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The Tuks, as the team is affectionately called, were 3-2 losers to Mpumalanga Black Aces. With just one game to go before the season is over, University of Pretoria are six points clear of nearest rivals Blackburn Rovers.

In an interview from Pretoria yesterday Mpala said he was happy to win the right to a PSL berth.
“We are over the moon after winning the league. It has always been the club’s wish for the last five years,” said Mpala.

On the prospect of playing big guns Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Mpala said it would be an exciting challenge.

“It’s always exciting playing big guns. It should feel good playing against them with their supporters,” said Mpala.

The bustling former Bosso striker who was part of Ramba Mpala and Wellington Ngulube’s Matshiyakwakhiwe, contributed six goals to his club’s tally.

“I weighed in with six goals, I am happy with my contribution to the club,” said the man teammates call Lex.

Mpala is the only Zimbabwean playing at the club. Former Dynamos and Highlanders goalkeeper Tendai Tanyanyiwa is now the club’s goalkeepers’ trainer.

David Mkandawire and Dominic Sithole were part of the club’s failed campaigns in 2005 and 2006 despite finishing as runners-up.

Obert Mpofu also captained the side, winning two consecutive Player of the Year awards before opting to return home to join Hwange last year. He has since found a new home at Caps United.

“I am the only Zimbabwean playing. Tanyanyiwa is the goalkeepers’ coach. There is two of us foreigners, the other is a striker from Nigeria by the name Chibuzor Ngwobo,” said Mpala.

Mpala who has been at the club for two seasons, is doing marketing.

He revealed that there was interest from other teams in South Africa. He says he would love to stay at the club because of the high level of professionalism.

“I have offers from other teams but would love to stay at the Tuks. My contract is coming to an end at the end of the season though talks are still on. I’ll consider staying because of the professionalism at Tuks with all their world class facilities,” said Mpala.

The High Performance Centre is where Zimbabwean athletes Nelton Ndebele and Talkmore Nyongani are also based.

Mpala’s team is coached by Steve Barker assisted by Sammy Troughton.

Meanwhile, Noel Kaseke is expected to play in tomorrow’s Cyprus Football Association cup final.
Kaseke plays for Omonia Nicosia and they are up against AEL.