NWU Eagles aim for a strong home start against CUT

The Eagles will play their first home fixture of the Varsity Football 2025 season on 14 August at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium, facing CUT. This clash follows NWU’s 1-1 away draw against UJ in the opening round.

Reflecting on the game, NWU head coach Nkululeko Malgas highlighted the importance of the result.

Malgas also pointed out the introduction of the new “Goal Rush” award this season, noting that it has the potential to shape tactical approaches for the rest of the campaign.

“I heard that we haven’t won away to UJ in a while. Their 12th man is very provoking, and you could tell with how nervous we were, which led to us conceding from a set-play,” said Malgas.

Round 1 HIGHLIGHTS: UJ vs NWU - 7 August

“It’s going to be an interesting Varsity Football season, and we have to be accustomed to it. It’s going to be a very difficult match, especially at home for us. We started watching their past match immediately after our post-match analysis corrections. It’s always a very difficult task to play against a side that lost by such a marginal score. We must be at our best, especially in front of our supporters.”

The coach is also mindful of the high expectations from the NWU faithful after last year’s heartbreak, when the team lost the final at home on penalties.

“The boys know very well what to do to rectify that. We want nothing but the gold medal, because 2019 was a long time ago,” he said.

Vice-captain Lucky Letwaba echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of the home fixture.

“We know how much this game means to the fans and us as players. Last year’s final still hurts, and we want to use that as motivation. CUT will be looking to bounce back, so we have to be focused and give our best performance from the first whistle. Playing at home is special, and we want to make sure we give our supporters something to celebrate,” he said.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium, where the home crowd will be hoping for a winning start to their side’s campaign on home turf.

Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE.

By: Phenyo Mokgothu