UWC playmaker Stefan Stuurman is hoping for a sensational run in this year’s Varsity Football tournament in order to crack open his dream of playing in the Premier Soccer League.
The UWC No. 10 has played in the third tier ABC Motsepe League for Glendene United and The Magic FC – in-between turning out for his local Kuils River AFC. Stuurman has also had trials overseas previously and is eager to get a shot at the big time.
“It has been tough in the past. There have been major situations that I have been in. I have travelled a lot, but I am waiting for the breakthrough,” the 22-year-old tells varsitysportssa.com.
Stuurman will need to raise his game though, and help his teammates up their work rate too if his dreams are to be realised. UWC lost their opening game to tournament returnees Kovsies 3-2 in Bloemfontein last week. At one stage the 2015 champions were 3-0 down, but ran out of time to complete what would have been a sensational comeback.
“It was a good wake-up call for the lads, especially the new guys that came in to the team. I think they got a shock, particularly with the enormity of the competition,” Stuurman said.
“We were 3-0 down and then we came back. We scored two goals in eight minutes. We had a very stern chat from the coach at halftime.”
UWC are on the road again this week when they head to the nation’s capital to face a strong UP-Tuks team. The Bellville-based side are notorious poor travellers and have developed the unwanted reputation of not being able to win away from Cape Town.
They have the opportunity to change that perception at Tuks Stadium, but Stuurman admits the players do struggle with the Highveld conditions especially coming from a cold, blustery and wet Mother City.
“It is difficult travelling up there. The altitude and all those things. But we just have to find a way,” the BA General student added.
The match will start at 6:30pm at the Tuks Stadium. It is not being televised but live updates will be provided on all Varsity Football’s social media platforms.
PLAYER PROFILE Stefan Stuurman
Full name: Stefan Stuurman
Born: 15/1/1997 in Cape Town
Position: Attacking midfielder
Varsity Football experience: 2018-19
Studying: BA General (1st Year)
by Zaahier Adams
