By Phenyo Mokgothu and Mzwandile Ndlovu
Momentum is building, the stakes are high. After securing a commanding 1-0 victory over Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) at Mahikeng, the North-West University (NWU) football team are looking to clinch a place in the semi-final.
On Thursday, 11 September, the NWU will take on Durban University of Technology (DUT) in a crucial match at Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
Their last win came at the right time, boosting the team’s confidence and momentum as they head into their last important games of the competition. With momentum on their side, coach Nkululenko Malgas will aim to keep confidence high and collect maximum points.
“It’s a win that came at the right time,” he says, referring to the victory against TUT on Thursday, 4 September. I credit it all to the character the boys showed on the day – now we need to build on it.”
With the semi-final spot up for grabs, coach Nkululenko faces intense scrutiny but is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“For us being runners-up last year, expectations have always been there. The last two fixtures are very important, as the results give ideas and shape the next round of knockouts. It’s currently very tight because we haven’t won two to three matches consecutively in Varsity Football 2025.”
The NWU’s goal drought has been a concern, with the team managing only three goals in five matches, while keeping three clean sheets and conceding two goals.
As they head into the final stretch, every goal difference counts, and coach Nkululenko acknowledges the team’s struggle to convert opportunity into points. “That’s the sad part about football; you will never be sure because the execution depends on the moment. If you were to ask me what I need more between goals and points, I would take the latter.”
Looking ahead to the clash against DUT, he is aware that DUT’s unpredictability could catch the NWU players off guard. Despite being rock bottom, DUT has shown signs of improvement and might pose a significant threat in their final home match.
“DUT will be the most difficult opponent because they have been building ever since match day one. I wish we could have played them earlier. If you have been following them, you will know they have been slowly improving as their last match against the University of Johannesburg showed.”
That said, the NWU team are well-prepared, fit and ready to fight fire with fire – and hopefully secure their third consecutive semi-finals
