TUT are through to the Varsity Football final for second time in succession after beating University of North West-Mafikeng 4-3 on penalties at the TUT stadium.
The game between TUT and NWU was forced to go to penalties after both teams were locked at 0-0 after regulation time. Goalkeeper Lloyd Morulane was hero for the home team after saving one of the penalties before scoring his own, to send the TUT crowd into frenzy.
TUT are now set to meet University of Johannesburg in the finals in Tshwane on September 22.
Both teams started the game in a high gear, with NWU relying much on their counter attack, but failed to find the back of the net and soon the referee blew his whistle for half time. TUT coach, Bushy Moloi brought in Tumelo Mowa and Sakhile Mthembu in search of goals, but still failed to break the deadlock.
NWU striker Tshepo Modire was cursing the soccer gods after he failed to score having rounding goalkeeper Morulane and only needing to pass the ball into the net. But it was cleared before it could cross the goal line, much to the disbelief of the supporters, crammed into the stadium. The regulation 90 minutes were up and the match went to penalties.
The TUT crowd soon stormed the field, after Morulane scored the winning penalty in celebration of another final to be hosted by the institution, on September 22. TUT scored their initial penalties through Hlalele, Sibiya and Motau whilet Ribabu missed. NWU found the back of the net during the penalty shoutouts through Martin, Mediro and Makgopela, but Ngwenya’s penalty was saved by Morulane Mateis, missing the target.
FNB Man of the Match: Lloyd Morulane (TUT)
TUT starting XI: Lloyd Morulane, Terrence Mashego, Rorisang Rapelang, Collen Ribabu, Elliot Seema, Sipho Sibiya, Katlego Kgetjepe, Thabang Motau, Sakhile Mthembum, Sibusiso Ndlovu, Jacob Hlalele
Subs: Godfrey Mahlale, Thabiso Sibisi, Tumelo Mowa, Thatohatsi Santos, Tlotlo Mothibedi
NWU-Mafikeng starting XI: Amogelang Maduo (GK); Tshepo Desmond, Mojuda Matlhanyane, Sifiso Ngwenya, Wendelle Martin, Sipho Mateis, Vusumuzi Ludwala, Sandile Mbatha (c), Orebotse Mongae, Mogomotsi Molefe, Thapelo Tlabakwe.
Subs: Luzuko Jevuka (GK); Thabang Makgwane, Tshepo Baholo, Katlego Banda, Tshepo Mediro, Koketso Motsile, Tebogo Mokgobo.
By Ernest Fakude
