Kovsies moved off the bottom of the Varsity Football standings with a 2-0 victory over Limpopo in Bloemfontein on Monday.
It was their first home game of the season and they did not disappoint their fans as second-half goals from midfielder Lehlohonolo Mokoena and replacement Jay Jay Groenewald saw them take all three points.
The match began at a frantic pace, with Kovsies pushing forward at every opportunity as they went in search of their first goal of the season.
Limpopo were forced to play from their own half, and their defence held up well although their only opportunities on goal were from long range.
Kovsies had the advantage in terms of both territory and possession, but found themselves frustrated by the visitors who showed good commitment to hold them out.
The home side thought they had opened the scoring when a booming header from a free kick crossed the line, but the goal was ruled out due to offside.
Limpopo tested Kovsies goalkeeper Serasengoe Moodie with a couple of long range efforts, whilst his counterpart Harold Ndhlovu also had to show some agaility to keep the game goalless heading into half-time.
Kovsies started the second half with a bang as they took the lead through a composed finish from Lehlohonolo Mokoena after some sloppy work at the back from the visitors.
They kept the pressure on and created a couple of opportunities for striker Dylan O’Brien, who could not convert as they both went wide of the target.
However, the second goal eventually came when the ball was worked to replacement striker Jay Jay Groenewald who controlled it well at the back post and finished with his left foot to make it 2-0.
Limpopo had a couple of late opportunities, but the Kovsies defence held out well to secure the win.
FNB Man of the match: Jarred Meyer
Samsung Super Striker: Jay Jay Groenewald
The goalscorers:
For UFS: Lehlohonolo Mokoena, Jay Jay Groenewald
For UL: None
Teams:
UFS: 1 Serasengoe Moodie, 4 Marathodi Phillies, 13 Tsoeu Mphezulu, 19 Jarred Meyer, 20 Dumisani Tjomelane, 15 Themba Zimo, 12 Kakudi Moreleba, 11 Lehlohonolo Mokoena, 7 Walter Phori, 24 Dylan O’Brien, 6 Manxubandile Bantshi.
Substitutes: 23 Mongezi Mologovane, 23 Mongezi Mologovane, 3 Unathi Mabandla, 2 Khauhelo Kholotsa, 16 Lehlohonolo Thaele, 8 Christopher Makgoe, 10 Simon Modupi, Jay Jay Groenewald.
UL: 16 Harold Ndhlovu, 2 Ivan Tleane, 6 Edgar Mafunisa, 24 Austin Dube, 13 Pholoshi Bapela, 20 Samuel Mathabathe, 5 Matsobane Kganyago, 9 Theo Phophi, 17 Nelson Ndhima, 7 Thapelo Kgaphola, 11 Mahlatse Mogale.
Substitutes: 1 Johnathan Gole, 19 Cyril Ndhlovu, 10 Vuledzani Chikhala, 3 Rogers Moletla, 8 Blondy Mohale, 22 Kgotlelelo Kgoete, 15 Tsietsi Tshehla.
