Tuks captain Edward Rankwe ready to lead the Stripe Generation to glory in his final season

UP-Tuks captain Edward Rankwe aims to finish his Varsity Football journey on a high after representing the Stripe Generation for more than four seasons. With the 2025 season approaching, this campaign holds special significance for Rankwe, as he prepares to wear the Tuks red and white for the final time in the Varsity Football tournament.

Rankwe believes his squad is not only strong on paper but can replicate that on the field of play.

“We have one of the best teams, the quality is too much I think we are strong mentally. We can bounce back from anything and that for me plays a huge role,” said Rankwe.  

“Hence, they say this tournament ‘Iyachesa’ it is exactly that, it is very hot. It does not only require quality but also the mental side of it plays a huge role.”

The Tuks Sport High School graduate remembers his Tuks debut like it was yesterday, chuckles as he narrates it.

“My debut was against UKZN in 2019, we won 3-0. What a nice way to start off your journey in this tournament,” he said.

“I was in Tuks Sport High Sport, so it was easier for me to transition to the Varsity set up. I was spotted by the coaches and became part of this family.

“Football gods need to be on our side this year, we need to take our chances and keep clean sheets. This was emphasized a lot in training.”

Rankwe highlights a family support for his success in football and other aspects of life.

“I was brought up by a family that was rooted in love and very supportive. Not judgemental and they supported me all the way, football played a huge role in my life. It has afforded me an opportunity to escape pressures that come with life,” he adds.

“Engaging in peer pressure this, drugs and alcohol so because of football I was able to avoid a lot of things. Everything I know about football I applied in my life. Punctuality, respect and determination I was taught by football.”

Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE.

By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego