Kovsies relishing new challenge

The University of the Free State football team, the Kovsies, are eagerly looking forward to pitting their strength against superior opponents in the ABC Motsepe League next season.

The team has qualified for South African third-tier football at the second time of asking, having had less luck last year.

Kovsie coach Godfrey Tenoff, who has been at the helm of the team for five seasons, is under no illusion as to the baptism of fire his young charges will face in the higher division, but is equally confident of the wealth of talent at his disposal.

“We anticipate an extremely competitive league. We have the necessary skill and character to withstand the rigours ahead.” Tenoff said bullishly.

“They will be able to compete at this level if they apply their minds to the games and more importantly invest time in their individual game. We cannot be part time athletes in this league; we need to be both mental and physically strong.”

Captain Gauta Mokati attributed their promotion to team effort, which he said played a fundamental role in their journey.

“It’s been a long journey, one which would have been impossible had we played as individuals and not as a team,” he cited.

Mokati, who joined the team in 2014, said their goal was to see the team playing in the first division. “It’s a dream come true not only for me but the entire team,” he added.

The skipper said the team will go into the league brimming with confidence and fight to earn respect.

“We’ve earned our stripes and we are going to play as such. No one is going to intimidate us,” he said cockily.