Varsity Football content contributor Charles Baloyi selects the standout players from Sunday’s matches at the University of Pretoria.
TRISTAN NIKIRIDIS (UJ)
The lanky striker, who turns 22 on Tuesday, could not have asked for a better early birthday present than scoring a brace for UJ in their 5-3 win against VUT.
His first was a poacher’s goal and his second a scorcher that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
Nikiridiskept the VUT defence on their toes throughout the match and frustrated them with his aerial prowess.
He was an obvious choice for the FNB Player of the Match award.
THABO LESIBE (KOVSIES)
The Kovsies captain saved his best performance of the tournament for their last league-stage game.
He was a menace for the Wits defence and didn’t give them a chance to breathe at the back.
Lesibe also linked up well with Sello Diphoka and deservedly won the FNB Player of the Match accolade.
TSHEPISO MNISI (TUT)
TUT had to beat UKZN to qualify for the semi-finals and they did so comfortably.
Mnisi scored in the first minute of the match and played a part in the second goal.
He fought for every ball and when TUT needed a hero, he delivered under pressure.
SELOTOLA MATHUANE (TUKS)
Mathuane continued Tuks’ trend of scoring dramatic late winning goals in this tournament with an 87th-minute strike that eliminated defending champions NWU.
He was switched on throughout the encounter and kept on probing until the goal came.
Mathuane will go into their semi-final against UJ on Tuesday full of confidence.
MATCHDAY WRAP: Semi-finalists confirmed after day of drama
Photos: Christiaan Kotze/Catherine Kotze/Varsity Sports
