SPORT
TUT strike hampers
NWU’s USSA
aspirations
Dikgang Makhafola
The NWU Vaal male football team suffered another setback in their USSA Championships aspirations. This
setback occurred after their clash with TUT was postponed due to the on-going strikes. This was NWU Vaal’s
away game and the encounter was set to be played at
the UJ sports ground.
After cruising past UJ in their last encounter, NWU Vaal
was in a flamboyant mood as they looked to build onto
their momentum and redeem back the glory days.
Student 24/7 had an interview with the NWU Vaal football teams media liaison officer, Moroke Bojosi for more
information on the game that should have been, and
what the next step is.
Hey Moroke, can you tell us why the USSA League
game against TUT was postponed?
A: The game was a USSA League game, which we are
affiliated to as a university. Due to the current unrest at
all TUT campuses via their strike, they couldn’t organise
their team. As much as they are football players they are
firstly students and were affected by the strike, hence
our game was postponed.
How was the team’s reaction when they heard about
the postponement of the clash? Was there any disappointment?
A: No doubt, it was disappointing, the boys trained hard,
as it was the last game and again, with us not qualifying
the mood was low, but we have an undying spirit. Such
things bring us closer together.
Would you say the previous win against UJ gave the
boys some leverage in terms of preparing for the
TUT game?
A: Yes, we definitely were more confident. We were
looking forward to finishing on a high and I have no
doubt that we would have taken the momentum to the
TUT game, the spirit was high after the UJ game.
Do you think, If the game against TUT had not been
postponed things would have gone differently for
the team, in terms of qualifying for the National
Championships?
A: Sadly we still would have not qualified, Wits were
number 4, we number 5 on the log standings, Wits had
to lose against Medunsa, but because of Medunsa’s
strike, their game was not played meaning Wits went
ahead as the top 4, qualify for the National Championships.
How is the team feeling as we are approaching the
30 - Student 24/7
end of the competition, can we expect any surprises
in 2015.
A: We are disappointed, but not down. Despite not qualifying, we had good highlights, Six of our players were
selected for the USSA Provincial team which part took in
the SAB league. Three were selected for the USSA National team which represented SA in the CUCSA games
in Zambia and our women’s team has vastly improved.
In terms of expecting any surprises , maybe there will be
a few in terms of players, as next year first year students
will bring something fresh & add to our current ensemble, just watch the space.
Is there anything you would like to say to your loyal
fans?
A: On behalf of the team, we wish to thank all the supporters who attended our games, from the start of the
season to its climax, we promise big things and NWU
Vaal Forever we remain.
There hasn’t been any confirmation about when the
postponed match will be played due to the strikes. Also
as we’re approaching semester week I’d say the team is
done for the year in terms of the USSA Championship.