Two-time Varsity Football champions UP-Tuks picked up a valuable 1-0 victory over newcomers WSU in Mthatha.
Defender Lawrence Ntswane’s second-half goal was the difference between the sides as UP-Tuks overcame the tough conditions to take three points.
The home side made a convincing start to the game, and it was not long before striker Ludumo Nkebe beat the goalkeeper but his shot hit the bar.
The visitors suffered a further setback when midfielder Claudio De Almeida was stretchered off with an injury and had to be replaced by Tebogo Galane.
The home crowd got right behind their team, creating a hostile environment, but scoring chances were few and far between.
Nkebe had a golden opportunity to open the scoring, but he could not beat UP-Tuks goalkeeper David Ribero who made a good save.
UP-Tuks suffered another blow just before half-time when Frank Mpedi went off injured and had to be replaced by Mbongeni Masilela as the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
WSU had another great chance to score at the start of the second half, but Mkhuseli Mfeketho could not find the finish with an open goal.
Instead it would be UP-Tuks who opened the scoring, with Lawrence Ntswane getting on the end of a cross from Wandile Makhanya and burying the header.
That sparked WSU into life as they surged forward in search of a response, with the crowd raising the intensity off the field as well.
Sibabalwe Mayiyana hit the upright in extra time as WSU continued to push, but they could not find the equaliser as Tuks held on for the win.
FNB Man of the match: Mkhuseli Mfeketho
Samsung Superstriker: Lawrence Ntswane
Scorers:
For UP-Tuks: Lawrence Ntswane
Teams:
WSU: 1 Thando Sotyato, 13 Siphesande Matoni, 3 Zwide Nxumalo, 4 Wonga Tengile, 12 Benathi Ngaka, 20 Ntokozo Nyikinya, 7 Mkhuseli Mfeketho, 8 Sibabalwe Mayiyana, 2 Nqobane Machi, 5 Masonwabe Memani, 10 Ludumo Nkebe.
Substitutes: 25 Zuko Mjame, 18 Lutho Scotch, 6 Zuko Ndamane, 19 Hlalanathi Makaula, 23 Mbongo Mqoqi, 15 Bonke Mbadlanyana, 21 Odwa Lose.
UP-Tuks: 1 David Ribero, 3 Robin Swartz, 8 Nicholas Killas, 13 Lindsay Stowman, 20 Thabo Ndlovu, 16 Wandile Makhanya, 15 Claudio De Almeida, 5 Simbongile Njokwe, 4 Lawrence Ntswane, 10 Jeremiah Nkwana, 19 Frank Mpedi.
Substitutes: 24 Michael Faasen, 2 Sphesihle Sosibo, 12 Phuthego Mabitsela, 17 Katlego Motlhatsang, 14 Tebogo Galane, 9 Mbongeni Masilela, 11 Richard Moremi.
