North-West University Mafikeng team bounced back and claimed victory against University of Fort Hare in an electrifying match on Monday 25 July 2016 in Mafikeng.
NWU-Mafikeng team bounced back with a 3-2 win against new team in the 2016 Varsity Football tournament, UFH.
“A well-deserved win for the team considering the painstaking and grueling training we underwent in preparation of this match and what better way to claim victory than to a packed stadium full of our supporters,” said NWU-Mafikeng team coach, Amos Xabanisa.
“We missed quite a lot of chances. Everything we did, our passing and ball possession was good. We dominated on the pitch and put pressure on the team. Overall we played well. It will improve as we progress in the tournament,” added Xabanisa.
University of Fort Hare striker, Olwethu Bless was first to draw blood 12 minutes into the match, but NWU-Mafikeng’s Sandile Mbatha equalised three minutes later. Following hot on the heels of Sandile Mbatha’s goal, teammate Katlego Banda found the back of the net and shot NWU Mafikeng team into the lead.
A free kick by University of Fort Hare’s Zondani Bathandwa put the teams neck-in-neck. Ultimately, a powerful shot by NWU-Mafikeng captain Sipho Mateis from the spot helped them to victory. True to his words, Mateis led from the front and scored the winning goal of the match.
NWU-Mafikeng midfielder Sandile Mbatha walked away with the FNB Man of the Match award to much supporter praise.
FNB Man of the Match: Sandile Mbatha (NWU-Mafikeng)
Scorers:
NWU-Mafikeng: Sandile Mbatha, Katlego Banda, Sipho Mateis
UFH: Olwethu Bless, Zondani Bathandwa
Teams:
NWU-Mafikeng XI: Alistar Maduo, Gift Mogorosi, Mojuda Matlhanyane, David Ngwenya, Tshepo Mediro, Sipho Mateis, Tshepo Makgopela, Sandile Mbatha, Orebotse Mongae, Mogomotsi Molefe, Thapelo Tlabakwe
Subs: Luzuko Jevuka, Thabang Makgwane, Tshepo Baholo, Prince Maila, Wendelle Martin, Katlego Banda, Vusumuzi Ludwala
UFH XI: Emanuel Mashabela, Siphenphosi Ngxoko, Masilive Nyosi, Siphamandla Zanekile, Tomas Magagasa, Banele Thompson, Ongeziwe Matika, Olwethu Bless, Andile Batyi, Siphelele Qumba
Subs: Khulasande Qhusheka, Bongisa Bhomba, Solomzi Dinga, Sijongesonke Peter, Vuyani Xolani, Loyiso Jezile, Sindile Mlilo
By Phenyo Mokgothu
