There were home wins for UJ and UFS in round 3 of the 2023 Varsity Football competition. Defending champions TUT scored an impressive away victory while CUT and UFH had to settle for a goalless draw.
UJ 2 VUT 0
UJ registered their first win when they beat VUT 2-0 in a thrilling encounter at UJ Soweto Stadium.
The home team started brilliantly after Sanele Ndlalane was awarded a penalty following a reckless tackle by his VUT defender in the first 10 minutes of the game. Ndlalane scored his second three minutes later, first heading the woodwork only for the UJ hero to be successful with a curler.
Within 30 minutes of the game, VUT was forced to make an early substitute, taking Kgabo Ngoepe out for Simankele Masiza to try and strengthen the squad before going to half-time.
The Orange Army went into the second half leading by 2 goals to zero. Ndlalane came back as a defender. He was exceptional, winning a couple of fouls and being one of the UJ players with the most forward passes and touches in VUT’s half.
Ntokozo Mathobela and Philane Masondo were the difference in the second 45 minutes of the game, using their speed and pace to get past the defenders.
Although the second half was more balanced, the first 15 minutes were dominated by VUT seeing them creating goal-scoring chances but with no luck finding the back of the net.
Goal scorers: UJ - Sanele Ndlalane (2)
Player of the match: Ntokozo Mathobela
UJ: Lona Richard Banga, Maselesele Makoti, Ngwako Ramaloko, Thabo Moshikere, Advocate Mokwena, Tumelo Molubi, Karabo Modisane, Thanda Madiba, Philane Masondo, Ntokozo Mathobela, Siphosihle Nkambule.
VUT: Thabiso Simon Moeketsi, Sizwe Sibeko, Kgotso Nhlapo, Perceverance Mashabane, Medupi Thokolo, Kgabo Ngoepe, Simamkele Masiza, Ntokozo Mgidi, Jabulane Koketso Mazibuko, Roger Modiba, Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana
UFS 1 UWC 0
UFS recorded their first win with a 1-0 victory over UWC at Shimla Park. The Lions bagged three points. The hosts will certainly thank Boy Rantsoti for his energetic display as the striker at times gave the impression that he was the only player on the field.
The first half in a chilly Bloemfontein was a rather dull affair with neither side taking control of the midfield. This led to very few chances on goal, with UWC being the first to take a shot, but Matthew Petersen’s effort was well covered by the UFS keeper, Tisetso Seodinyane.
The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Rantsoti spun, struck and drove the ball into the back of the net like a bullet from just outside the penalty area.
In the second half of the match, there was a definite shift in intensity by both teams, but the necessary accuracy lacked. Chances were created on either side of the park, but the finishing was not there, and the score remained unchanged until the full-time whistle was blown.
Goal scorers: UFS - Boy Rantsoti
Player of the match: Boy Rantsoti
UFS: Tisetso Seodinyane, IviweDyabuza, Obakeng Seekoei, Aphiwe Zulu, Thandolwethu Khoza, Jarome Jansen, Ethan Goldstone, Reatlehile Meya, Arlonso Diedricks, Jermein Marou, Boy Rantsoti.
UWC: Leathan Croats, Craig Joemath, Damian Overmeyer, Jadan Zeeman, Siyabulela Mcimeli, Sandile Nomjila, Relebohile Matima, Riyaaz Koopstadt, Devon Nolan, Leandro De Sousa, Khanya Alex Dyani.
NWU 1 TUT 2
In a highly anticipated clash, NWU went head-to-head against the reigning champions, TUT. The match turned out to be an intense battle from start to finish, with both teams displaying remarkable determination.
The first half witnessed a closely contested affair, with both sides evenly splitting possession of the ball. Momentum shifted back and forth, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. The Eagles seemed to have the upper hand, creating several promising opportunities, only to be thwarted by the exceptional performance of the TUT goalkeeper, who denied three potential goals with spectacular saves.
However, it was in the 69th minute that the deadlock was finally broken. Ronald Mabaso, who had already netted four goals in the previous week, rose to the occasion once again, executing a perfectly placed header to give TUT the lead. The Eagles fought valiantly to regain their footing, but TUT solidified their advantage in the 80th minute when Tshiamo Mahome headed in a corner, doubling their lead.
As the clock wound down, NWU managed to salvage a glimmer of hope. In the dying moments of added time, a handball in the box awarded them a penalty. Captain Kananelo Motsoeneng remained composed and converted the spot kick with precision. Despite the late surge, TUT held on to secure a 2-1 victory, maintaining their unbeaten streak and claiming the top position on the league table with a display of sheer excellence.
Goal scorers: TUT – Ronald Mabaso, Tshiamo Mahome.
NWU - Kananelo Motsoeneng
Player of the match: Heaven Sereetsi (NWU)
NWU: Kamogelo Matane, Aphelele Sibisi, Heaven Sereetsi, Kananelo Motsoeneng, Khopotso Moshapo, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Lesedi Bakai, Lesiba Mahlong, Lesego Motsepe, Lucas Seromo, Pascual Tivane.
TUT: Luyanda Madindi, Alan Moja, Mekdiwe Bongani Ncenya, Tebogo Lekaba, Ndumiso Kubheka, Thuso Mlamla, Anda Yamile, Hendrick Mncedisi Xaba, Tshiamo Mahome, Ronald Mabaso, Tiego Mathebe.
CUT 0 UFH 0
A fast-paced and fantastic match in Bloemfontein lacked only goals, though not for a lack of trying. Both CUT and the visiting UFH showed excellent skill throughout the night, only to ultimately share the points.
Both teams’ defences held strong as the two sides relied on the aerial route to get the ball up the field. It would ultimately become a back-and-forth affair during which both sides had multiple penalty shouts, but none were entertained by the referee.
A great showing of speed and skill was on display, especially down the left-hand side of the CUT attack. A barrage of long, lobbed passes came off the boot of CUT left-back, Lefa Matlase, but none of these yielded any fruit.
Sinobom Kapase gave a showing of his skills to the visitors as he tried to carve out opportunities for UFH, but he too could not break down any defences.
Ultimately both teams will have to be satisfied with their respective point. It was a brilliant match that only lacked an end product.
Player of the match: Lehlohonolo Nkaekae (CUT)
CUT: Motlalentwa Jacob Mbolekwa, LefaMatlase, Simo Ndlovu, Khotso Mphene, Tumelo Mothabeng, Mpho Alex Ngcobo, Pule Macdonald Thekiso, OratileMothibedi, PogishoDikole, TiisetsoMpholoana, LehlohonoloNkaekae
UFH: NkosiyethuNgobe, AthenkosiJezi, Athenkosi Masiza, Bonke Nxiwa, Mbeko Bungane, Someleze Kapteni, Athenkosi Dobe, Snethemba Sibeko, Sihle Mathumbu, Lehlonono Thuledi, Sinobom Kapase.
Fixtures for the next round are HERE.
Information on tickets HERE.
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