It takes an exceptional performance for defenders to be honoured with a man of the match award and UWC’s hard tackling Ashwyn Kounzie did that just that in the Varsity Football match on Monday.
Not only did he play a key role in his team’s clean sheet away at NWU-Pukke in Potchefstroom, but his good display made sure that UWC come out with all three points when he smashed home the only goal of the game.
The win cemented the Bellville-based side’s position on top of the log and all but secured them a place in the semifinals.
The 21-year-old economic development student can hardly forget the moment of brilliance, which ensured that UWC remains the only side unbeaten in the tournament after five games.
“It was a good cross by Ayanda (Nkukwana) from a free-kick and there was a player in front of me but I jumped and headed the ball against the crossbar. The rebound landed my way and I hit it home. It was such a nice feeling.
“Before the game I told my roommate Nhlanhla Manana that I had a feeling that I would score. When I scored I was so overwhelmed and didn’t know how to celebrate so I just ran towards the bench,” he said.
Kounzie, who plays for Grassy Park United in the ABC Motsepe League, said the game was so tight and he knew that any side that scored first would go on to win it.
UWC coach Salie Adams has praised Kounzie not only for the goal but for defending well too.
The lanky defender remembers making at least two crucial tackles in the first half.
In fact, good defending has been key in the team’s good run in the tournament this year, which has seen them conceding just three times in five matches and scoring eight in the process.
“If you don’t concede goals you cannot lose games,” Kounzie commented.
He believes that UWC has a good chance to clinch the title this season, “not because we are better but because we defend as a unit and we can play under pressure.”
With two rounds of matches to go in the round-robin mini-league, Kounzie and his teammates will need to remain focused as they welcome home second-placed TUT in the top-of-the-table clash on Monday.
He called on football fans to keep on supporting the team as their backing has motivated them and pushed them to perform well. “And the best of this UWC team is still to come”.
By Myolisi Gophe
