KovsieFootball's title defence continues on Friday 14 August, and the message from the camp is simple: come out and fill Shimla Park.

The University of the Free State faces the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on Friday 14 August, with kick-off at 17:00 at Shimla Park – a rematch of last year's final when the Kovsies won their Varsity Football title on penalties. For a squad blending experienced heads with new arrivals, this is already a fixture with plenty of history.

New faces, same hunger

Head coach Mokete Tsotetsi says the squad has had to adjust quickly following a significant player turnover since last season.

"It's been a tough journey preparing. It wasn't easy. After losing 35% of last year's players, some new players still need to find their feet. With the 65% we have, we will balance the new players and defend our title," says Tsotetsi.

He is not shying away from the weight of the badge. "Leading the defending champions comes with a lot of pressure, although it is exciting. I cannot wait to lead the boys and defend our title. So far, I am happy with the preparations. The boys are showing character; they are showing everything. I am waiting for kick-off," he adds.

For Tsotetsi, defending the title is not a job the technical team can do alone. "As a head coach, I can't do it alone. The boys can't do it alone," he says.

Building on a strong pre-season

Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, cites the squad's preparation as a source of confidence heading into Friday's fixture.

"Our team has really put in a lot of effort. They have been preparing since pre-season, after finishing in the top three of the ABC Motsepe League, and for me, that is a sign our students are ready to give their best in this competition," says Laka.

Calling on the Kovsie family

This is exactly the support that captain Jarome Jansen is asking for ahead of kick-off.

"We need the whole Kovsie family, especially on match days. We're running behind the KovsieFootball boys and the training team. Since we'll be defending champions, we'll need the support," says Jansen.

"It will mean a lot to have extra supporters in the stands, shouting, sharing, boosting the confidence of the boys. The Kovsie badge means everything to me, because I am carrying the hope of every Kovsie student," he adds.

Under the pressure of defending a first title, Jansen is philosophical. "Pressure is something I can take. Pressure creates a diamond, and I hope one day I can be a diamond too," he reflects.

Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director: Student Affairs, Sport, Arts and Culture, echoes the call for the university community to get behind the team.

"The University of the Free State's main value is excellence, and that is exactly why we invest in our football team and our student-athletes performing to the highest standard," says Dr Hlasho.

"To our university community, our alumni, and our students, it matters a great deal that we retain our status as champions of the Varsity Football Cup. Let us rally behind the boys, get out to the stadium, and support them. Five home games await at Shimla Park here in Bloemfontein, and every game is worth watching."