machine heading towards a title defence, starting against UWC on Thursday:
You haven’t registered a win from your last two matches against UKZN and UFS, how is the mood in the dressing room?
“It is not easy coming from a draw and then lose. However, this is our wake-up call and we want to do better in our next matches.”
You are currently sitting on the top of the log and you are also the defending champions, how is the feeling and how do you deal with the pressure?
“It is not easy as everyone has a point to prove against us but we just want to win our matches and continue improving as a team.”
Is fatigue the main reason for your recent results?
“It is not easy striking a balance between home matches and studying. However, this is what we want and we have been here before so that is not an excuse.
“We will try our best to win our next matches.”
You, as TUT’s goalkeeper, have conceded three goals in five matches which is not a bad record. How do you manage to produce good performances constantly?
“I try to do my best whenever I’m given a chance. It is important for us as a team to try and not to concede goals because we have a very good team that is capable of winning this year’s competition.”
TUT next travel to fourth-placed UWC with the game live on SuperSport 4 from 16:00. Coach Moloi has retained Ncube in goal, but is set to make a few changes elsewhere in his team…
TUT (vs UWC): 20. Sikhumbuzo Ncube (GK), 3. Rorisang Rapelang (capt), 5. Mogau Mphahlele, 16. Boipelo Molale, 4. Wisdom Mathebula, 8. Tebogo Lekaba, 6. Thuso Mlamla, 17. Brian Tshoba, 9. Tumelo Mowa, 15. Ronald Mabasa, 13. Lebogang Phatlane.
Replacements: 25. Kgaratlo Phatsoane (GK), 2. Tumelo Mphela, 19. Steven Mvenya, 21. Tlotlo Afrika, 22. Ogorositswe Tabane, 24. Jim Naselele, 28. Tiego Mathebe.
By Lakhe Thwala
