Former SuperSport Utd attacker, Risen Albert, embracing fresh challenge in Tuks colours

UP-Tuks Men’s Football are still chasing their first victory of the Varsity Football 2025 campaign after being held to goalless stalemates in the opening three rounds.

Nicholas Stothard has bolstered his squad for the season by calling up Varsity Football 2024 winners Damian Overmeyer and Leathan Croats, adding both quality and experience to his ranks. Joining them is former SuperSport United attacker, Risen Albert, who has already begun making his mark in Tuks colours coming off the bench in the opening round before earning a starting spot in the fiercely contested Tshwane derby.

“In preparation for the tournament I thought it was slow paced due to the fact that I was coming from a league that is fast in the tempo. But playing the tournament shows me that there is a lot at stake and people are taking it seriously and play passionately. You do not have much time on the ball,” said Albert.

“The biggest challenge for me was adapting from the PSL to Varsity Football however I am enjoying my football here at Tuks and I strongly believe we are capable of winning the title.”

Albert found football as his only known tool and started playing at an early age. The 23-year-old came from Highlands Park development ranks before the joining the now debunk Matsatsantsa a Pitori.

As his focus is switch to Varsity Football and making his name at the Stripe Generation he wants to relish every moment.

“I am settling in quite well at Tuks and players are welcoming. Growing up in Johannesburg it was not always easy, but my family have always been supportive,” he said.

“Football became my escape and passion from an early age, it has taught me discipline, resilience and the value of hard work since I am not from opulent background.”

As an attacker and goal poacher, Albert looks up to Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng and Kylan Mbappe of Real Madrid, he alluded football to have positively impacted his life.

“Football changed my life in many ways, it has given me direction and taught me teamwork and given me multiple opportunities especially being a footballer and a student there is things I learn within the game that I can apply in my life. A lot of people are already looking up to me in my neighbourhood,” he adds.

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By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego