Seen Here: ⚽🔥 One final. One rivalry. One chance to make history. Tuks head into the Varsity Soccer final against fierce Tshwane rivals TUT with the title in sight and ten years of waiting behind them. Under the lights at Tuks, every tackle, every save and every goal could write a new chapter. Kick-off: 19:00.🏆 Photo Credit: Supplied
PRETORIA — It is the players who score the goals and make the headlines who often receive the glory, but every successful team is built on the commitment of players who quietly put the team before themselves.
For the University of Pretoria’s Tuks men’s soccer team, goalkeeper Koketso Mokou embodies that spirit.
The second-year education student has had just one opportunity to take his place between the posts during this year’s Varsity Soccer Tournament. When that chance came against UJ, Mokou grabbed it with both hands — producing a superb performance as Tuks secured a 1–0 victory.
His contribution did not go unnoticed. Mokou was named Player of the Match.
Now, as Tuks prepare to face Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in the Varsity Soccer final at Tuks at 19:00, Mokou is expected to begin on the bench once again.
For him, however, there is no frustration.
His focus remains firmly on the team and the role he can play whenever called upon.
“When I get the chance to play, it is important to prove that I am good enough. That game against UJ was an amazing experience. It boosted my self-esteem and was a great confidence booster,” said Mokou.
The goalkeeper’s view
Mokou understands better than most the importance of the goalkeeper in a tournament where one moment can decide everything.
With the entire game unfolding in front of him, he believes a goalkeeper’s responsibility extends well beyond making saves.
“The goalkeeper is often the key player who determines whether a team wins or loses. After all, matches are won or lost on goals,” he said.
“A good goalkeeper communicates with his teammates. As a goalkeeper, the game unfolds right in front of you. This lets you organise the players so they are in the right place at the right time.”
That perspective could prove invaluable in a final expected to be fiercely contested.
Derby rivalry adds fuel
Can Tuks overcome TUT and lift the Varsity Soccer title?
Mokou’s answer is unequivocal: definitely.
But he knows the occasion will bring its own challenges.
“It won’t be easy. Tuks versus TUT is a derby. Make no mistake, there will be no shortage of motivation for any player,” he said.
“It’s never easy playing against TUT because they’re hungry. They don’t know what it means to give up. But I back Tuks to win. I know every player and what they can do. They will step up.”
For Mokou, the key will be ensuring that the magnitude of the occasion does not overwhelm the players.
“The most important thing is that the team doesn’t get carried away just because it’s a final. Tomorrow is just another match. A match that needs to be won.”
Cox calls for another battle
Tuks will also take confidence from their semifinal performance against UJ, with Jason Cox earning Player of the Match honours.
Cox believes the team must quickly put its semifinal victory behind it and focus entirely on the challenge posed by TUT.
“We feel really good about beating UJ twice in two weeks, but we know we have to put that feeling behind us so we can put all our attention on the final,” said Cox.
He expects TUT to provide a very different test, particularly in terms of physicality and their direct approach.
“TUT is a very physical team that will look to play route-one football for most of the game, so we have to mentally prepare for that.”
Cox says Tuks will need to embrace the intensity of the contest and compete for every ball.
“We must keep it ugly, as we did in our duals in the last two games, so we can win our duals and put the opposition on the back foot once again.”
He believes Tuks’ ability to maintain their intensity could again prove decisive.
“In the semifinal, UJ dropped off as they couldn’t keep up with our intensity for the full 90 minutes.”
Ten years on, Tuks eye history
The stakes could hardly be higher for Tuks, who have reached the Varsity Soccer final for the first time in 10 years.
Standing between them and the title is a familiar Tshwane rival with plenty of motivation of its own.
For players such as Mokou, however, the final represents more than an opportunity to win silverware. It is another chance to contribute — whether from the starting XI, the substitutes’ bench or behind the scenes.
And if his number is called, the goalkeeper has already made his intentions clear: he will make the opportunity count.
With local rivalry, contrasting styles, intense physical battles and a Varsity Soccer title at stake, Tuks versus TUT promises to be a humdinger.
Kick-off is at 19:00 at Tuks.
