NWU Mafikeng made their home ground advantage count in their season-opener against UKZN on Thursday, sending the visitors back to the coast with a 2-1 defeat.
It took only eight minutes for the Noble Boys to draw first blood with Tshepiso Mahlangu firing past UKZN’s goalkeeper Thandolwakhe Radebe at the second attempt from a free-kick. The goal was met with a deafening roar from the NWU supporters.
As it happened, their lead was met with tough play from the challengers who then equalised a 10 minutes into the second half through Nkosinathi Sibeko. It was rather fortuitous as Sibeko’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off a defender to wrong-foot goalkeeper Kagiso Ramadivhane.
Having had time to regroup and reorganise, the Noble Boys regained the lead in referees’ optional time. Following a free-kick, Israel Matshane found himself with the ball at his feet on the penalty spot and coolly slotted home to break the visitors’ hearts.
For UKZN, history was cruel to repeat itself. In 2018 they lost to NWU in their hometown and now in 2019 they conceded late on to suffer the same fate away from home.
“We don’t go out of our way to claim to be the best. Our hard work and determination is our staying power in the tournament,” said NWU Mafikeng team manager Lawrence Mosala proudly.
“Nobility guides us and in the end the results are resounding.”
NWU (1) 2: Tshepiso Mahlangu, Israel Matshane
UKZN (0) 1: Nkosinathi Sibeko
NWU: 27. Kagiso Ramadivhane (GK), 14. Tshepiso Mahlangu, 2. Tholinhlanhla Masuku, 22. Lesego Motsepe, 8. Kananelo Motsoeneng, 6. Lindani Nkabinde, 7. Paseka Matsheka (capt), 5. Sibusiso Ndlovu, 23. Simphiwe Mlangeni, 21. Banele Hlophe, 9. Adam Fynn.
Replacements: 28. Luzuko Jevuka (GK), 4. Gift Mogorosi, 12. Bongani Taaibosch, 16. Israel Matshane, 11. Kagiso Moshotetsi, 3. Wandile Luvuno, 24. Mandisi Gadla.
UKZN: 1. Thandolwakhe Radebe (GK), 12. Bhekabambo Mkhize, 3. Siphesihle Sokhela, 4. Lungani Nhlengethwa (capt), 15. Sifundo Nkosi, 6. Mzwandile Mkhize, 9. Bongumenzi Zulu, 24. Nkosinathi Sosibo, 28. Mthobisi Mathaba, 2. Thabiso Nhlengethwa, 7. Nkosinathi Sibeko.
Replacements: 20. Banele Kubeka (GK), 25. Siphamandla Sosibo, 5. Mvelo Madonsela, 21. Siphelele Mbewana, 13. Bheka Ncube, 18. Ziyanda Ndlovu, 11. Khumbulani Mbokazi.
FNB Player of the Match: Simphiwe Mlangeni (NWU)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Kagiso Ramadivhane (NWU)
By Phenyo Mokgothu
