There is a saying that revenge is a dish best served cold. UP-Tuks made history by winning back-to-back Varsity Football titles with a hard fought 1-0 derby victory over rivals UJ.
A brilliant goal by midfield maestro Jeremiah Nkwana with 15 minutes remaining proved to be the difference between the two rivals.
Tuks showed their experience at a packed Soweto Campus Sports Complex to hold on to their title, while the fairy-tale ended in tears for UJ.
Nkwana scored a free-kick that even the Premier Soccer League players can be proud of to break the UJ hearts.
The 21-year-old footballer was overcome with emotions as his fifth goal of the campaign helped his side to retain the trophy. UJ drubbed Tuks 4-0 in Pretoria last month.
They went into the final high in confidence as they were the only unbeaten side in eight matches. But their only defeat in their debut competition shattered their hearts.
The UJ players were inconsolable and supported by their head coach Bradley Carnell at the end of their most successful campaign in the second edition of the competition.
Nkwana said: “I have a technique that most players don’t have and I work a lot on set pieces on the training ground. My strength lies in the dead ball situation and I utilised it to help my team to win the trophy. I was confident when I picked up that ball and I am happy that it paid off. I will cherish this moment for as much as I live.”
Nkwana is a first year Sports Science student and his dream is to be promoted to AmaTuks first team.
He said: “I want to peruse football as a career, but studying is a back-up plan. Hopefully the performance that I put in will convince a lot of clubs to come knocking on my door steps.”
UJ coach Carnell was gracious in defeat and congratulated Tuks for breaking his boys’ hearts in their own back yard.
Carnell said: “The final was going to be defined by a moment of brilliance and it came from a beautiful free kick. Well done to the goal scorer and Tuks. We couldn’t play our normal football as they studied our game plan. We lick our wounds and soldier on.”
Carnell said his side learnt a lot in the competition.
“We learnt how to travel to hotels as a team, eat on the same table and become a professional team. I did this for 18 years in my time as a professional footballer, but it was the first time for the boys. Some boys had never been on an aeroplane but this was made possible. Hopefully one or two boys will go on and play in the professional league,” he said.
It was also Carnell’s first coaching stint and he hopes that this will open doors for him.
“I progressed as a team and the team as well. I think that I have potential if given a chance.”
By Charles Baloyi – Daily Sun and Sunday Sun Sports writer
