Rathokoa ignites TUT’s hunt for a historic fifth Varsity Football crown

TUT’s newly signed winger Akani Rathokoa is taking Varsity Football by storm as the record champions chase a historic fifth title. The exciting wide player has joined the Pretoria giants with his pace, flair and attacking threat expected to play a key role as TUT target another Varsity Football crown.

The Pretoria outfit did not commence the season on a high after going down 1-0 to UJ, but Bushy Moloi’s charges managed to regain their mojo and managed to force a win out of struggling defending champions UFS before playing a 1-1 draw in the fierce Tshwane derby.

Rathokoa was key to TUT attacking troops in all opening encounters, alluding the freedom given by the coaches to express himself.

“I need to work on my finishing more; we do drills with coach in training. I think we could’ve won the derby because we wasted a lot of chances in the first half and going forward, we need to be more clinical in the final third,” he said.

“We need to collect more points as our goal is to play nine games. We thank our fans for carrying us through and continue supporting us as it is tough playing all games away.”

Rathokoa impressed the TUT technical team in a local Atteridgeville football tournament, although TUT lost the match on his debut he believes he can still deliver for his side.

“My debut was difficult because my performance was not the best and I want to make an impact in all games and help the team. I am happy I finally made my Varsity Football debut. It has been a wonderful journey because I am enjoying every moment with Red Army. I was welcomed well and we all gel in,” said the former Venda Football Academy player.

“I like going direct and beat defenders. I am a very direct person I would rather lose the ball trying to go forward, I like dribbling a lot and beating defenders and create chances for my teammates. Varsity Football is the best platform for me to impress so I can play in the PSL or Europe”.

The Red Army will travel to the Western Cape to take on UWC who also hungry for a win as they were held to a goalless draw against DUT.

“We need to fix our finishing against UWC, they are a good side. I wish to score more goals; we want to win the Varsity Football that would be great for everyone at TUT. Bringing the cup back home.”

Fixtures: HERE

Tickets: HERE

By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego