TuksFootball will aim for three wins out of three when they face North-West University on home turf in Round 3 of the 2024 Men’s Varsity Football campaign.

After the first two rounds, Tuks tops the log with six points, remaining unbeaten. They also boast the best goal difference, scoring five goals and conceding only one. Kovsies are the only other unbeaten team, while North-West and VUT both have three points.

Keep an eye on Tshepiso Mahlangu, who captained Tuks in their first two games. His nickname, ‘Razor,’ is well-earned.

When Mahlangu was asked why he is called ‘Razor’, he responded by saying he can cut through a rival side's defence like a blade through meat. Therefore, it should be no surprise that he has a photo of Lionel Messi as his WhatsApp profile picture. 

"I am a big fan of Messi because he is small in stature like I am, proving that size does not matter. Football is all about having a big heart."

According to Mahlangu, being one of the smaller players on the field can be an advantage as it is difficult to mark him. 

"The downside is that I battle to contest for the ball when it is in the air."

Mahlangu previously captained NWU while studying for his BCom Business Management qualification. After being signed by AmaTuks, he is pursuing a PDip in Entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria.

The Tuks captain clarified that he has the utmost respect for the way his former teammates from Mahikeng. 

"They are a good team, so we must be at our best to beat them."

Quintin Stokes-Waller, who plays as a striker for Tuks, is confident that the team will give a good showing. 

"What excites me is that we don't rely on one or two players to win the game. We are a well-balanced team. You can see it when we play how we gel on the attack and defence. Every player knows what is expected of him. There is quality all over the pitch."

When asked to brag about his best qualities as a player, Stokes-Waller said, "I'm sorry. I'm not the best to be bragging, but the things that I bring are composure.

"I'm pretty calm on the field. The team's inside joke is that I seem never stressed about anything. I use my football IQ calmly and composedly where most people would be, but I am more stressed or anxious about certain things."

Kick-off against NWU is at 19:15 on Thursday, 8 August, at Tuks Stadium.