The Tshwane University of Technology’s Red Machine suffered their first loss of this year’s Varsity Football campaign, at the hands of in-form log leaders University of Johannesburg (UJ) in a heated battle for the top spot, on Thursday night at UJ’s Soweto Campus.
The two sides came into this match under an immense pressure of remaining in the driving seat of the competition. The match was already dubbed as the final before final as both sides were on a tight statistical comparison, coming into this clash without any loss.
The game started on a very steady note as both teams remained calm, composed and kept a disciplined shape from all areas of the match. It was TUT who caught the hosts on a counter attack with just 15 minutes into the game but left back Mpho Mphela blasted the defence.
The host’s exerted pressure 20 minutes into the match attacking from the wings and had a shot on target, but goalie Sikhumbuzo Ncube proved why he is the leading keeper statistically by putting an impressive performance and saving a chancy shot from forward Mokete Makgaila
Coach Bushy Moloi unleashed the attack of full-back Rorisang Rapelang in the right flanks, which made it difficult for the hosts to operate the left side as they please. With just five minutes before half time the hosts nearly scored through a cross from Mokete again but Ncube was tactical well positioned to save the day. The two sides went into the half time break with nothing separating them.
The second half started with TUT’s Ncube lodging counter attacks through his impressive ball distribution but his forwards just couldn’t add the final touch.
Exactly 52 minutes into the match it was the host’s Mokete Mogaila who broke the silence and opened the score board following a shot that was saved by TUT’s Ncube and found him waiting to pounce it at the far post. The game became very tense as the Tshwane-based Red Machine desperately searched for an equaliser. In just 59 minutes the visitors forward Sphamandla Zanekile missed a sitter from a hard and low cross delivered by Rorisang Rapelang.
In 72 minutes a double yellow card that led to a red card gave TUT a hope of having a leg back into the match but UJ’s line of defence was just too solid for the former champions.
Check out the full match highlights
In a post-match interview goal keeper Sikhumbuzo Ncube said it was a tough match and they allowed the opponents to come at them, he said they will need to pick up and move forward. “There was no difference between us and them except that we were not going at them that was the difference, it’s just hard luck for my boys but we will pick ourselves up and see how it goes in moving forward. However we will play in the semis and the final that is a guarantee to our supporters.
Coach Bushy Moloi said, they are very disappointed with the loss. He said they can improve and do well in the coming games. “We were also inspired by the presence of the Chairperson of Council, Dr Bandied Masuku. It meant a lot to us, especially knowing that we are traveling in all our games this season. The Red Machine, People’s Team will bounce back. Congratulations to UJ,” Bushy added.
According to Kegoikantse Kgomo Senior Sport organiser at TUT this is not a good result for their team but a wakeup call which will assist them to bounce back. “We believe in coach Moloi and his team, they will strive for success,” Kgomo said.
By Mokete Radebe
