UP-Tuks semi-final preparations intact as the Stripe Generation are gunning for a fourth title. UP-Tuks will welcome UWC at the Tuks Stadium in the first semi-final of the 2024 Varsity Football. Tuks finished top of the table with five wins from seven matches, securing the Pretoria side top spot and a home semi, while their Western Cape counterparts thrashed VUT 5-0 to finish the season fourth.
Nicholas Stothard’s side only fell off once this campaign when they were beaten 2-1 with their only loss of the season coming from UWC.
With a lot at stake for teams, Tuks gunning for 4th star and UWC desperate for the maiden silverware. Stothard believes his side is well prepared for the clash.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, I think they experienced a little bit of what we experienced today with TUT, they defended really well, probably should’ve got a draw in the end with a missed a penalty. We had a lot of chances that we did not bury, so we need to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes like last time and to concede those goals and take our chances,” he said.
“I believe we have enough confidence in the team, we have to prepare well and recover and give UWC the respect that they deserve. Two steps now so we are one game away from the final, but we need to go get that job done.”
Tuks returned from missing last season rejuvenated, Stothard is not holding back in thanking his technical team and the squad depth they managed to build.
“We are on track with our plans, all credit has to go to the technical team. We work tirelessly, from our sport science team, football managers, physios and the players, these boys work hard. Special mention to Raymond Matlamela as he ran 16km. That's impressive, Samukelo Ngodela had a great game against TUT,” he said.
“We need to take our chances against UWC. We need to strike the balance and make sure we are thorough in our pressing and also our defences structures. We were blessed with midfielders, we got captain Tshiamo Mokoena, Camagu Mdevulana, Matlamela, Sam Ngodela who can play on the left as well, Paballo Mamabolo and Joshua Wood who is our box to box player.”
Fixtures HERE
Tickets HERE
By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego
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