UP-Tuks midfielder Jeremiah Nkwana said he would rather prefer another Varsity Football title over any individual award at the conclusion of this year's tournament. 

 

Nkwana is nominated for this year's Varsity Football Player of the Tournament award along with UWC's Thulani Mkosi and NWU-Pukke's Kagiso Pitso.

 

"I am happy being nominated, but I have to give credit to the team as well," said Nkwana.

 

"I would rather have a team accolade over an individual award any day and I would rather want us to win the title again this year."

 

Nkwana said they were not worried about their slow start to the competition this year and drew comparisons with their 2013 and 2014 campaigns.

 

"In the previous tournaments we also started slow and then we improved as the tournament went on and gathered momentum to make the semifinals.

 

"I think the key to our success over the years has been the continuity. The coaches also implemented new strategies and plans this year as well," Nkwana added.

 

Tuks will play rivals TUT in a Tshwane derby in the first semifinal. The two teams played out a goalless draw in their first meeting in Round One.

 

Despite bragging rights and a place in the final on the line, Nkwana said they are treating the match the same as any other they competed in this year.

 

"I don't think there is any added pressure for this game. If we put pressure on ourselves then we are putting ourselves at a disadvantage going into this game.

 

"We are taking nothing from that first game. Both teams were a bit scrappy in that game, but since then we have both improved as well and both teams are taking a bit of momentum into the semifinal," he said.