While leaking four goals on a cold evening is not an ideal wakeup call, it had to come, and perhaps at the right time with one game remaining before the semi-finals.
After going unbeaten for the first six matches of the 2016 Varsity Football season, the Central University Technology suffered their first loss in Pretoria against the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on Monday night.
Although supporters and players alike may be aggrieved at the weight of the scoreline, the timing of the loss must be appreciated. Two clean sheets at the beginning of the campaign set the tone for CUT. The next four matches were successfully negotiated, largely owing to the exploits of Orapeleng Manopole.
However, in those four matches, nine goals were conceded at an average of 2.25 per match. If that was not a worrying statistic, it is now. Suffice to say, the goals masked the defensive frailties of the Bloemfontein side.
CUT will have to make the necessary defensive adjustments if they are to gain the solitary point required to progress to the semi-finals. Resurgent NWU-Mafikeng pose a definite threat and CUT may have to tread carefully in their approach. After all, goals win matches; defences win titles.
CUT have enjoyed an emphatic debut season in Varsity Football, only losing one match in 2016, to the table-topping and undefeated TUT. Just a point will be enough to secure a semi-final spot and a win will hand the side a home semi-final.
But their hard work will all be forgotten should UJ, Tuks and UWC all win, while CUT fail to defeat NWU-Mafikeng. Their fate would then switch hands to NWU-Mafikeng, who face Wits on Thursday in the final match of the group stage.
CUT host NWU-Mafikeng on 29 August at 19:00. The match will be live on SuperSport channel 210.
CUT team to face NWU-Mafikeng: Zolani Ligunya (GK), Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Matsemela, Sello Mokhele, Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Cameron Chweu, Rakgomo Taole, Katleho Motaung.
Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Pule Thaele, Orapeleng Manopolo, Vusi Vena, Katleho Molakeng, Neo Sebudi, Abrahm Singozo.
By Sam Styrax
