North-West University Mafikeng rose to glory in a modest 4-3 victory against defending Varsity Football Champions University of the Western Cape on 22 August 2016 at the Mafikeng Stadium.
First to draw blood in what was termed an exhilarating match by fans, was NWU with an electrifying goal 30 seconds into the game by Orebotse Mongae. NWU continued to dominate on the pitch in the first half with a 70% of the ball possession, and soon a second goal was on the cards as Sandile Mbatha fired in a second goal on the 25th minute, unsettling UWC’s defence and sending the Blue Army into a frenzy.
The 29th and 35th minutes of the first half provided NWU’s Vusumuzi Ludwala the perfect opportunity to pepper UWC with a third and fourth goal, widening the gap between NWU and UWC. NWU’s celebrations were short-lived as they conceded an own in the 42nd minute through a back pass by Wendell Martins before wrapping up the first half of the game.
The second half gave UWC a chance to reduce NWU’s lead with a second goal by Phiwokuhle Mphalala. Soon after, fellow UWC teammate Chad Smith, scored the third and final goal of the match, wrapping up a win for NWU with four goals to UWC’s three.
NWU team coach Amos Xabanisa said that “the team played good football in the half half and scored four outstanding goals. Coming back into the second half we got our foot off the pedal and started playing football for the gallery. We lost discipline at the back when we should’ve maintained a good defence. But we did well.”
Concluding the game was NWU’s Orebotse Mongae and the man of the match. “We played good football,” said Mongae. “The second half was tough and tested our character but we played well.”
FNB Man of Match: Orebotse Mongae (NWU)
Scorers:
NWU: Orebotse Mongae. Sandile Mbatha, Vusumuzi Ludwala (2)
UWC: Wendell Martins (NWU) OG, Phiwokuhle Mphalala, Chad Smith
NWU-Mafikeng starting XI: Amogelang Maduo, Tshepo Makgopela, Mojuda Matlhanyane, David Ngwenya, Wendelle Martin, Sipho Mateis, Katlego Banda, Orebotse Mongae, Mogomotsi Molefe, Thapelo Tlabakwe
Subs: Luzuko Jevuka, Thabang Makgwane, Tshepo Baholo, Prince Maila, Tshepo Mediro, Tevin Kekane, Vusumuzi Ludwala
UWC starting XI: Brent Layman, Clinton Herwel, Akhona Bonga, Masibulele Masete, Keenan Davies, Nhlanhla Manana, Kwanele Nocanda, Aghmat Ceres, Thulani Nkosi, Josh Silent, Phiwokuhle Mphalala
Subs: Renaldo Leaner, Suhayl Allie, Lwando Ngqwemla, Chad Smith, Eathon Swartz, Akona Cawe, Giovani Gaffoor
By Phenyo Mokgothu
