TuksFootball has secured a spot in the 2024 Men’s Varsity Football semi-finals, but the battle is only halfway won. The path to the final becomes much smoother if Tuks can overcome TUT on Thursday. A victory would keep them at the top of the log, ensuring a home semi-final. If they win that, the final will also be hosted at Tuks.

However, one thing is certain—Thursday’s clash between Tuks and TUT will be a nail-biter until the final whistle. This matchup is one of the most fiercely contested derbies in the Varsity Football tournament, with bragging rights for Tshwane's best on the line. Currently, TUT has nothing to lose. As defending Varsity champions, they sit sixth on the log. Beating the log-leading Tuks would be a face-saving end to their campaign.

One of the players who can tell stories about what happens on the field when Tuks and TUT clash is Paballo Mamabolo. It won't be wrong to say that most of what the midfielder knows about sidestepping and dribbling balls he learned at the TuksFootball Academy. He matriculated at TuksSport High School and made his Varsity Football debut in 2022. He prides himself that he brings calmness to the team.

"Playing as a midfielder, Sergio Busquets (Spain) is a role model. I love watching him in action. He has got genuine football intelligence. I always tell people it's essential to watch football games because knowing what you will do before you do it is essential. The best footballers are the ones who are already a step ahead of everyone.

"In football, you can't score without the ball, so to me. I pride myself on being on the ball and instilling a sense of calmness around everyone. I can also increase our tempo during a game when needed."

Apart from being at his best every time he plays for Tuks, Mamabola is playing to make his dad proud and with good reason. His dad was a keen footballer with dreams of one day playing for the Orlando Pirates. Unfortunately, it did not work out. Mamabola is hoping that he can fulfil his dad's dream.

"The most important thing my dad taught me is that success takes hard work. Since I was young, my dad has pushed me to the limits. He's polished me in every essence of football. Whether it be my passing, shooting, first touch, tackling, everything."

Why play football?

"When I play, I forget about everything. That is what I love about the game. When I step onto the pitch, all my worries and stress disappear. I don't think about my mistakes or problems. All that matters is to have fun and make the most of the talent God's blessed me with."

Kick-off for Thursday's game against TUT is at 19:15. Venue: Tuks Stadium.