Despite conceding their first goal of the tournament, NMMU learned some valuable lessons in their 1-1 draw with UP-Tuks.
The Eastern Cape side thought they had victory wrapped up in Tshwane when a late strike from Lyndsay Stowman gave them a 1-0 lead, but their hosts were to have the final say with a last-gasp penalty salvaging a draw.
Although the match ended on a disappointing note as they dropped two valuable log points, FNB man of the match Stowman said that the team will be better off for the experience.
“We are encouraged by such challenging matches and whether we win or not, there is always a gap to improve for the next match and our personal growth as football players,” said Stowman.
Coach Lukhanyo Wasa echoed Stowman’s sentiments and said that he was encouraged by the team’s performance considering the tough circumstances.
“Once again, I believe the team played well, it was however very competitive, we managed to create a number of chances, though failed to take advantage of such chances and thereafter challenged by the referee who stood in our way for not getting full points on the day,” said Wasa.
The draw left NMMU in second place on the Varsity Football, just two points behind TUT who have won all three of their games, but they face a tough assignment on Monday when they travel to Mafikeng to take on the formidable NWU outfit.
It will be the Madibaz’s fourth consecutive away match, and should provide a stern test for their watertight defensive system as NWU have scored more goals than any other team in the tournament thus far.
By Shalom Khandanisa
