In our weekly wrap of Varsity Football action, we look at five of the hottest moments in this week’s round of matches. Embracing the Iyachesa hashtag, celebrating the biggest, match-defining moments and celebrating uniquely South African football flair, here are the five hottest moments of Round Two – the Iyachesa Big Five:
Pieterson to the rescue for Wits
With four minutes left on the clock, Wits University goalkeeper Brylon Pieterson pulled off a brilliant double save to deny defending champions UWC a victory away from home. Peterson first got down to make a save from Josh Silent’s shot and quickly got up to stop Giovanni Gaffor’s effort. Pieterson was named man of the match for his efforts throughout the game, as he helped the home side secure a valuable point after they suffered defeat in their opening match last week.
For the love of football
A big shout out has to go to the many supporters who braved the extremely cold weather conditions around the country to watch their teams in action on Monday. Supporters at the Tshwane derby between Tuks and TUT at Tuks Stadium – dressed in warm tracksuits – were vibrant and it was the visiting fans who walked away with the bragging rights. They held up a board with the words “Tuks must fall” written on it and they got their wish thanks to a 1-0 victory. Despite freezing conditions NWU-Mafikeng played to a packed stadium. Rain or shine – their fans come out in their numbers.
Captain fantastic leads by example
After the humiliating 6-2 defeat to UJ last week, NWU-Mafikeng were determined to bounce back and get their first victory in the competition. It was no walk in the park, but they snatched victory against a resilient UFH side in Mafikeng, thanks to a goal from captain Sipho Mateis. The score was tied at 2-2 before Mateis’ powerful shot from the spot secured a 3-2 win for the home side. It left UFH still searching for their first win in the competition.
Fair play
When TUT’s Sibusiso Ndlovu was fouled by a Tuks player in the second half, the situation threatened to get out of hand as tempers flared. It was, after all, a derby and that’s what tends to happen in derbies. But TUT captain Elliot Seema showed true leadership qualities by quickly running to his teammates to stop them from doing something they would later regret. Credit should also go to the referee for staying calm in the situation and giving the players a strong talking to.
Hlalele the hero in tightly contested derby
Jacob Hlalele is the reason TUT are the kings of Tshwane at the moment. His first half goal, scored just two minutes before the break, was all that separated the two sides in the derby. Hlalele had wasted a couple of opportunities before that, but made no mistake from close range after a corner was whipped in by a teammate. Hlalele should have scored at least three goals, but that does not matter now because all three points are in the bag for TUT and they are top of the table on six points.
By Tshepang Mailwane, football writer for the Sowetan
