UP-Tuks re-ignited their campaign with a 2-0 victory over the NMMU-Madibaz to bag their first victory of the 2015 campaign in a pulsating encounter.
The Madibaz had their chances to come away with at least a point but solid defensive work by the home side, combined with goals by Wandile Makhanya and Jeremiah Nkwana, was enough for the defending champions to maintain their dominance over the Madibaz.
Both sides looked to grab hold of the midfield in the early stages and the first chance came in the 10th minute but the Madibaz’ Zusakhe Sali failed to hit the target with his effort at goal.
Tuks began seeing a lot more of the ball and put the Madibaz under pressure. That pressure would result in a well-taken goal by Wandile Makhanya who latched onto a Jeremiah Nkwana corner-kick to break the deadlock in the 22nd minute.
The Madibaz went in search of the equaliser, which helped to open the game up, but they could not capitalise on the chances they had created and trailed Tuks 0-1 at the half-time break.
The home side came out strong after the interval and nearly doubled their lead but a Makhanya snap shot flew wide of the Madibaz goal.
Tuks continued to apply pressure on the Madibaz’ defence and found reward in the 61st minute when Nkwana calmly slotted a penalty after Lundi Balfour handled the ball in the 18-yard area.
Try as they might, NMMU could not find a way through the home side’s defence as the match opened up.
The match fizzled out in the final minutes as Tuks held onto their lead to see the game put and secure the win.
Samsung Super Striker: Wandile Makhanya
FNB Man of the Match: Claudio De Almeida
Scorers:
For UP-Tuks: Wandile Makhanya, Jeremiah Nkwana
For NMMU-Madibaz: None
Teams:
UP-Tuks: 1 David Ribero, 3 Robin Swartz, 8 Nicholas Killas, 13 Lindsay Stowman, 20 Thabo Ndlovu, 16 Wandile Makhanya, 15 Claudio De Almeida, 5 Simbongile Njokwe, 4 Lawrence Ntswane, 10 Jeremiah Nkwana, 19 Frank Mpedi.
Substitutes: 24 Michael Faasen, 2 Sphesihle Sosibo, 12 Phuthego Mabitsela, 17 Katlego Motlhatsang, 14 Tebogo Galane, 9 Mbongeni Masilela, 11 Richard Moremi.
NMMU-Madibaz: 1 Matthew Booysen, 2 Onela Beqezi, 3 Lonwabo Balfour, 16 Lundi Balfour, 5 Athini Bisha, 15 Litha Fingo, 20 Zusakhe Sali, 7 Sachin Jackson, 10 Cloudius Sagandira, 8 Fuzo Zantsi, 18 Simamkele Thobi.
Replacements: 6 Ekow Anfoh Assan, 26 Ashton Reddy, 25 Xola Fipaza, 19 Onke Matomela, 4 Diego van Rooyen, 17 Achuma Klaas, 12 Lusapho Mlangane.
