It’s a title defence played out under a bigger spotlight too, with headline partner SportPesa continuing to back the competition into its second year of involvement.
Head coach Mokete Tsotetsi, who was only appointed days before last season began, guided UFS to a maiden title in 2025 and now faces the different pressure of defending it.
“Going into the tournament as defending champions, it’s not easy,” he said. “The confidence is there because of the way we’ve been preparing.”
Tsotetsi, a former Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs defender, has kept roughly 70% of last season’s squad intact while blending in fresh faces.
“We take what we did right and try to improve on it,” he added, as UFS look to show their triumph was built to last.
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Photo: Asem Engage – Hannes Naude
