Varsity Football champions UWC registered their first win of the 2016 campaign when they beat UJ 1-0 at UWC Sports Stadium on Monday 15 August 2016. The win lifted UWC from fifth to third on the log standings and increased their odds of realising the objective of finishing in the top four and securing a semi-final spot.
On a cold evening UWC maintained majority of ball possession in the first half playing with the wind. However, once again UWC missed numerous goal-scoring chances to score goals when they attacked.
Following four successive draws for UWC in their opening matches, the game against UJ was not an easy encounter. Both teams fought until the last minute, both hoping to secure a top four spot. But in the end it was UWC who secured the win on their home turf.
In the second half UWC coach Adams brought on Josh Silent and Suhayl Allie, who started in all the previous games but were surprisingly on the bench, and his move seems to have paid dividends. As it turned out, the fans were excited by the changes and rightly so, as it was not long before Silent delivered the winning goal of the game.
Silent came off the bench to score a cracker in the 74th minute – almost from the same position he scored the winning goal in the 2015 final against TUT, on the same field – sending the home supporters into raptures.
FNB Man of the Match: Keenan Davis (UWC)
Scorer: Josh Silent (UWC)
Teams:
UWC starting XI: Renald Leaner, Clinton Herwel, Akhona Bonga, Keenan Davis, Nhlanhla Manana, Kwanele Nocanda, Ryan Steer, Thulani Mkosi, Akhona Cawe,
Phiwokuhle Mphalala, Masibulele Maseti
Subs: Brent Layman, Suhayl Allie, Lwando Ngqwemla, Aghmat Ceres, Andile Phango, Josh Silent, Giovani Gaffoor
UJ starting XI: Damaine van Der Walt, Ruwell Jagger(c), Ntokozo Tshabalala, Funnynight Sisimogang, Dane Futuin, Lindani Mazibuko, Sthembiso Manana, Tshepo Tolo, Pogiso Mabote, Tebego Mandyu, Samuel Warder
Subs: Simphiwe Xaba, Mpumelelo Sambo, Sbongeleni Gamade, Jared Abrahams, Melusi Mahlaba, Given Msimango, Katlego Ntsabeleng
By Zandile Bangani
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