Three rounds of Varsity Football action are done. South Africa’s hottest student soccer tournament delivered some surprise results that stunned most including CUT defeating 2016 finalists, UJ and then losing to basement dwelling Wits a week later. UWC returned to winning ways following an impressive 4-0 victory at home against UFH. Defending champs, TUT ousted UJ 2-0 at the UJ APB Sports Complex while Tuks and table-topping NWU played to a goalless draw in Potchefstroom.
With UP-Tuks’ match against UFH postponed until 4 September due to a number of Tuks student-athletes attending the World Student Games in Taipei, only six teams will be in action this week.
CUT vs TUT – 16:00
Star player Themba Ndlovu returns for TUT, after being sidelined, due to injury, against UJ last week. Influential CUT star Rakgomo Taole will be testing the TUT defence. Taole is one of only three players to have scored two goals this season.
TUT and CUT finished in the first and second position, respectively, at the end of the 2016 Varsity Football season. TUT were the only unbeaten side at the end of the regular season. The last time these teams met was in Round Six at the TUT Stadium, TUT securing a comfortable 4-0 victory.
Had this been the first week of Varsity Football you would be forgiven for backing the defending champions. But after two wins and one loss, CUT find themselves in fourth position and just one point behind log leaders, TUT. A surprise loss against Wits for CUT, last week, was preceded by wins against 2016 finalists, UJ, and 2015 Varsity Football champions, UWC, in Round One and Round Two respectively. CUT have already tamed two giants and will back themselves for the win.
TUT’s 7-0 humiliation of UFH rocketed them in to pole position as only one log point separates the top four sides.
Teams
CUT: Ntsane Kabi, Reneilwe Sebudi,Sello Mokhele, Morena Lehloa, Wesley Ledibane, Katleho Molakeng, Godfrey Monokoane, Mpho Molwatse, Tsietsi Ramosedi, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Rakgomo Taole
Subs: Tshiya Sikisi, Teboho Molehe, Karabo Mojafi, Thato Mphulenyane, Sello Mokhanthi, Waydelio Links, Gomolemo Rampai
TUT: Sikhumbuzo Ncube, Mogau Mphahlele, Vusi Sibiya, Tumelo Mphela, Rorisang Rapelang, Lethabo Mashifana, Thabang Makgwane, Keabetswe Mokwena, Lebogang Phatlane, Themba Ndlovu, Steven Mvenya
Subs: Kgaratlo Phatsoane, Thabiso Lebitso, Omecious Ngoetjana, Letlhogonolo Letshwene, Thabiso Sibisi, Tebogo Lekaba, Tlotlo Mothibedi
Wits vs UJ – 18:15
The Johannesburg derby is finally here. Before the season began, one would have betted on the more traditionally successful side, UJ. But they have struggled for form and Wits are off the back of a 2-0 victory over CUT. The match takes place at the Wits Stadium, but just how much will this “home ground” advantage benefit Wits?
UJ have been runners-up in two seasons – 2014 and 2016 – and pulled off a remarkable 1-0 victory against two-time champions UP-Tuks in Round Two. Both teams find themselves just outside the top four spots, UJ in fifth and Wits in sixth position. A win for either side will get them closer to qualifying for the semi-finals.
Watch Wits defeat CUT 2-0.
Teams
Wits: Kamohelo Moroosi, Saluleko Mathonsi, Maropeng Mphaho, Luke Pereira, Baliwe Moyakhe, Jordan Green, Tristan Gatter, Ndzalama Mongwe, Phuthi Leboho, Thabiso Rafanyane, Tumisang Manamela
Subs: Sithembiso Zuke, Snethemba Msane, Mondie Dlamini, Riaaz Kader, Lyndon Crouch, Sindiswa Dlamini, Keamogestwe Mokalake
UJ: Damaine Van der Walt, Hayden Slava, Kenneth Langa, Dane Fortuin, Given Msimango, Potoko Mametja, Shaune Mogaila, Ziyaad Fredericks, Pogiso Mabote, Tebogo Mandyu, Manqoba Luvuno
Subs: Alan Mabuza, Karabo Malete, Katlego Ntsabeleng, Andy Singo, Welcome Masemola, Thapelo Molefe, Wade Rowe
UWC vs NWU – 18:30
North-West have always been a top side, but haven’t lifted the trophy in the last four seasons. NWU have had no problem in scoring goals so far this season. They scored seven goals in two matches before playing to a goalless draw against UP-Tuks, last week. UWC got off to a flying start thumping Wits 6-0 at the UWC Sports Stadium in Round One. The 2015 champions suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against CUT. Last week the Cape side bounced back with a 4-0 home win against UFH.
UWC captain Thulani Mkosi returns and takes over from stand-in skipper, Josh Silent. Mkosi will be relied on by his teammates to dictate matters in the midfield. The visitors will be looking to Wendelle Martin to deny the UWC strikers any chance of beating him.
NWU got the better of UWC in last year’s encounter. The Mafikeng Stadium were entertained to a seven-goal fest as the home side outsmarted UWC 4-3. NWU have had the better form of late, but not having conceded a single goal at home, UWC will be feeling the pressure of maintaining this amazing stat.
Teams
UWC: Ryan Ramandh, Aghmat Ceres, Jay-Dee Adams, Xolela Ndude, Chad Smith, Xolisa Makubalo, Thulani Mkosi, Ryan Steer, Clinton Herwel, Josh Silent, Phiwokuhle Mphalala
Subs: Akhona Cawe, Clint Fredericks, Mikhail Dankers, Charlton Fritz, Garren Smith, Lwandile Khetsheza, Ra’oof Hendricks
NWU: Kennedy Ntuane, Gift Mogorosi, Mojuda Matlhanyane, Wendelle Martin, Abongile Lemese, Tshepo Makgopela, Mogomotsi Molefe, Sandile Mbatha, Vincent Langa, Vusimzi Ludwala, Cameron Chweu
Subs: Luzuko Jevuka, Khotso Moleta, Richard Baholo, Paseka Matsheka, Omphile Menyatsoe, Michael Smit, Tebogo Mokgobo
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