It’s almost apt that Thursday’s clash between NWU and UFS, two Round 1 winners, ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Hosts NWU would have backed themselves to make it two-from-two considering UFS had made the awkward journey to Mafikeng from Bloemfontein.
However, UFS showed that they didn’t get their win last week by chance because Kovsies gave as good as they got in the first half.
It looked like being a different story, though, when Simphiwe Mlangeni broke the deadlock just before the hour mark.
Not to be outdone by their hosts, UFS fired back with an equaliser from Thembinkosi Gwala to stun the vociferous home side crowd.
Try as they might, neither team was able to muster a winner after that and had to settle for a share of the spoils and joint-second on the table behind TUT – who NWU play next week in match one of the double header.
UFS captain Gauta Mokati said the draw and subsequent point collected boosts the confidence of the team and that they were happy with how the game went – all things considered.
For his part, NWU coacch Karabo Masehela didn’t want to be too greedy.
“We played a fair game. There was a lot of missed opportunities which we ought to have capitalised on but this allows us to go back to the drawing board and neatly package our field of play ahead of our match next week and going forward”, Masehela said post-match.
NWU (0) 0 Simphiwe Mlangeni
UFS (0) 0 Thembinkosi Gwala
NWU: 27. Kagiso Ramadivhane (GK), 14. Tshepiso Mahlangu, 2. Tholinhlanhla Masuku, 8. Kananelo Motsoeneng, 22. Lesego Motsepe, 6. Lindani Nkabinde, 7. Paseka Matsheka (capt), 23. Simphiwe Mlangeni, 21. Banele Hlophe, 5. Sibusiso Ndlovu, 9. Adam Fynn.
Replacements: 28. Luzuko Jevuka (GK), 12. Bongani Taaibosch, 4. Gift Mogorosi, 16. Israel Matshane, 24. Mandisi Gadla, 10. Tshepo Baholo, 3. Wandile Luvuno.
UFS: 27. Nelson Chauke (GK), 23. Makhaola Mohale, 24. Obakeng Seekoei, 15. Gauta Mokati (capt), 3. Thapelo Madrati, 6. Angelo Arendse, 4. Siphelele Ngwenya, 11. Thembinkosi Gwala, 16. Lindokuhle Khumalo, 25. Bradwell Gouws, 9. Dylan O’Brien.
Replacements: 28. Mafase Malomane (GK), 21. Duncan Mohale, 10. Thabo Lesibe, 12. Themba Msimanga, 8. Obarate Saila, 13. Nnyane Nkomo, 7. Lebogang Ngamlani.
FNB Player of the Match: Sibusiso Ndlovu (NWU)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Nelson Chauke (UFS)
By Phenyo Mokgothu
