“We are thirsty for silverware,’ says Tuks coach

UP-Tuks Men's Football team is fired up ahead of the FNB Varsity Football 2025 campaign. The Stripe Generation are determined to bounce back stronger as they chase a fourth title in the university showpiece.

Last season, Nicholas Stothard’s men narrowly missed out after a 1-0 semi-final loss to eventual champions UWC.

Spending over 10 weeks together preparing for the upcoming campaign, the Pretoria side is determined to take over the throne and eliminate the errors of the past season.

“Last season is still a bitter pill for us to swallow, we managed to finish top of the log by a clear distance. We did not lose a game in the round robin stages but that just shows you that you need to be on top of your game to win all the nine games,” said coach Nicholas Stothard.

“We cannot change too much because it was probably our best year in a number of years, the composition of players and the quality of players we have. We looking to evolve our game to try and create more goal scoring opportunities more than we did last year.”

Stothard believes he managed to ruck up a solid squad despite losing a few senior players due to age restrictions of the competition.

“We have not lost too many players. We lost our two captains Tshiamo Mokoena and Tshepiso Mahlangu due to age. We have exciting new additions as their replacements. We added more detail in terms of our coaching process. I think we need to convert our chances when during knock-out games only one or two chances is all you going to get,” he said.

“Fans are thirsty for a silverware, the players are, and I am as well, I have no doubt that we have put in all the hard work and all the effort to give us every chance to lift the trophy this year.”

UP-Tuks Provisional Squad

Koketso Mokou, Leathan Croets, Callum Thompson, Khotatso Balepile, Atlegang Masemola, Damian Overmeyer, Mpiana Kabuyi, Edward Rankwe, Deshaun Jafta, Nkosana Shabalala, Paballo Mamabolo, Camagu Mdevulana, Euan Jenneker, Joshua Wood, Languta Mavunda, Samukelo Ngodela, Raymond Matlamela, Mathuane Selotola, Risen Albert, Matome Rangata, Mnqobi Mkhize, Quintin Stokes-Waller, Ntokozo Madela, Kholofelo Masenamela, Madoche Tamba, Jason Cox, Karabo Poletsi, Mpho Khoarai, Zinedeen Cassim, Matlhogonolo Kotsokoane, Sifiso Masombuka, Menzi Mbatha, Simphiwe Nkosi.

Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE.

By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego