The Tshwane University of Technology are one of the powerhouses in Varsity Football and have reached their sixth final. They will, however, have to dethrone the defending champions from the University of Johannesburg at their home ground on Thursday, if they want to lift their third title.
Both teams met in last year’s semi-final when the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before Karabo Mogudi’s men beat Bushy Moloi’s side on penalties to end a run of five successive final appearances by TUT
Moloi says his side are excited ahead of the final and the team who wants it more on the day will end up celebrating the title.
“As the technical team we are very happy, we are excited. We’re looking forward to a wonderful game against our neighbours at UJ,” he told Varsity Football.
“At the end of the day it’s all about the development of players, so the best team will win. As usual, we always say ‘everyone wants to win’. I would say that the best team will have the players that want to go into the NFD or higher.”
Moloi also explains he is happy that Thursday’s final fall into a FIFA break, meaning there will be no other domestic football and all eyes of Mzansi will be on the clash between his TUT side and the defending champions.
“I’m excited that we’ve reached the final and a lot of coaches will be watching now because when you have a lot of teams in action, others are busy with the PSL, but now it’s a FIFA week so everyone is free to watch the final,” he added.
“I’m very grateful that this opportunity for my boys and the technical team to showcase the talent we have.”
TUT enter the game on the back of three successive wins without conceding a single goal – notably against three of the four semi-finalists after beating NWU and UFS in round six and seven of the round-robin stage.
Moloi admitted his side has a few injury niggles ahead of their trip to Johannesburg, but whichever line-up the experienced coach will put out, fans and neutrals will surely be in for fireworks at UJ Stadium.
The game kicks off at 18:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Variety (SS9).
