CUT were looking to follow in their neighbours footsteps by also winning on their return to Varsity Football, however UJ put paid to that with a 1-0 victory at the CUT Stadium on Thursday evening.
Both teams took their time to settle into the the match, but it was UJ who seemed to get into their stride quicker. Constant trouble came in the form of Tristan Nikitaridis, who gave Thabo Samuel some early practice in shot-stopping.
On the other end, Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane gave the home crowd something to cheer about with a few shots from outside the box.
However, in a half where the defences took centre stage, the home team were the first to have their defence penetrated. Following a temporary lapse in concentration, the home side’s ‘keeper found himself wanting and gifted Keegan Faver an opportunity to put his side ahead. Faver duly obliged, chipped Samuel, and celebrated in ecstatic fashion.
Not ones to lie down in misery, CUT came out with a vengeful attitude and almost equalised immediately after the beginning of the second stanza.
One-time UJ midfielder and CUT prodigal son, Keitumetse Mabathoana shot from range, but the captain’s effort sailed past the upright.
Faver, meanwhile, continued his relationship with Samuel, but CUT’s number one was equal to the task, palming the blazing shot at his near post.
CUT continued to press for a late equaliser, but the visitors kept their defence compact. With only a handful of minutes added on, CUT searched for an equaliser, but Alan Mabuza constantly thwarted those efforts.
UJ went home with the spoils as they look to finally have a triumphant season.
CUT (0) 0
UJ 1 (1): Keegan Faver
CUT: 1. Thabo Samuel (GK), 3. Waydelio Links, 7. Malefetsane Nkaki, 22. Itumeleng Chelopo, 15. Morena Lehloa, 8. Thabo Mokhele, 23. Mpho Molwatse, 12. Thapelo Moono, 2. Phiwokuhle Mpalala, 10. Keitumetse Mabathoana (capt), 11. Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane.
Replacements: 28. Mpho Motsoahole (GK), 13. Thabang Khopane, 5. Thabang Khesa, 25. Mothusi Madilola, 19. Oratile Mothibedi, 14. Pule Thaele, 4, Tsietsi Ramosedi.
UJ: 27. Alan Mabuza (GK), 17. Sihle Mbhele, 4. Lesego Sebetlela, 13. Aidan Basiak, 14. Thabang Lebese, 2. Nkosinathi Sibiya, 21. Gerald Ndlovu, 6. Sphesihle Mbhele (capt), 26. Tristan Nikitaridis, 25. Keegan Faver, 11. Kamohelo Molatlhegi.
Replacements: 1. Tshegofatso Mathekga (GK), 20. Prince Matje, 24. Lebogang Mosiane, 9. Monde Skele, 8. Phelelani Mvelase, 7. Junior Makhubele, 23. Lebone Lephiri.
FNB Player of the Match: Thabang Lebese (UJ)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Alan Mabuza (UJ)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Mpho Molwatse (CUT)
By Sam Styrax
