By Mzwandile Ndlovu

The North-West University’s (NWU) Soccer Institute is preparing for a decisive clash against Belligerators FC on Saturday, 25 April, at Mmabatho Stadium. They are hoping secure their place in the provincial playoffs of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Motsepe League.

While the road to this match has not always been smooth for the team, they have emerged stronger from the challenges, including squad changes and scheduling issues, according to head coach Nkululenko Malgas.

“It has not been easy, but we believe our goal of reaching the playoffs is doable,” says coach Malgas.

The Soccer Institute currently boasts the highest scoring record, with 55 goals in the Provincial Stream B Division, while also maintaining one of the strongest defensive records, conceding only 10 goals, an indication of both attacking efficiency and defensive discipline.

Managing pressure, maintaining focus

With a playoff spot within reach, balancing confidence and pressure has been central to the team’s preparation.

“We keep reminding the players about the team goal and how close we are to achieving it,” coach Malgas says.

This approach has grounded the players, helping them channel recent performances into motivation rather than complacency.

Their previous victory over Belligerators FC in the first round offers a psychological edge. A win in this Saturday’s fixture would see the NWU complete a perfect record against them this season, collecting six out of six points.

In the lead-up to this crucial encounter, coach Malgas has been reminding the team about how the NWU narrowly missed out on promotion to the semi-finals in the 2022 SAFA ABC Motsepe National Play-Offs.

Says coach Malgas: “We are aiming to surpass that record.”

NWU Soccer Institute coach Nkululenko Malgas