The first ever Bloemfontein Derby in Varsity Football was worth the wait as CUT and UFS delivered in front of a packed house – the hosts winning 2-0.
Two points separated the two teams going into this long-awaited derby, which thus promised to be electrifying.
In the initial stages, CUT showed more vigour despite starting without regular captain Keitumetse Mabathoana, but UFS soon settled down and launched attacks through Makhaola Mohale and Obarate Saila.
The home side retaliated through Mpho Molwatse, who was fouled in the box, but the referee deemed the challenge fair.
Just before the half-hour mark, UFS centre-back Obakeng Seekoei found the Dylan O’Brien in space, but his volleyed shot unfortunately flew wide. CUT made him pay for the miss when they took the lead almost straight after.
Following a cleverly-worked corner, Itumeleng Chelopo found himself unmarked at the near post and headed into the top corner to give CUT the lead. With the pressure firmly on the visitors, the hosts searched for a second goal, with Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane and Molwatse being particularly menacing. Looking to clear the ball to safety, UFS shotstopper Nelson Chauke left his box and subsequently clashed with Ramotsoenyane. Both players were lucky to escape injury, but that would be the end of the half as the hosts held on to their narrow lead.
UFS came into the second stanza in search of an equaliser and came close when O’Brien served the ball to Thembinkosi Gwala, whose shot unfortunately breezed past the upright.
Similar to the first half, they paid for their wastefulness when Oratile Mothibedi displayed trickery and crossed spectacularly to Mothusi Madilola, who converted from close range.
Now looking to limit the damage, Saila found himself with more space than necessary and shot from range, but Thabo Samuel was equal to the task.
CUT nearly made it three when the ball fell to Molwatse following a rebound, but his shot blazed over the crossbar. Molwatse caused more trouble for the visitors when he latched onto Ramotsoenyane’s rebound, but he failed to extend his side’s lead.
That would be the final play of the match as CUT humbled their crosstown rivals to leapfrog them on the table.
CUT (1) 2 Itumeleng Chelopo, Mothusi Madilola
UFS 0
FNB Player of the Match: Mpho Molwatse (CUT)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Thabo Samuel (CUT)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Oratile Mothibedi (CUT)
CUT: 1. Thabo Samuel (GK), 6. Katleho Molakeng, 15. Morena Lehloa, 2. Phiwokuhle Mpalala, 5. Thabang Khesa, 19. Oratile Mothibedi, 8. Thabo Mokhele, 4, Tsietsi Ramosedi (capt), 23. Mpho Molwatse, 25. Mothusi Madilola, 11. Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane.
Replacements: 28. Mpho Motsoahole (GK), 7. Malefetsane Nkaki, 10. Keitumetse Mabathoana, 13. Thabang Khopane, 14. Pule Thaele, 17. Tlotlego Mjikeliso, 22. Itumeleng Chelopo.
UFS: 27. Nelson Chauke (GK), 23. Makhaola Mohale, 24. Obakeng Seekoei, 15. Gauta Mokati (capt), 3. Thapelo Madrati, 6. Angelo Arendse, 8. Obarate Saila, 4. Siphelele Ngwenya, 11. Thembinkosi Gwala, 22. Katleho Lephaka, 9. Dylan O’Brien.
Replacements: 28. Mafase Malomane (GK), 7. Lebogang Ngamlani, 10. Thabo Lesibe, 13. Nnyane Nkomo, 14. Ashley Shingange, 21. Duncan Mohale, 25. Bradwell Gouws.
By Sam Styrax
