Tuks's women football team Varsity campaign suffered a severe setback last night when their captain, Thalea Smidt, had to be carried off the field after suffering a serious leg injury.

The incident definitely placed a damper on the game leading to Tuks and TUT playing to a 1-all draw in Potchefstroom.

In 57th minute Smidt's foot got caught in the turf, and her ankle gave away. She was in immediate agony. Being a medical student, Amilcar Thobejane, was the first to rush to her captain's side. 

Nicole October said losing Smidt as a captain is a devastating blow. 

"Thalea is not only a teammate; she is my friend. She genuinely loves football and can't stop talking about it. Getting to win the Varsity Tournament was her dream. That is why for her to be ruled out like that cuts deep. As a team, we undoubtedly are going to miss her. Thalea leads by example on and off the field. "

It might be insensitive to say, but in a way, Smidt's injury could yet turn out to be a blessing in disguise as if it is at all possible her teammates are now more motivated than ever to win. 

Last night's player of the match, Duduzile Qwabe (Tuks), vowed today when they take to the field they will be playing to make Smidt proud. 

"The challenge for us is to fulfil the dream she had."

Tuks's goalkeeper, Mapaseka Mpuru, who received the award for the best save against TUT added to this saying their campaign has now gotten personal.

As to their performance against TUT, October is realistic as to what happened on the field.

"It is not the result we wanted, but we got to take the positives and negatives from the game and build on it."

Simankele Tshuku scored Tuks's goal in the 39th minute when she latched onto a cross from Duduzile Qwabe to put the ball into the back of the net. 

Shortly afterwards TUT's captain Hildah Magaia levelled the score after a fantastic solo effort. 

Tuks play Kovsies at 10:00 this morning. It is not going to be an easy game. Last night Kovsies outplayed CUT to win 2-0. 

Tuks takes on CUT at 17:00 this afternoon. The playoffs are tomorrow.