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13 January 2020
The Vaal
University of Technology (VUT) will be the only fourth-tier side in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 this year, but will certainly not be short on energy and inspired leadership as they debut in the competition. VUT have been drawn at home to Premier League outfit Lamontville Golden Arrows in what is a dream tie for them and a chance to make history with no side from the SAB Regional League having knocked out top-flight opposition in the past. The team will look to captain Sibusiso Mkhonto for inspiration, with the student only 21-year-old, but already with a wise head on his shoulders. “I’m studying Safety Management. I actually finished last year, but now I have decided to enroll as a B.Tech [Bachelor of Technology] so I can take it further. I am a big believer in education,” Mkhonto says.
“Obviously it is my dream to play professional football, but I have to be realistic as well that even if I make it, that is a short career. My studies are very important to me.” The Nedbank Cup has given Mkhonto and his teammates the opportunity to dream big, and the right-back knows there will be a lot of expectation on his shoulders come the tie in February. “It is a big honour for me to be captain. I like to lead – on and off the pitch – and so wearing the armband gives me a lot of pride. We have a lot of hard work and determination that we put in, and that is something I believe in.” He says none of the VUT players have faced off against Premier League opposition in the past, but that they are looking forward to the challenge. “We have a few players who have played at the ABC Motsepe League level, but none that have been above that. So obviously this is a massive test.
“We are from the lowest league in the SAB League, so having to play a PSL team will be quite something. But we will be ready and prepared for them.
“We will not feel any pressure, we just need to showcase our talent. The pressure will all be on Golden Arrows, especially as they are coming to our home.” Mkhonto, who was born in the Vaal, admits he never dreamed this opportunity would come his way until the Nedbank Cup made it a reality. “I was just playing local football before I joined the university. And since then it has only been SAB. I never thought I would get to play a PSL team, but this is a big chance for me and the team. Maybe a few of us can impress and then who knows?”
*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.