AmaTuks has attained 40 points in the PSL, following eight wins, six losses and 16 draws in the first season.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Prof Cheryl de la Rey, has described the AmaTuks’ journey as one of the best in the country, motivating so many young South Africans aspiring to be football professionals. She highlighted perseverance, dedication and hard work as the driving force behind the team’s performance. ‘Success did not come on the basis of individuals or stars with big egos, but with a team approach backed up by a good leadership of the club,’ she said.

Prof De la Rey continued that the performance of AmaTuks has been a highly emotional roller-coaster ride in the first season of the PSL, but at the end the club has brought pride and joy to the entire University.

Prof De la Rey also thanked the players and acknowledged different role- players who ensured the team’s success. She assured the team of continued support from the University’s management. ‘Continue with the good work in the second season. And I hope that it will bring more glory and a greater sense of pride among all of us,’ she said.

The last match against the newly crowned PSL champions, Kaizer Chiefs, at the Mbombela Stadium on 18 May 2013, was the highlight of the tenacity and power of AmaTuks. They beat the league champions 1-0, which subsequently saw them finishing in the top eight of the PSL. 

The head coach of AmaTuks, Steve Barker, has described the season as being beyond the team’s expectations. He attributed unity and hard work as fundamental pillars of the team’s resilience and outstanding performance this past season. He said that the team will remain focused and respectful as they venture into the second season. Regarding the support from the University of Pretoria, Barker said: ‘Their support and confidence in the team has been unwavering, and this has also given us confidence in the field knowing that they are with us during our matches’.

The outgoing striker for AmaTuks, Senegalese-born Mame Niang, who was also the leading goal scorer by ten goals in the last season, expressed his joy about the team’s performance. Despite his move to AmaTuks’ cross-town rivals SuperSport United, Niang regards AmaTuks as one of the formidable teams in the PSL, characterised by strong close-knit relationships among the players.

Prof Cheryl de la Rey with AmaTuks goal keeper, Washington Arubi.


 Prof Cheryl de la Rey with the outgoing striker and leading goal scorer for AmaTuks, Mame Niang.