Professor Stanley Mukhola, DVC of Teaching and Learning with Technology and acting DVC of Student Affairs and Extra-curricular Developments, urged the university’s ladies football team to use their sterling dominance in the Varsity Women’s Football competition to make the institution’s image positive. Prof Mukhola was speaking at a send-off lunch that was held at the cricket clubhouse yesterday.
This noteworthy function was organized by the directorate of sport and recreation, and among those who graced it was South Africa’s thriving female athlete Caster Semenya. The team will be playing their opening match tonight against University of Johannesburg (UJ) in Potchefstroom.
Professor Mukhola expressed his satisfaction with how the ladies have been putting TUT’s name on the map for the past four years where they’ve successfully won the competition for four successive years, making them the first and only team in this competition of both males and females to reach such a milestone. He said although all teams will be gunning for them, he has faith in them and is convinced that they are going to Potchefstroom for a training session before they join the male team in the final.
“It is no secret you guys are the best Varsity Football female team in the country today and you even proved that when you came third while playing Spain. I am your biggest fan and the entire Executive Management Committee of the university prides itself with you go and do us proud once again,” he said. Prof Mukhola said what also makes him happy about this team is that most of the players in the team pass with cum laude and that reflects the role of extramural activities in sport.
Shadrack Nthangeni the Director of Sport and recreation said, the team was go out and represent the university, as they have been representing it so well in the past five years. He urged them not to drop the ball now because they remain a beacon of hope looking the negative press that TUT has been receiving.
“Tomorrow when you are on TV make sure that your parents and family become proud of you when you wallop UJ, give them at least three goals or even 5-0 will do – not too many. I wish you all the best and I know you will make us proud.”
According to Tebogo Mokae, the team’s coach, the team must take the responsibility by putting their heads on the block. Mokae said they know he has faith in them because he worked with them for a very long time and the results have always been the same.
“We have created a culture of winning so it is up to you guys to continue with it or stop today, nothing is difficult we have seen it over the years that through hard work and dedication we have won games, so I know we will be in the finals on the 27th at Wits,” he added.
Bushy Moloi the men’s football team coach said, as the male’s team they always get inspired by the great work done by the female team. He said the ladies have never disappointed anyone especially the University, therefore it won’t start now, but in any case if it happens they must always remain united.
“Everyone is gunning against you and all they want is to win against because you have been champs for five years now, but I have faith you and everyone else at TUT has faith in you, so you need to work hard and reflect why we have faith in you. You need to remember that you are champions and no matter what happens you will still be champions, it won’t be easy for anyone to break that record,” he said.
Speaking at the function, Jabulile Mazibuko the teams captain, said they will do their best and work extremely hard to make the university proud because indeed it won’t be an easy task for them.
“More than anything I wish that we can go and have fun as a team and enjoy the tournament, but not forget to work together in bringing the trophy home again this year.”
By Mokete Radebe
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