Wits faces TUT hurdle in cup final

Students hope to win maiden final

Wits University have never been in a Varsity Football final nor have they ever hosted one and they hope to make history when they welcome Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to the Bidvest Stadium for the Varsity Football final tonight (6pm).

The Braamfontein side finished fourth on the log after claiming four wins, one draw and tasted defeat twice in the round robin stage.

They were placed against log-leaders and cross-town rivals University of Johannesburg at the UJ’s Soweto campus.

After a thrilling game that ended goalless, Wits were able to claim a 4-3 victory on penalties with goalkeeper Matthew Carelse making two saves.

Their Gauteng rivals will be confident when crossing the Juksei River. TUT have already claimed one star, after defeating UJ 2-1 in 2016.

The side guided by star coach Bushy Moloi won’t be intimidated by the grounds either, considering TUT defeated Wits away 4-2 as recently as round seven of the competition.

Wits coach Mark Haskins believes his players’ dedication to the cause gives him confidence ahead of the game.

“Being in the Varsity Football final is a major achievement for us, but we are not happy with just being in the final, we want to compete and give it our best go,” he said.

TUT skipper Elliot Seema is taking confidence from the victory in round seven but knows that Wits will present a different challenge in the final.

Meanwhile, the TUT women’s team have a chance to claim their fifth title when they play University of Western Cape (UWC), also at Bidvest Stadium (3pm).

Both matches will be live on SuperSport 204. – Staff Reporter