Varsity Football content contributor Charles Baloyi selects the standout players from Wednesday’s matches at the University of Pretoria.
BLESSING MABASA (TUKS)
Mabasa is a centre back for Tuks, but he loves to overlap to add numbers on attack.
The 21-year-old first-year Mechanical Science student was at his best for Tuks in the Tshwane derby, scoring a great goal on the edge of the box.
Mabasa made vital crosses for his teammates, stood firm in defence, ventured forward when required and covered more ground than any other player.
He also carried his team on his shoulders and showed his leadership qualities as captain.
WELCOME MASEMOLA (WITS)
Masemola showed that he is a natural No 9 by keeping the NWU defence on their toes throughout the game. He was slippery and made himself room to maneuver in the box.
Masemola scored a brace and deservedly walked away with the FNB Player of the Match accolade. His first goal was a well-taken strike and his second a poacher’s goal.
He showed the potential of a clinical striker.
NGOANAMELLO RAMMALA (UJ)
Rammaladid not score a goal, but he played a part in all three against NWU. This talented midfielder knew where to put the ball and he showed excellent passing accuracy.
His assist in the second goal for brace hero Nkosinathi Sibiya was out of this world. He ripped up the NWU defence and put in a defence-splitting pass for Sibiya to tuck home.
Rammala made Sibiya look good with his beautiful assists. It is easy to score goals with a player of this calibre in your team.
TIEGO MATHEBE (TUT)
Mathebe, who is contracted to GladAfrica Championship club Pretoria Callies, is confident and does not crack under pressure.
The defining moment of the Tshwane derby between TUT and Tuks in Round 1 was his equaliser.
He was cool as a cucumber, giving himself time and space to pick a spot and score. He made his goal look easy because of his ball control and neat finish.
SELLO DIPHOKO (UFS)
When Kovsies needed a hero, Diphoko stepped up to the plate and scored an early contender for goal of the season.
In football, you make your own luck and the 21-year-old showed his striker instincts when finding the back of the net.
Kovsies do not have individual stars and rely on a collective to get the job done. However, in Diphoko, they have a player who can turn the game on its head in an instant.
MATCHDAY WRAP: UJ upset champs, late drama in Tshwane derby
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Varsity Sports
