The University of Johannesburg saw off the University of Limpopo 7-1 at the UJ Stadium in Soweto on Thursday evening as the long awaited Varsity Football season finally got underway.
The University of Limpopo made its first appearance in Varsity Football since 2014. With many excited to see how their return would pan out.
It was an extremely tight contest in the first stanza with both teams showing attacking ability and the hunger to score. The University of Limpopo was given the opportunity to open the scoring with a free kick 27 minutes in but could not capitalise on their chances.
UJ finally opened the scoring in the 37th minute through Tebogo Mnyandu as he scored on the rebound from UJ’s free kick. Just four minutes later, UJ doubled their lead through a goal from Mokete Makgaila who bolted a powerful shot into the top left corner of the net.
Just before the half ended, Tebogo Mnyandu scored his second converting a shot from close range in the 43rd minute. Making UJ lead 3-0 at the break, with UL looking like they needed to go back to the drawing board.
As the second half went underway, from their style of attacking play it was clear that the University of Limpopo was ready to fight back. Freddy Matheba netted a goal to make it 3-1 just three minutes into the second half.
UL’s joy was short-lived though, with UJ’s Mokete Mogaila scoring his second of the match two minutes after, making the scoring 4-1 in the 50th minute.
Eight minutes later, defensive midfielder Karl Clements scored a screamer from just outside the penalty area, making it 5-1 to UJ and a worrying sight for UL as they failed to get themselves back into the game. It would only become worse for UL as the home team netted their sixth, and Pogiso Mabote’s first of the match making the score 6-1 with only twenty minutes to go until full time.
In the 87th minute, UJ finished off their opponents with a team goal which led to their seventh goal of the match being scored by substitute O’Neil Hendricks after receiving a pass from Pogiso Mabote.
Score
UJ: 7
Goals: O’Neil Hendricks, Mokete Mogaila (2), Tebogo Mnyandu (2), Karl Clements, Pogiso Mabote
UL: 1
Goals: Freddy Matheba
Debonairs Real Deal Save:
FNB Player of the Match: Tebogo Mnyandu (UJ)
Samsung Moment of Brilliance:
Teams
UJ: Alan Titi Mabuza, Dane Romario Fortuin, Ziyaad Fredericks, Hayden Slava, Potoko Mametja, Karl Sebastian Clements, O’Neil Tyler Hendriks, Keitumetse E. Mabathoana, Pogiso Hope Mabote, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Vutlhari Wisdom Mathebula
Substitutes: Damaine Van der Walt, Neo Lebopa, Bongani Zungu, Tebogo Mandyu, Shaune Mokete Mogaila, Nkosinathi Ntokozo Sibiya, Tumelo Watson, Lebogang George Monnatlale
UL: Masethe Lloyd Morulane, Lindo Khoza, Tshepo Motloutse, Jackson Phuti Matlala, Evans Malatji, Nhlamulo Stanley Mbombe, Tiyani Mabunda, 7 4 Chuhla moemedi Phago, Tokelo Percy Nkoane, Freddy Matheba, Ngoanamello Ellis Rammala, Terry M. Ntwanano Nkuna
Substitutes: Mafori Phineas Thoka, Mahulo solomon Mokoka, Luyanda Wison Mhoni, Tseke puleng Kgole, Nelson Flody Ndhima, Pedolent Phetholo, Halalisani Ngomane
By Thando Mpembe
