Clinical and comfortable would be the way to describe NWU-Pukke’s 2-0 win against the University of Johannesburg on Friday afternoon at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds.
UJ, though, could have given Pukke headaches had they taken their chances in the first half. This was a crucial encounter for UJ and Pukke who both desperately needed a win to get their Varsity Football campaign on track.
Pukke started the brightest as Kgomotso Molapo scored the first goal with a venomous right footed shot that curled into the top right corner of the net.
That gave Pukke head coaches, Belinda Nkosi and Michael Seleka huge smiles and was just what they wanted. Their counterpart, Leah Masango, now needed more urgency from her UJ team as she gave loud and clear instructions from the sidelines.
UJ had an amazing chance in the first half, but Pukke defence came to the rescue as the ball was miraculously cleared off the line.
Pukke’s Elderine Jantjies had a great game for Pukke as she kept asking questions of UJ’s defence with her speed up front. Motshidisi Nyaka was another Pukke player who impressed with her ball control on the left wing.
The second half saw UJ come into their own. They played a more concise game with shorter passes, but could not find the equaliser. This came back to bite them.
Pukke put the game to bed a few minutes later when the referee pointed to the penalty sport after a hand ball in the box. Bonolo Malgas calmly slotted the penalty and entertained the crowd with her dance celebration.
That goal seemed to spark Pukke’s confidence as they peppered UJ’s goal from then on. UJ’s keeper, Dineo Magagula was the only reason Pukke did not score more goals, as she made three fantastic one-on-one saves.
FNB Player of the Match: Naledi Morake (Pukke)
Scorers:
NWU-Pukke: Kgomotso Molapo and Bonolo Malgas
Teams:
NWU-Pukke: Regirl Ngobeni, Thobeka Rapoo, Mashadi Tshoane, Holofelang Manyama, Naledi Morake, Queen Ramaila, Busisiwe Mtsweni, Bonolo Malgas, Motshidisi Nyaka, Elderine Jantjies, Kgomotso Molapo.
Subs: Nomajalimani Matsane, Caroline Monyane, Lerato Motha, Lerato Mahlangu, Cyla Kok, Kgaugelo Makgakga.
UJ: Dineo Magagula, Nonkosi Twayise, Lahliwe Majoro, Neo Matabologe, Rito Valoyi, Thato Letsoso, Chwayita Quwe, Katlego Mabuza, Nolwazi Mathebula, Precious Matabologa, Ntombizodwa Mokenela.
Subs: Yvonne Miya, Aphane Potso, Temoho Motsi, Oda Monyai, Pontsho Marutla and Koketso Ndaba
By Wouter Pienaar
