Coming from a morale-shattering away loss to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the Central University of Technology (CUT) hosted table-toppers Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in what promised to be a close affair in a windy Bloemfontein.
After contrasting results in the third round of the 2017 season of Varsity Football, the home side welcomed TUT to the CUT Stadium looking to get back to winning ways. The visitors started out the slightly more dominant of the two sides, as the home side struggled to string their passes together.
An early injury to TUT’s Lethabo Mashifana following a high challenge threatened to dampen the electric mood, but the home crowd was soon re-energised when their charges camped in the visitors’ box, resulting in a Tsietsi Ramosedi curling shot going just wide.
Kabi Ntsane was called into action when a series of TUT corners led to Themba Ndlovu’s cheeky shot finding refuge in Ntsane’s gloves. CUT’s Sello Monokoane became the first name to enter the referee’s book for a rough tackle on Keabetswe Mokoena. It looked as though TUT would go into the break with a marginal lead when Wesley Ledibane was dispossessed just outside the box, but Ntsane was there to clear the ball.
Just 11 minutes into the second half, the defending champions took the lead when Vusi Sibiya met Themba Ndlovu’s floated cross with a well-placed header. Just as CUT were recovering from going down, Mokoena found space and seemingly put the game to bed with a mid-range shot. Sello Mokhele had a chance to pull one back when the ball unexpectedly fell to his feet, but he skied his shot to let TUT off the hook.
Watch TUT take the lead:
TUT shot-stopper Sikhumbuzo Ncube was tested after a long time, but he parried away Mpho Molwatse’s well-drilled effort from range. Sizwe Ngoma dazzled inside the visitors’ box, but Ncube was equal to the task as he tipped the shot over the bar.
CUT would rue all their missed chances as TUT went back to the capital city with maximum points.
Samsung Best Shot: Mpho Molwatse (CUT)
FNB Man of the Match: Keabetswe Mokoena (TUT)
Score
CUT: 0
TUT: 2
Goals: Vusi Sibiya, Keabetswe Mokoena
Teams
Central University of Technology: Kabi Ntsane (gk), Tebogo Molehe, Sello Mokhele, Morena Lehloa (c), Wesley Ledibane, Katleho Molakeng, Sello Monokoane, Mpho Molwatse, Tsietsi Ramosedi, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Gomolemo Rampai
Subs: Tshiya Sikisi (gk), Fanyana Nkosi, Karabo Mojafi, Thato Mphulenyane, Sello Mokhathi, Sizwe Ngoma, Rakgomo Taole
Tshwane University of Technology: Sikhumbuzo Ncube (gk), Mogau Mphahlele (c), Vusi Sibiya, Tumelo Mphela, Rorisang Rapelang, Lethabo Mashifana, Thabang Makgwane, Keabetswe Mokwena, Lebogang Phatlane, Themba Ndlovu, Tebogo Lekaba
Subs: Kgaratlo Phatsoane (gk), Thabiso Lebitso, Sello Ngoetjana, Letlhogonolo Letshwene, Thabiso Sibisi, Steven Mvenya, Tlotlo Mothibedi
By Sam Styrax
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