TUT left it late to claim their spot in the Varsity Women’s Football final when they beat UJ 1-0 at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom.
The first semi-final saw an evenly-matched TUT and UJ battle it out during the first half, which was relatively quiet for both teams.
Neither team was more dominant than the other, but TUT captain Hildah Magaia led the charge at goal for the Red Machine. UJ goalkeeper Dineo Magagula defended her post, though, and managed to keep TUT at bay, as the clash went into half-time goalless.
The second half saw Nomhle Sangweni and Hildah Magaia work hard to create opportunities for TUT, but to no avail as their shots went wide of the nets.
UJ, however, slowly started to lose the momentum they had been building the whole game, but their defence stood strong to keep the goals out.
Injury time was a saving grace for TUT when Nomhle Sangweni found the back of the net referee’s optional time minute to hand the lead for TUT.
Unfortunately for UJ, time was not on their side as TUT had done enough to claim the win and defend their title in next Thursday’s final in Mafikeng.
UFS 0
TUT (0) 1 Nomhle Sangweni
FNB Player of the Match: Senamile Zulu (TUT)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Dineo Magagula (UJ)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Gabonnelwe Kekana (TUT)
TUT: 27 Loretta Mokoena, 2 Rofhiwa Dzivhani, 19 Amanda Molefe, 4 Nokwanda Shabangu, 9 Gabonnelwe Kekana, 14 Salome Dikgale, 6 Nomhle Sangweni, 13 Pontsho Moshidi, 3 Lerato Williams, 5 Senamile Zulu, 7 Hildah Magaia (captain).
Replacements: 1 Charity Malatji, 10 Lucky Mmakola, 11 Tshegofatso Aphane, 12 Nthabiseng Hlangoane, 17 Mildred Nathane, 21 Lebogang Kotelo, 25 Lesego Mashifane.
Coach: Sipho Mabuza
UJ: 1 Dineo Magagula, 3 Karabo Makhurubetshi, 4 Charity Valoyi, 10 Boitumelo Rasehlo, 11 Phindile Matu, 12 Refilwe Maseko, 13 Mechaela Sprangkaan, 14 Thato Letsoso (captain), 17 Keolebogile Putu, 18 Bonelisile Nzimande, 22 Rakgadi Kekana.
Repacements: 20 Elizabeth Mazivise, 6 Sizakele Ndlovu, 16 Faa-iqah Hartley, 21 Shazzia Vania, 25 Keneilwe Mathabe.
Coach: Jabulile Baloyi
By Bronwen Bain
