Two-time former champions UP-Tuks have regrouped after last year’s disappointing season where they failed to make the semi-finals and have only one goal in mind in 2017 – to lift the Varsity Football title.
UP-Tuks open their account against current champions TUT away from home and although they will be a tough nut to crack, the team will be boosted by the retention of several senior players.
The team will be led by 25-year-old Lawrence Ntswane, who takes over the reins from Simbongile Njokwe and the final year B.Ed student is adamant that the University of Pretoria can win the Battle for Tshwane.
“We have worked hard to rectify our issues from last season and have put 2016 behind us. We know how to beat TUT and are set to deliver a performance that will allow to walk away as victors. The fact that they are defending champions is noteworthy but means little in the context of this year’s competition,” said a defiant Ntswane.
“We have a strong and experienced squad this year and the players just want to go out and perform on the pitch because at the end of the day that is the only place where it counts. The time for talking up a big game is over,” he added.
Ntswane has led the team before at SAB level but still values his relationship with vice-captain Njokwe.
“I believe my leadership experience during the SAB competition has provided me with the perfect blueprint for Varsity Football. However, I will need as much help as possible and Simbongile is a gifted player and leader. We will bring out the best in this team as partners,” said Ntswane.
The Pretoria side will hope to keep up the momentum built by their fellow students in 2017, following the success of the Varsity Cup, Varsity Hockey, Varsity Athletics and Varsity Cricket teams.
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UP-Tuks Football 2017 squad: Daylan Hawes (GK), Siphesihle Sosibo, Khumbulani Siluma, Lawrence Ntswane (C), Simbongile Njokwe (VC), Clement Malemone, Jurgen Booysen, Ludumo Nkebe, Jeremiah Nkwana, Richard Moremi, Simthembile Ndimande, Pierre Kok, Lucky Hlatshwayo, Claudio De Almeida, Athenkosi Jojo (GK), Odwa Makha, Sabelo Tsambo, Frank Mpedi, Katlego Mothlatsang, Clinton Mphahlele, Leonel De Mendoca, Chinedu Okolo, Wandile Dlamini, Wandile Dlamini, Lebogang Montueli, Dylan Paterson (GK)
By Dan Lombard
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