![North-West University [NWU] head coach Nkululeko Malgas talking to the media at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.](https://farpost.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/nkululekomalgasspeakingtofarpost-1536x865.jpg)
North-West University FC [NWU] head coach Nkululeko Malgas has explained why the club has adopted the same model used by Betway Premiership newcomers Milford FC in terms of player recruitment.
NWU are making their debut in the Motsepe Foundation Championship following their promotion via the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Promotion Playoffs.
Malgas has explained why the club has not roped in the so-called experienced players for their National First Division [NFD] campaign.
Speaking to journalists after the 0-0 draw against log leaders Magesi FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane this past Friday, Malgas cited Milford FC as a club they also look up to in terms of how they do things.
Milford have had a good start to life in the SA top flight, recording three wins, three draws, and two defeats from their opening eight games. They sit fifth in the standings with 12 points.
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“Sometimes you take from your big brothers. I mean, look at Milford FC in the Betway Premiership: no big names, but a hard-running team and players that are hungry to play at the high level,” said Malgas.
“We are more similar in terms of the model, and it’s worse for us because we have a lot of student athletes as well. So we are a bit honest with them to say, you can do it at this level. The more they gain experience, the more they get better as well,” he added.
Since the beginning of the season, the NFD newcomers have been one of three teams, alongside Venda FC and Orbit College FC, yet to register a victory. Despite two defeats, NWU have four draws and sit in 13th on the log.
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Malgas has not ruled out the possibility of the club beefing up their playing personnel during the 2027 January transfer window, if needed.
“More than anything, we needed experience at the back to guide the boys. Here and there, we will have an opportunity in the January transfer window period to see who is available and where we need to consolidate more than anything because we are not scoring goals, and it gives us an idea that something is needed on top.”
Malgas, who has also worked as a video and performance analyst at TS Galaxy and the University of Pretoria, has also opened up on how the club has adapted to the professional set-up.
“It’s not an easy thing [to adapt]. Look at the game against Cape Town City FC; you start to grasp that there is a FIFA break,” he declared.
“Then you drop a bit again, and when you have to come to the second block, now we are playing the big guns. But I am happy with the clean sheet because it’s one thing that we are working on now that we must not concede.”
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