UJ claimed the first blowout win of Varsity Football 2019 as they overcame a hapless UP-Tuks 4-0 at the Tuks Stadium on Thursday evening.
The unseasonably warm temperatures in Pretoria provided the perfect setting for a mouthwatering Jukskei derby between UP-Tuks and UJ as supporters flocked to the stadium in the competition’s first double header.
The first half proved to be a tug-of-war between the Gauteng giants as both teams had several opportunities to score but neither were able to sign on the dotted line.
The Stripe Generation were closest to the pot in the dying minutes as UJ’s goalkeeper raced out of the goals to prevent a UP-Tuks attempt, only to fall with the target left wide open. Fortunately for the Orange Army, the shot went wide and a few moments later the whistle was blown.
Tragedy struck for the University of Pretoria shortly after the match resumed as captain Simbongile Njokwe headed the ball backwards for it to loop over goalkeeper Giovanni Idi’s hands and into the net.
UJ were ruthless in attack with another goal coming in the 56th minute as a deft pass sliced through UP-Tuks’ defence and two touches later saw substitute Junior Makhubele smash the ball into the back of the net as the visitors went 2-0 up.
Makhubele seemed to have a point to prove as five minutes later he blasted in a long range attempt that left Giovanni Idi somewhat dumb struck but UJ were not done as Nkosinathi Sibiya added their fourth goal minutes later.
The remainder of the match proved to be pulsating but uneventful in terms of goals scored as UJ kept a clean sheet in Round 3 for the first time in their history as they claimed an emphatic 4-0 win over UP-Tuks.
UP-Tuks (0) 0
UJ (0) 4 Simbongile Njokwe own goal, Junior Makhubele 2, Nkosinathi Sibiya
FNB Player of the Match: Nkosinathi Sibiya (UJ)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Alan Mabuza (UJ)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Junior Makhubele (UJ)
UP-Tuks: 16. Giovanni Idi (GK), 7. Jurgen Booysen, 5. Simbongile Njokwe (capt), 3. Sabelo Tsambo, 22. Curtis Mathebula, 20. Katlego Motlhatsang, 24. Jerry Tlou, 15 Siphamandla Ntuli, 26. Mathuane Selotola, 10. Mogau Khwinana, 11. Lebohang Montueli.
Replacements: 18. Tyler Den Heyer (GK), 4. Edward Rankwe, 8. Wandile Dlamini, 14 Ross Marshall, 25 Sive Mfala, 9 Nhlanhla Mabaso, 2 Tobatsi Roets.
UJ: 27. Alan Mabuza (GK), 17. Sihle Mbele, 19. Siyabonga Goqo 4. Lesego Sebetlela, 20. Prince Matje, 14. Thabang Lebese, 2. Nkosinathi Sibiya, 21. Gerald Ndlovu, 6. Sphesihle Mbhele (capt), 25. Keegan Faver, 11. Kamohelo Molatlhegi.
Replacements: 28. Richard Lona (GK), 24. Lebogang Mosiane, 10. Sibusiso Dlamini, 8. Phelelani Mvelase, 7. Junior Makhubele, 23. Lebone Lephiri, 22. Goodwell Mosima.
By Dan Lombard
