When the 2023 Women’s Varsity Football competition gets underway on Friday 11 August, UP-Tuks are clear on what they want – their first title.
Head coach Maude Khumalo says the team is ready and up for the challenge.
“Our preparation went well even though we were caught up in between the Hollywood Bets Super League. Last season was a lot for us because we paid more attention to qualifying for the Hollywood Bets Super League and got into the quarter-finals of Varsity Football.
This year we are fully focused on Varsity Football and planning on going all the way to win it.”
With neighbours TUT being one of the most successful sides in Women’s Varsity Football, Tuks came close to clinching the coveted trophy once in 2021 when they lost to UWC on penalties. The hunt continues for Khumalo and the squad.
“It will be a great bonus for us to win because last season we managed to qualify for Hollywood Bets Super League whereby we had to participate in both tournaments, it was not an easy task. This year our mind will be fully focused on Varsity Football.”
Tuks could be boosted by the return of midfielder Wendy Shongwe from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where Banyana Banyana made history by making the knockout stages for the first time.
“Banyana Banyana made history at the World Cup, it motivates my team because we have our very own Wendy Shongwe representing us which shows that women’s football is growing,” says Khumalo.
Tuks open their Varsity Football title chase against Wits in the Jukskei River derby and Khumalo says it’s going to be a tricky game.
“Playing against Wits is not going to be an easy game, the last time we played them was in the USSA and it was a challenging game. Each year they bring new players, we have new players as well and they add some diversity. We will see what they have in store for us.”
PROVISIONAL SQUAD:
Defenders: Thando Khubeka, Mmakgotso Mashishi, Morongwa Manamela, Relebogile Phala, Betty Mallela, Olwethu Tetyana, Zama Ngcobo, Zikhona Mgotywa.
Midfielders: Elanza Hendricks, Lethabo Ledwaba, Sinamile Mkhwanazi, Rethabile Makhwela, Ibanathi Msindo.
Forwards: S'bahle Ndlovu, Wendy Shongwe, Lesedi Petlane, Siyamthanda Qashani.
Goalkeepers: Slindile Duma, Kgothatso Manamela.
Full fixture lists HERE.
For information on tickets, click HERE.
By LehlogonoloDitshego
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