It is tempting to play around using words like “keeping a cool head” or level-headed” when describing the 20-year old UP-Tuks player, Chinedu Okolo, football feats especially considering what happened in the last two Varsity games.

The second-year civil engineering student is at the moment the UP-Tuks team’s top goal scorer after heading the ball into the back of the net in the game against UJ. He also did so last week against the UKZN. It seems to have become his trademark. 

One of the goals he is most proud of was during last year’s Varsity game against UJ when he also scored with a header. In doing he kept UP-Tuks on track to go on and win the tournament.

Okolo admits to loving the challenge of executing the perfect header. According to him being 1.93m tall can be an advantage.

“But length is not a prerogative.  Some shorter players can jump higher than tall players. To score a header is all about perfect timing.  I don’t want to take sole credit for any of the goals I scored as it takes a team effort to head the ball into the net. Last week Jeremiah Nkwana set up the ball perfectly. That made things really easy for me.”

Of the field, Okolo could be described as laid back and composed which is in total contrast with what he happens when he scores. Every goal he scores is followed by 60 seconds of mad celebration. He truly lives out the moment.

“I can’t help myself. I think the way I celebrate show the magnitude of the Varsity Tournament. Every player dreams of that one moment when you get to score and change the outcome of the game. It is special.”

Tomorrow UP-Tuks takes on Wits on their home turf. It is a must-win game for UP-Tuks as they are currently on fifth on the log with four points after three games. Wits are fourth with six points. 

“Pressure is something we invite. I think we perform better under pressure as no one ever panics. I credit our coaches for it as they who have instilled a sense of absolute belief in our abilities. I firmly believe that luck plays a big part in the outcome of any game. A game can be won or lost being at the right place at the right moment.”

As passionate Okolo is about football, he is also a realist. Getting his degree is essential. He admits that at times it can be difficult finding time to study between practices and attending classes.

“I owe a lot to Ricardo Katza the former SuperSport United and Bafana-player. He coached me while I was playing for SuperSport United’s reserve team. He kept on emphasising that no sports career lasts forever. So he encouraged me to study. Some people have criticised me for studying and playing. They argue that I should solely focus on football. But ten years down the line they are not going to be there for me. I don’t want to find myself in a situation where I don’t know what to do once I stop playing.”

Kickoff for tomorrow's game is 16:00.