Are you optimistic regarding your chances of winning the tournament?
We’re definitely going to win it, that’s how confident I am. That’s judging from our performances in the USSA championships played last year December against, basically, the teams that will be playing in the Varsity Cup. We didn’t even concede a goal in that tournament.
Judging from the USSA games and last year’s Varsity Cup, which team do you think will be your toughest opponents?
Definitely Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). They’re quite good. Every time we face them, it’s a derby. It’s a big game for both teams because it’s a big stage.
How did you feel about last years’ Varsity Cup final when Jeremiah Nkwana scored that brilliant free-kick?
I’m the one who got that foul. Everyone started celebrating as if it was a penalty because we knew his ability. I went to high school with Jeremiah, so I knew his ability.
Do USSA games offer the team enough exposure?
I believe Varsity Cup football gives us more exposure than the USSA games. People watch Varsity Cup. Look at Thabo Mnyamana – from Varsity Cup to the Bafana Bafana squad. So, [yes] it provides exposure.
Sport is important in South Africa. Has it played a big role in your development? Can it make a difference in others’ lives?
[Having] played soccer with other races, I believe it breaks those racial barriers. Like some of the white guys I grew up [with] at school can actually speak Sotho and Zulu. Stop Racism is a big thing in football which they like to promote and that has a positive influence.
Has football taught you lessons about life and hard work?
I grew up in a soccer environment so I believe I am the person I am because of soccer. In terms of hard work, I’ve put as much hard work [into] my studies as I do on the field, so football has taught me a life-long lesson.
Photo: Stefan Stander
