Tuks' men's soccer team's 4-2 victory against Kovsies is a complete turnaround from how the team played in the Varsity Tournament last year.
Last year, Tuks' downfall was its inability to score goals. The team scored its first goal only in its fourth match—four of the matches ended in draws. The fact that Tuks scored 9 goals in its last two matches didn't matter. The team still failed to qualify for the semifinals.
In light of that, Tuks fans had every reason to be positive about their team's performance on Friday. For Tuks to beat Kovsies, the defending Varsity champions, 4-2 on their home field, took some doing. Tuks proved they have BMT. They were 2-1 down at halftime. Tuks scored three goals in the second half.
Tuks's captain, Paballo Mamabola, however, warns that nothing has yet been achieved as it is only the first game of the tournament.
"It was a big one on Friday in our first game to come with a statement against the Kovsies, the defending Varsity champions. Hitting them with four goals. I won't lie, it was a tough game. We had to come from behind to win.
"One thing I will say is that I am proud of the 'Boys'. We have a special group. Our best trait as a team is our mentality. It is what will make other teams struggle when they play against us. We never know when we are beaten. But we are not getting ahead of ourselves. We are going to take it one game at a time."
As captain, Mamabola, had the honour of sealing the game for Tuks in the 77th minute, producing a clever backheel through the goalkeeper's legs after a deflected long-range effort from a teammate.
Ntokozo Madela, Matome Rangata, and Samukelo Ngodela scored Tuks's other three goals.
As things stand, Tuks is topping the log, having, for the moment, scored the most goals. DUT and UJ are the other two teams that have won on Friday. UWC and Wits drew their games.
On Friday, Tuks will host UWC. Kickoff is at 18:30.