FNB UKZN face a daunting task in their opening match in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup Women’s tournament when they take on defending champions FNB Maties in the first match on Friday 22 March.
Coach Lungelo Shelembe shared his thoughts on his team’s plans for the upcoming campaign and how they plan to maneuver this season with the lessons learnt last time out.
“Our team has been unable to play any warm-up matches due to financial constraints and as a result, our preparation for the upcoming season has been challenging.
“We understand that we are in a tough group, but our focus is on one game at a time. We know what it feels like to lose, and we are determined to bring a different fight this year.”
According to Shelembe, they get strength from a string of other positive results.
“Although we were knocked out early in the Varsity Cup by Maties [last year] we managed to win other matches both home and away, and we secured a fourth-place finish in the USSA competition.”
He says UKZN see their underdog status as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.
“We know that every team is preparing to win the Cup, but we are the underdogs, and we will bring a different fight. We have not lost a single match at our home ground in the last three years, and we aim to maintain our record. What you can expect from our team is a good performance and a high-spirited group.”
For a full fixture list, click HERE.
by Mpendulo Letsoalo
