TSHWANE University of Technology will kick off their Varsity Football title defence with a local derby against University of Pretoria at the TUT Stadium tonight (6.15pm).
The clash features the two teams expected to compete for this year’s title, going toe-to-toe in the headline match of the opening round of this popular university football competition’s fifth edition.
TUT won their maiden title when they defeated University of Johannesburg 2-1 in a home final in Tshwane in 2016, while Tuks won the competition twice – the only team to have won it back-to-back.
TUT will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of their illustrious neighbours by winning it twice in a row.
TUT edged Tuks 5-4 on penalties at the same venue last month when their University Sport South Africa (USSA) Championships cup final ended in a goalless draw after extra time.
But both teams promise to deliver goals in this eagerly awaited Tshwane derby.
TUT coach Bushy Moloi has fired the first warning shot at Tuks, predicting victory for his charges.
Moloi is one of the longest serving coaches involved in the event, as he was there when the tournament was launched five years ago.
Said the coach: “Tuks should be worried about us – we have the best team. We are the team to beat. We are not worried about them. We will score lots of goals. This won’t be a boring derby, I can promise you that.”
Tuks star Mzisi Siluma said they were targeting a third university crown. He is not reading too much into the USSA defeat on penalties.
Said Siluma: “We are gunning for revenge. We will beat them at home.”
Varsity Football features eight teams competing on a round robin basis. The top two teams in the mini-league have home ground advantage in the semifinal stage.
