Tuks dominated all aspects of the game when they beat WSU at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Friday 21 September.
After drawing 0-0 to UWC in their opening match, Tuks had a lot to prove if they wanted to be taken seriously in this competition. Ten minutes into the match, Relebogile Phala was able to find the back of the net for Tuks, and not even two minutes later Alexandra Michael was able to make it 2-0 to the Pretoria side. Both sides had more opportunities in the last 20 minutes of the first half, but the goal keepers were able to make the necessary saves, putting Tuks in the lead 2-0 going into half time.
Tuks obviously did their homework because Philisa Mjambane, who scored two goals in her impressive opening game was kept quiet by their defence. WSU’s woes continued in the second half when they had many a few attempts at goal, but nothing coming from them. In the last ten minutes of the game, Tuks became desperate for their third goal, with Thaela Smidt striking but overcooking it. Substitute Nikiwe Nyamande got Tuks’s best shot of the second half when she went head-to-head with the goalkeeper, but her strike went just wide, leaving the score at 2-0 in favour of Tuks at full time.
FNB Player of the Match: Simankele Tsheku
Samsung Moment of Brilliance: Alexandra Michael.
Score
Tuks: 2
Goals: Relebogile Phala, Alexandra Michael
WSU: 0
Teams
Tuks: 1. Mapaseka Mpuru, 25. Thaela Smidt, 18. Duduzile Qwabe, 14. Lerato Moshoeshoe, 20. Alexandra Michael, 28. Simamkele Tshuku, 12. Relebogile Phala, 5. Thandokazi Chithi, 3. Nicole October, 4. Zinise Norris, 11. Khodani Manyana.
Reserves: 19. Shannon Classen, 6. Tarabhan Pemu, 8. Natasha de Almeida, 9. Shannon Morgan, 29. Nikiwe Nyamande, 13. Mbali Mdluli, 21. Thandekile Mnguni.
WSU: 1. Thabisa Baleni, 13. Namhla Shumayela, 3. Lusanda Sishuba, 9. Siphelele Dialo, 5. Anaye Ngomani, 17. Siziphiwe Gwazela, 12. Sinayo Kupiso, 15. Zikona Mtambeki, 21. Bukeka Danisa, 10. Zintle Maneli, 11. Philisa Mjambane.
Reserves: 20. Nokuphumla Mpatsiyane, 14. Balisa Calaza, 28. Melisa Nanzi, 8. Esihle Mpelane, 4. Mandisa Thuli.
By Bronwen Bain
