After a run of poor results and a dip in form, the University of Johannesbug are willing to put it all behind them when they do battle in a tough away fixture against log leaders TUT.
After scoring six in their opening encounter, there has been a change of fortune for the team from Johannesbug as they have slowly slipped down the table, and perhaps not playing to their full potential. That, which was highlighted in their 0-3 home defeat to Tuks. “Obviously for us it was a bitter pill to swallow, the boys are still hurting but this is football and we have to put whatever happened to us in the past,” coach Mandla Zwane said.
Captain Ruwell Jagger also acknowledged the defeat but said, “In football results like these often turn around teams’ fortune. We can either be great and go on to qualify, or let the result haunt us, we are obviously looking at the next challenge and set our goals on a top four playoff finish.”
UJ will be involved in their second Gauteng derby and face table toppers TUT who have been the most consistent and by far a better team than the rest of the chasers. The team from Tshwane have been resilient in defense and have been fluid in attack. With a playoff spot at stake, Varsity Football is heating up and both teams will be looking for maximum points in this encounter.
Tactical changes are expected as UJ will look to change things up, young starlet Tebogo Mandyu is a doubt after suffering an injury on Thursday and will face a late test. The game will be played on Monday the 8th of August at the TUT Stadium. Kickoff is at 18:30.
UJ team to face TUT: Damaine van Der Walt, Ruwell Jagger(c), Ntokozo Tshabalala, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Futuin, Lindani Mazibuko, Sthembiso Manana, Tshepo Tolo, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Pogiso Mabote, Samuel Warder
Subs: Simphiwe XaBa, Mpumelelo Sambo, Sbongeleni Gamade, Jared Abrahams, Melusi Mahlaba, Given Msimango, Tebego Mandyu
By Nkosinathi Shazi
