NWU were left to pick up the pieces in Mafikeng after defending champions UP-Tuks beat them in their second consecutive Varsity Football semifinal.
Having gone down to the Pretoria side at the same stage last year, NWU crashed out in front of their home crowd on penalties as UP-Tuks booked a place in the final against UJ in Soweto next week.
This means that after four Varsity Football matches against UP-Tuks, the Mafikeng side are yet to pick up a single win.
Coach Amos Xabanisa knows that his side should have made better use of their opportunities before it went to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
“We could have scored, but it’s the semifinals and they’re the hardest as everyone goes in for a win. The penalties are like lotto, you never know if you’re going to win or not,” he said.
He thanked the fans who turned out in their numbers once again and apologised to them.
“We thanks the fans for always coming in numbers and giving us the motive to win. I’m not disappointed in the team and the students should also not be, because it wasn’t in our hands.”
Star midfielder Orebotse Mongae said that to be dumped out of the competition in that fashion was heartbreaking.
“I am very disappointed. Even though we tried our best, I guess we weren’t lucky enough to win. We didn’t use the chances we had created both in the first and second half and it backfired on us losing the semifinals.
“The penalties are the hardest and the breaking-point of a footballer’s dream as you’re never given a second opportunity to rectify your mistake,” he said.
UP-Tuks coach Evangelos Vellios was understandably excited after his side got the better of a competitive NWU outfit again.
“I’m happy we’re in the finals. The feeling is just sinking in at the moment and we’re enjoying it. I’m so proud of my players, technical team and everybody behind us and I’m so proud of being part of UP-Tuks.
“The game was tough, NWU was on home soil, they’re a great team and with all the support behind them, we knew it was going to be hard. Our objective was to go to the finals and defend our championship which I believe that we’ll work hard and do everything in our power to remain champions,” he said.
By Phenyo Mokgothu
