Tuks showed more quality and team ethic as they outperformed UJ in their own backyard as the side from Pretoria ran away with a 3-0 victory, sealing their first victory of the season.
The game started at a frantic pace with the away side looking more lively and likely to score. Tuks were looking dangerous on set pieces, knocking the ball into the danger area, UJ looking a bit nervous after the first 20 minutes.
As the game settled it was Tuks that grew in confidence and nearly punished the side from Joburg. Midfielder Lindani Mazibuko was booked for a reckless tackle, with the resulting free-kick hitting ting the woodwork, Tuks coming closest with that effort. Tuks’ dominance in the first stanza wasn’t rewarded with a goal as the game was tied at 0-0 at the end of the first half.
In a halftime switch for UJ, Katlego Ntsabeleng came in for Sbongeleni Gamade, with UJ looking to trouble the water-tight Tuks defence. But it was Tuks that took the lead as Tiago da Serra made a run from the blind side, and finished calmly in the bottom corner. Tuks led 1-0 after 50 minutes.
UJ were given a major scare when Tuks scored a second, but were ruled offsides as the home side were in sixes and sevens. It was all happening for Tuks as their front man was sent clean through on goal, but a wonderful reflex save by Van der Walt kept UJ in the game.
Captain Ruwell Jagger took a shot from almost 30 yards and hit the crossbar – the closet UJ came to scoring. However, Tuks silenced the home crowd with a clinical second goal, scored by Mbongeni Masilela,and took firm control of the game. Tuks were 2-0 down after 60 minutes.
It was soon 3-0 to Tuks, as Mogau Khiwana piled more misery on the home side. UJ failed to put themselves on the scoresheet and the match ended 3-0 to Tuks, a convincing victory for the team from Pretoria.
Man of the Match: Tiago da Serra (Tuks)
Scorers:
Tuks: Tiago da Serra, Mogau Khwinana, Mbongeni Masilela
UJ team:
Starting XI: Damaine van Der Walt, Ruwell Jagger, Ntokozo Tshabalala, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Futuin, Lindani Mazibuko, Samuel Warder, Tebogo Mandyu, Sanele Mthethwa,, Pogiso Mabote, Sbongeleni Gamade
Subs: Mpumelelo Sambo,, Jared Abrahams, Melusi Mahlaba, Ntsabeleng Katlego, Sthembiso Manana, Given Msimango, Tshepo Tolo
UP-Tuks:
Starting XI: Dylan Patterson, Asande Mbanjwa, Nicholas Killas, Simbongile Njokwe (c), Siphesihle Sosibo, Claudio de Almeida, Tiago da Serra, Clinton Mphahlele, Frank Mpedi, Mogau Khwinana, Wandile Makhanya
Subs: Deodart Kritzinger, Richard Moremi, Ndlovu Thungulethu, Jurgen Booysen, Mbongeni Masilela, Sabelo Tsambo, Odwa Makha
By Nkosinathi Shazi
