University of Pretoria coach Kwanele Kopo says he is eager to restore the club’s proud history of producing top players while also making a strong impression in the Nedbank Cup.
Kopo, who was appointed during the off-season, will lead AmaTuks when they face Hungry Lions in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 at Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium on Sunday (15:00).
AmaTuks could not reach the round of 32 last season, a result that came as a surprise given the club’s pedigree in the competition. The Pretoria-based side reached the Nedbank Cup final in 2009, where they lost to Moroka Swallows at Rand Stadium under the guidance of then-coach Steve Barker.
In the years that followed, the club sold several standout players, including Andile Jali and Phenyo Mongalo to Orlando Pirates, Mthokozisi Yende to Kaizer Chiefs, and Warren Bishop to AmaZulu, among others. Bongani Zungu later followed a similar path when he joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, AmaTuks have since struggled to consistently produce players of that calibre or replicate past success in the Nedbank Cup.
“I think we are privileged as AmaTuks to have that history, and it is something we have spoken about,” Kopo said.
“Not just about the tournament, but about the growth of the players. Obviously, it is a different phase for the club — we are in transition. This is year one of our transition programme.
“So, there are certain things we are looking to change at the club, and that is evident in our league performances.
“From a mentality perspective, from a desire perspective, and from an incentive perspective, we have to use our history — the Andile Jalis, the Yendes, the Zungus.
“Hopefully, these players can emulate that generation and even go further and win the tournament. Everybody knows the Nedbank Cup is a competition where there are no guarantees.
“Teams that are up to the task and motivated can go far, and we have already seen that Motsepe Foundation Championship teams are not pushovers.
“So, in this fixture, one thing is guaranteed — there will be a Motsepe Foundation Championship team in the round of 16.
“The challenge for us is to ensure that the history and prestige of AmaTuks are reflected in a performance that allows us to progress to the next round.”
