UP-Tuks striker, Odwa Makha's, ability to keep a "cool head" during critical moments of the Varsity Football Tournament has helped his team qualify for tomorrow's home semi-final against the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

Makha scored four of his team's 12 goals so far this season. The one that stands out for him is heading the ball into the net from a corner kick in the game against the University of Fort Hare. On Monday against UWC, he again steered the ball into the back of the net with splendid header.

The third year Human Movement Science and Sports Management student refuses to take any glory for his goal scoring abilities. His short answer, when asked about it, is that it is a team effort. He is just putting the finishing touches to what his teammates started out doing. That is what strikers do. 

Makha, in fact, has a justified reason for wanting to outfox the opposition team's defence as often as he can.

"I am 25 years old which means this is the last time I will be able to play for Tuks in the Varsity Football Tournament. Therefore, I want every moment to be a memorable one."

He is quite realistic about what awaits them tomorrow (14/09) in their semi-final clash against UWC.

"It is never easy playing against them because it is tough to break their defence down. Luckily we got a home ground advantage which helps. In the past three years, we had to play against them in Cape Town in windy conditions."

Makha credits his late dad as his role model.

"I was very young when he used to take me to watch him when he played football games. It was his passion for the game that inspired me to play football. He was also the one that motivated me to keep on playing the game."

Makha realises that at 25 his chance of becoming a professional footballer have passed.

"It does not matter. My passion is sports development. There is so much to be done in the townships to encourage and help youngsters to fulfil their dreams. I have had the privilege to be involved with TuksSport because I have learnt so much that would place me in good stead once I enter the working world. I am looking forward to the challenge."