Tuks still tops the Varsity Football log after playing to a 0–0 draw against Northwest University last night.
The 94 minutes of football can be best summarised as a chess match between the Tuks strikers and the Northwest’s goalkeeper, Kamogelo Matane. There were at least two moments in the second half in which it looked like Tuks would put the game in “checkmate”. Matane had none of it and brilliantly kept the ball from hitting the back of the net. He deservedly got the Player of the Match award.
Tuks’s captain, Tshepiso Mahlangu, was proud of his boys’ performance.
“Naturally, we would have liked to add three more points to our log tally. We certainly had opportunities to score, but kudos to Northwest’s goalkeeper, who was brilliant. ‘Minute for minute’ it was a good game.”
Next Thursday is going to be the big one – Tuks versus Kovsies. They are the only two unbeaten teams in the tournament. Both teams have won seven points, won two games, and drew one. VUT, UWC and Northwest are all on four points.
Joshua Wood (Tuks) thinks the best is yet to come for him and his teammates.
“The team is just getting started. We need to maintain the momentum now and keep listening to the coaches, keep taking in, and, you know, keep the same mindset.
“I think one of the things that makes a difference is that before each game, we get together to discuss whatever we need to speak about. What do we need to fix in the field? What are our strengths and weaknesses?
“It definitely helps knowing the person next to you has your back for the game’s duration. It is like when you need a brother, they are there for you. Having that type of family on the field makes it so easy to run for the next person or to work hard for the next person. Our results so far prove the difference it makes.
“Lastly, credit should go to our coach, Nicholas Stothard. He has earned everyone’s trust in the game plan.”
Wood is one of the newcomers to Tuks. He used to be part of the Stellenbosch Football Club’s setup. He fell in love with the game the first time his foot touched the ball.
“My family is very sporty, so I played some cricket. I played a bit of rugby, but, obviously, football was the biggest one. In the beginning, it was just for more fun. But then I saw the joy it brought myself, the joy that it brought my parents, and obviously my grandparents. Football is a way to make them proud besides, doing well in my studies.
“Football allows me to express myself. You know, everybody has an outlet. Whenever I have a bad day, I pick up a football and start playing. Just juggling the ball also helps.
Kickoff for Thursday’s game against Kovsies in Bloemfontein is 19:15.