UP-Tuks want nothing less than the trophy in 2019

Having exited Varsity Football 2018 at the semi-final stage, the UP-Tuks are looking eagerly forward to the 2019 edition – particularly at claiming the trophy for a fourth time. Dan Lombard reports.

The Stripe Generation are not only seeking the title but have an obligation on themselves to continue performing as the best team in the competition.

The statistics since the inception of Varsity Football in 2013 speak for themselves as they have played 42 round robin matches; won 23 and lost 10 while they have scored 80 goals (the most) and claimed the title in 2013, 2014 and 2017. It is a record that the team cherish and wish to keep intact according to UP-Tuks head coach, Tlisane Motaung.

“The players really enjoy playing for the University of Pretoria, many of them come from all corners of South Africa just to wear our colours. They feel proud to be part of our structures and continue to push the envelope in terms of leaving the club in a better place than where they found it. It is important for them to maintain the high standards left by the players before them,” fourth year coach Motaung says.

“The record, although important, comes second in comparison.”

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A new season invariably means a shift in the player roster as the players reach the age cap, move on to other universities or start working after graduation.

UP-Tuks captain, Simbongile Njokwe, is one such player who will compete in his swansong season as he reaches the age cap of 25 years old in 2019. He, together with his core leadership group, hopes to lead The Stripe Generation to another title while grooming the next generation of exciting young talent.

“A new year, another chance to lift the trophy. We are excited to once again be part of this exciting competition. We want to win and we believe that we have the formula to do so,” says the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship student.

“We have a group of news players who are coming from the development [TuksSport High School and TuksFootball Academy]. So they know what’s expected of them. I believe they are ready, the only difference is that it’s their first Varsity Football tournament. One can’t gain experience without playing, so this year it’s their time,” Njokwe concludes.

UP-Tuks’ Varsity Football 2019 squad: 1. Yurie Mortimer (goalkeeper), 2. *Tobatsi Roets, 3. Sabelo Tsambo, *4. Edward Rankwe, 5. Simbongile Njokwe (captain), 6. Leandro Mendes, 7. Jurgen Booysen, 8. Wandile Dlamini, 9. Nhlanhla Mabaso, *10. Mogau Khwinana, 11. Lebohang Montueli, 12. Kagiso Mabusela, *13. Kgomotso Chiwayo, *14. Ross Marshall, 15. Siphamandla Ntuli, 16. Giovanni Idi (goalkeeper), *18. Tyler Den Heyer (goalkeeper), *19. Kgadimoloko Phukubje, 20. Katlego Motlhatsang, *21. Tshepang Tjale, *22. Curtis Mathebula, 23. Chinedu Okolo, *24. Jerry Tlou, 25. Sive Mfala, *26. Mathuane Selotola. [*new for 2019]

UP-Tuks kick off their 2019 campaign against Pretoria rivals TUT at the Tuks Stadium on Thursday, 25 July 2019. Kick-off is at 18:15 and the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport 204 and SuperSport 210.