Last year’s runners-up, UJ, dispatched of bottom-dwellers UFH 3-0, on a cold Thursday night in Joburg.
On a chilly Thursday evening in Auckland Park, UJ hosted UFH and the hosts were the ones who were off to a good start with Shaune Mogaila attacking relentlessly. The visitors looked intimidated and possibly showed the home side too much respect. It was a very one sided first half with Manqoba Luvuno and Mogaila proving to be thorns in the UFH side. Coach Mandla Zwane looked frustrated, desperate for an opening goal.
The visitors looked for opportunities to counter, luring UJ in as they sat deep and the hosts pushed men forward. The UFH keeper, Luyolo Bhanya was doing a sterling job marshaling his defence, as the score remained 0-0. UJ looked good offensively and Tebogo Mandyu exposed the pockets. He had a shot hit the upright. As things ended 0-0 at the break.
In the second half, UJ come out strongly aiming to find the elusive opener. Luvuno was jumping over tackles and using his strong deceiving dribbling skills, but he couldn’t find the finishinf touch. Meanwhile, UFH used Banele Thompson’s pace which gave UJ problems, but Hayden Slava kept up fairly well. The journey to Joburg looked like it had taken its toll on the Alice boys, as they conceded a corner. Dane Fortuin’s beautiful in-swinger met Ziyaad Fredericks’ head to make it 1-0 to UJ. The entire AW Muller Stadium was screaming in excitement, pleased with breakthrough.
It was a one sided game, as UJ dominated everything from possession to the aerial duels. UJ soon scored a second goal as they combined well on the edge of the UFH box. An element of luck aided UJ, as the UFH defence couldn’t seem to get the ball out of the box and Fredericks managed to tap in for his second.
Morale was down for the UFH team and with the game close to an end Pogiso Mabote turned the defence and put a third past Bhanya, who had a good game against a ruthless offensive UJ side. The final score 3-0.
FNB Player of the Match: Ziyaad Fredericks (UJ)
Samsung star saver: Shaun Mogaila (UJ)
Score
UJ: 3
Goals: Ziyaad Fredericks (2), Pogiso Mabote
UFH: 0
Teams
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, Sthembiso Manana, Mduduzi Manyama, Thapelo Molefe, Wade Rowe
UFH: Luyolo Bhanya, Sijongesonke Peter, Manelisi Same, Ndumiso Ndzama, Sphamandla Zanekile, Sipho Mfecane, Banele Thompson, kabinde Kgomotso, Olwetu Bless, Siwongiwe Ndzakaza, Litha Bottomane
Subs: Sandile Ndlovu, Assurance Mzelemu, Siphuxolo Tomase, Ndoda Mangali, Loyiso Jezile, Siphiwo Madyibi, Siphesihle Buthelezi
By Jabu Mthombeni
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