Lanky UP-Tuks defender Lawrence Ntswane says his team holds the psychological advantage going into their semifinals against NWU next week.
The central defender was Tuks’ match-winner on Monday, scoring the decisive goal to earn his side a home semi-final and a 1-0 victory against NWU at the Mafikeng Sports Campus.
Tuks, who are the current USSA champions, completed a hat-trick of victories over the same opponents. They defeated them twice in the opening and final game of USSA in Cape Town last season and then added their third victory in front of packed crowned in Mafikeng.
NWU are now in danger of losing their fourth successive game against Tuks in the Varsity Football semifinal on Monday. Tuks holds the advantage and everything points in their favour.
The 21-year-old says scoring the winner is a feeling that he will never forget.
Ntswane said: “It’s always a good feeling to score an important goal for your team. We came here with a good game plan and executed it to perfection. We got an important result and I’m glad that I scored the winner.”
Tuks defended superbly and Ntswane was at the heart of their defence fighting for every ball. They broke the hearts of NWU with four minutes to go to stun a record crown at the popular competition.
The sweet thing about this victory is that Tuks did it without five of their regulars, who stayed behind in Pretoria due to academic and personal commitments.
“As you’ve noticed five of our players were absent but we soldiered on to get an important result. We were a bit cautious in attack and relied on the counter,” said Ntswane.
Tuks have the home advantage, so can they go on to reach the final?
“This result will boost our confidence but we can’t let this victory get into our heads. We have to keep our foot on the ground,” said Ntswane.
Tuks started their Varsity Football campaign slowly losing 4-1 to TUT, but slowly regrouped to finish the round robin stages in second position.
“We had a bad start but defeat in the first game brought us down to earth as national champions at university level. We hope to feature in the last two games and win it,” added Ntswane.
By Charles Baloyi – Sports writer Daily Sun and Sunday Sun
