Wits University’s all-out attacking approach finally paid off in this year’s Varsity Football tournament when they beat NMMU-Madibaz 1-0 at the Wits Stadium in Johannesburg.
A goal by substitute Graeme Dor midway in the second half proved enough as the Joburg team sent a massive statement to their future opponents.
The opening five minutes hinted that this game will be a physical affair after Madibaz star striker Kieran Koert went down injured after a collision on the field. He was replaced by Simamkele Thobi.
Despite the loss of Koert it was the team from PE who nearly got the first goal of the game when they had a shot stopped by Wits’ No.1 Brylon Petersen in the eighth minute.
It was then the turn of the home side to turn on the heat when the striking pair of Hlohonolofatso Mahate and Mahle Mtabane started to cause some problems for the renowned Madibaz defence. Kaizer Maphanga nearly put the Joburg team in front, but his header was easily dealt with by NMMU goalkeeper Matthew Booysen.
Vuyo Qwesha had an opportunity soon after to get the game’s first goal, but his shot was not accurate enough to trouble the NMMU goalkeeper as it went flying over the crossbar.
Wits continued to have the better of the chances as the half came to an end with Mtabane spurning two great chances in front of goal after first shooting over the crossbar and then finding the side netting.
NMMU came out a different team in the second half and dominated play in the first five minutes. However, it was the home team who still had the better of the chances, but without much success.
Wits’ fortunes then change after substitute Dor scored his team’s first goal of the tournament after a sustained attack by the Joburg team’s half.
NMMU kicked into action in the closing stages of the game and came close on a number of occasions to finding the equaliser with their accuracy in front of goal letting them down. Midfielder Sachin Jackson came the closest, but his shot never troubled the Wits’ goalkeeper.
The home team held on for a well-deserved win in the end, which boosted their chances of making the play-offs.
Samsung Super Striker: Graeme Dor
FNB Man of the Match: Phuthi Leboho
Scorers:
For Wits: Graeme Dor
For NMMU-Madibaz: None
Teams:
Wits: 1 Brylon Petersen, 18 Samkelo Thutshini, 8 Hope Munyai, 5 Kaizer Maphanga, 12 Phuthi Leboho, 3 Saluleko Mathonsi, 15 Muzimkhulu Nhlengethwa, 22 Vuyo Qwesha, 7 Wonderboy Frank, 27 Hlohonolofatso Mahate, 10 Mahle Mtabane.
Replacements: 25 Zawadi Dlamini, 14 Graeme Dor, 4 Aleksandar Kocic, 11 Neo makua, 6 Innocent Magasela, 17 Thabiso Rafanyane, 23 Crouch Lyndon.
NMMU-Madibaz: 1 Matthew Booysen, 2 Onela Beqezi, 3 Lonwabo Balfour, 16 Lundi Balfour, 5 Athini Bisha, 15 Litha Fingo, 20 Zusakhe Sali, 6 Ekow Anfoh Assan, 7 Sachin Jackson, 10 Cloudius Sagandira, 11 Kieran Koert.
Replacements: 25 Xola Fipaza, 19 Onke Matomela, 4 Diego van Rooyen, 17 Achuma Klaas, 8 Fuzo Zantsi, 18 Simamkele Thobi, 12 Lusapho Mlangane.
