Fresh from a 1-0 home victory over the Central University of Technology (CUT), the North-West University’s (NWU’s) footballers are heading into their next clash with confidence but not complacency.

On Thursday, 21 August, the NWU team comes up against one of Varsity Football’s top four sides, the University of Pretoria (Tuks). The NWU will be hosting the match at its Mahikeng stadium.

The NWU players are well aware that the level of competition is escalating, and they are ready for it. Coach Nkululeko Malgas says his team’s game will remain unchanged despite the challenge ahead. “We don’t normally change our ways. We listen to what the match is saying and respond during the match. We know how we play, they know how we play, but it’s up to them how they are going to plan.”

Strong teamwork in the CUT match on 14 August set the scene for the decisive goal by NWU captain Aphelele Sibisi. “Our team is a whole-round side,” coach Malgas notes. “We work more as a group, and goals should come from across the squad.”

Looking ahead to the Tuks, captain Sibisi acknowledges the weight of the match. “We know they are a very strong team with a great reputation, so the pressure is there. But the guys are in a positive mood. We understand the challenges ahead of this fixture, and we are motivated and prepared to give our best on the field to get great results for our fans.”.

The home crowd, he believes, will be crucial. “With our own NWU fans, it’s like having an extra player on the field cheering us on.”

Coach Malgas shares that sentiment but stresses that results will define their progress. “Sometimes, top performance is what pleases the supporters besides the goals scored. I am happy as long as the last column on the log moves.”

As the NWU prepares for one of the season’s toughest assignments, the contest against Tuks offers them a chance to prove they belong among the competition’s elite.

The NWU team will be counting on their home crowd in the upcoming Tuks clash.