Kovsies and CUT clash in high-stakes Bloemfontein battle

All eyes will be on Shimla Park on Thursday evening for the crucial fifth-round Varsity Football clash, as neighbours the UFS Men’s Football and the CUT Men’s Football battle it out in the big Bloemfontein derby. There’s more than just bragging rights on the line three valuable points are at stake, and every single one could prove crucial with the semi-finals looming.

UFS will be chasing a third win on the bounce as they look to strengthen their grip on a top four spot. CUT, meanwhile, are targeting momentum, and mathematically they are still in with a shout of reaching the playoffs after bagging their first win last week.

While there is no love lost between the two sides, UFS captain Iviwe Dyabuza warned that their cross-town rivals remain dangerous and deserve respect.

“As we all know, it’s a big Thursday in Bloemfontein with the derby ahead, and we’re both excited and delighted to be part of it. But we’re not just there to participate — we’re there to compete,” said the star UFS left-back.

“We know it won’t be an easy game. Even though our opponents haven’t had the best run in the competition, we expect them to come out guns blazing. That’s why we’re preparing for it as if it’s a final. Our mindset and our mandate for the day is clear: respect the opposition and give everything on the field.

“We’re carrying the momentum and character we showed in our previous games, and the boys are hungry to deliver again. I’m excited to see what this team will produce on the day.”

CUT captain Thabang Mokoena made it clear that for his side, this is more than just another match.

“This is a derby we’re playing our neighbours, and we don’t want to be embarrassed in front of our Bloemfontein supporters.

“We want to make sure we collect maximum points. Mathematically, we’re still in it. If we win our last three games, we can go all the way. But before thinking that far ahead, we need to beat Kovsies first.

“We are confident, focused on fixing the small details, and determined to claim our second win of the league come Thursday.”

The eagerly anticipated Bloemfontein derby kicks off at 19:15 at Shimla Park.

Fixtures: HERE  

Tickets: HERE.