The Tshwane University of Technology has booked its ticket to this year’s Varsity Football final after beating the University of the Free State 2-0 in the first semi-final.
Supported by a host of fans at Lucas Moripe Stadium, who arrived in Atteridgeville in 40 busses organised by their university, TUT were well on top of the visitors from the start of the match.
Hendrick Xaba found himself free in front of the UFS goal after 18 minutes but his attempt flew over the bar.
TUT kept dominating proceeding and eventually scored a well-deserved opener in the 47th minute of the first half, thanks to a powerful header by Sanele Nene following a corner.
In an overall disappointing display by Kovsies, chances remained rare in the second half, with TUT still having most of the brighter moments.
UFS keeper Ntobeko Mhlongo was called into action in the 70th minute when he had to come out of his goal to stop a promising attack by the home side.
However, the visitors should’ve levelled the tie in the 77th minute Aphiwe Zulu appeared unmarked at the near post but his header from close range just missed the target.
TUT coach Bushy Moloi was again dancing on the sidelines in the 81st minute when Nene made it 2-0 for his side with another header following a corner kick.
In the end, it was the Red Army who celebrated in front of their ecstatic fans after securing another Varsity Football final thanks to the brace by Nene.
TUT kept their sixth clean sheet of the campaign, while Kovsies were badly missing their top goalscorer and last season’s Player of the Tournament Sello Diphoko, who left south Africa two weeks ago to play and study in the United States.
Score: TUT 2-0 UFS
Goals: 47’ 1-0 Sanele Nene, 81’ 2-0 Sanele Nene
Man of the Match: Sanele Nene (TUT)
Starting line-ups:
TUT XI: Tebogo Lekaba, Kutloano Manamela, Anda Yamile, Tshiamo Mahome, Tumelo Moeng, Hendrick Xaba, Siphosethu Mkhize, Alan Moja, Tshepiso Mnisi, Sikhumbuzo Ncube, Sanele Nene
UFS XI: Ntobeko Mhlongo, Thato Skhosana, Lizwi Kunene, Aphiwe Zulu, Thandolwethu Khoza, Ethan Goldstone, Angelo Arendse, Duncan Mohale, Iviwe Dyabuza, Sambulo Sithole
