North-West University target promotion despite winless start in Motsepe Foundation Championship

North-West University coach Nkululeko Malgas says his side will pursue promotion if the opportunity arises, despite beginning life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship without a victory.

NWU have taken two points from their opening four matches, recording two draws and two defeats. However, Malgas believes the club should aim beyond simply preserving their place in the second tier.

“We have to maintain our status in this division, but when it’s open we have to go for the kill. But for now, let’s consolidate … we’ve played four matches so far, so we will work harder to collect more points and look at the possibilities going forward,” Malgas said.

NWU earned their first away point of the season after recovering from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Midlands Wanderers at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium over the weekend.

Malgas said the response to falling behind was an encouraging sign from a team competing at this level for the first time.

“What is motivating is that we came from behind and managed to get a draw away. It’s our first point away, so it’s a very big point … we showed character,” said the NWU mentor.

The result followed NWU’s promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after they reached the final of the ABC Motsepe national playoffs in Mthatha in June. They were beaten by Hope FC of the Western Cape, who are now coached by former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Clayton Daniels.

Despite their status as newcomers, Malgas remains focused on building a strong enough platform to challenge higher up the division later in the campaign. He previously worked as a video analyst at TS Galaxy and the University of Pretoria.

Motsepe Foundation Championship results

Highbury 0-1 Magesi Hope 0-2 CPT City Lerumo 0-1 Native Venda 2-3 Upington Gomora 2-4 Leicesterford Lions 2-0 Bees Wanderers 1-1 NWU AmaTuks 0-0 Orbit