UP-Tuks will welcome the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to the Tuks Stadium on Monday, 31 August 2015, for the penultimate round robin fixture in the Varsity Football tournament.

UP-Tuks know that a win will stand them in good stead for a semi-final spot. Whether they play a home semi-final or not depends on the goals scored and conceded. The two-time defending champions are on a high after a convincing 3–0 win against NWU.

VUT will be fired up for the match as they went down 2–1 against Wits (the University of the Witwatersrand) and they are also gunning for a top-four finish. UP-Tuks, however, will have their sights set on getting revenge after losing 2–1 to VUT in the ABC Motsepe League play-offs and 1–0 in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Gauteng league.

VUT Head coach, Geelboi Masango has his side playing football that is pleasing to the eye, but their inconsistent performances work against them. UP-Tuks have a similar problem with inconsistent performances but the home team have the edge in this encounter, largely owing to the experience of their squad.

UP-Tuks currently occupy the second position on the log, with ten points accumulated from six matches, whilst VUT are fifth with nine points from nine matches. Stakes are high for both teams and tears will definitely be shed when it is decided who progresses and who loses out. UP-Tuks captain, Robin Swartz feels his team is well galvanised for the encounter: ‘We are ready for VUT and we know them very well. They are not to be underestimated as they play really good football. It is all in our hands and we know that a victory is the only way for us but we are wary of them, as they have beaten us in other leagues, so we will be extra careful.’

#StripeUP and support your team at the match. Tickets will be on sale from 15:00 on Monday, 31 August, from the ticket booth on the UP Sports Campus. Alternatively, you can get your free ticket by simply downloading it from the Varsity Sports app.