The NMMU Madibaz bounced back from defeat last week with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Kovsies in Bloemfontein.
It was a valuable three points on the road for the Eastern Cape side who handed Kovsies their first defeat at home this season to move past them on the standings on goal difference.
The visitors came out all guns blazing as they took the game to Kovsies, but the Free State side’s defence pressed high and managed to keep them out.
Kovsies had a great scoring opportunity as a long ball caught the NMMU defence napping, but Mongezi Mologovane’s shot flew over the bar.
However, it would be the Madibaz to score first as Simamkele Thobi rose to meet a pinpoint cross, and his header flew into the back of the net to put them 1-0 up.
The hosts looked to work their way back into the game and play in Madibaz territory, but they battled to find a way through and went into half-time trailing 1-0.
The lead was stretched to 2-0 early in the second half as Lukhanyo Rasmeni latched onto a well-timed pass and beat Kovsies goalkeeper Serasengoe Moodie.
The home side had a great opportunity to hit back, but Jay Jay Groenewald could not find the target as it flew wide.
NMMU made it 3-0 when Kovsies failed to deal with a long ball and substitute Kieran Koert made them pay with a scorching volley.
There was still time for one more as Madibaz captain Kurt Duff put the final nail in Kovsies’ coffin with a headed goal from a corner.
FNB Man of the Match: Kurt Duff
Samsung Super Striker: Kieran Koert
Goalscorers:
For NMMU: Simamkele Thobi, Lukhanyo Rasmeni, Kieran Koert, Kurt Duff
Teams:
UFS-Kovsies: 1 Serasengoe Moodie, 4 Marathodi Phillies, 13 Tsoeu Mphezulu, 19 Jarred Meyer, 15 Themba Zimo (captain), 23 Mongezi Mologovane, 10 Simon Modupi, 11 Lehlohonolo Mokoena, 6 Manxubandile Bantshi, 14 Glen Rikhotso, 9 Jay Jay Groenewald.
Subsitiutes: 7 Walter Phori, 24 Dylan O’Brien, 3 Unathi Mabandla, 2 Khauhelo Kholotsa, 12 Kakudi Moreleba, 25 Mokotjo Tebello.
NMMU-Madibaz: 24 Lyndsay Jennings, 2 Onela Beqezi, 5 Athini Bisha, 16 Lundi Balfour, 13 Vuyolwethu Marele, 19 Karabo Motlhabi, 6 Kurt Duff (captain), 17 Sachin Jackson, 18 Olwethu Ngako, 14 Simamkele Thobi, 8 Lukhanyo Rasmeni.
Substitutes: 1 Matthew Booysen, 21 Kevin Kevido, 2 Lukhanyo Stemele, 4 Zukisani Mtendeni, 20 Litha Fingo, 11 Kieran Koert, 9 Lukhanyo Ndabeta.
