TUT ready to respond strongly against defending champs UFS

The Red Army now turns its attention to defending champions UFS in Round Two of the Varsity Football tournament after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to UJ in their opening match. Under head coach Bushy Moloi, the side remains determined to challenge for a record-breaking championship title, with a refreshed squad eager to make its mark on this season’s campaign.

Both teams come into the clash wounded having lost in the opening games. TUT captain Lucky Raphala says they will not dwell on the past games.

“It was a tough game but there are positives we can take from it, we showed character and created chances but now it’s about learning from our mistakes and make sure we respond strongly on the next game,” said Raphala.

“It’s going to be another tough one because we will both be hungry after the first game. We respect UFS we all know what they did to us last year, but our focus is executing our game plan and bounce back.”

With the Pretoria West based team gunning for a first win, the skipper highlighted improvements from his side in attack and the privilege of working with Moloi.

“We worked a lot in being great going forward and creating chances and putting teams under pressure. We want to maintain that mentality in this campaign. We prepared with more experience and maturity as we all know coach Bushy is experienced and a great coach we learn from last season,” he said.

“We focused on consistency. We know how to reach the final and win it. Last year’s disappointment will not discourage us, but we are not looking too far ahead.”

The intensity in the Varsity Football increases each year with the tournament being won by three different institutions in the past three editions. The record championship holders were the last to clinch the coveted trophy back-to-back and have not tasted victory since 2023.

“Our target is to go all the way; it will not be easy, but we believe in the squad to finish the job this season. We have a positive mood, new players have settled well and there’s good understanding between the old and new players.”

Fixtures: HERE

Tickets: HERE

By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego