A 3-0 victory over UFH cemented CUT’s bid for a spot in the semi-finals, as they moved into second spot on the log following their Round Six match on Thursday night in Bloemfontein.
Going into Round Six of the 2017 Varsity Football season tied on points with University of the Western Cape and the University of Johannesburg, the Central University of Technology (CUT) knew that only a win would suffice when they hosted the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in a warm Bloemfontein.
With only 15 minutes on the clock, CUT broke the deadlock through Keitumetse Mabathoana after he received the ball just inside the box. The home side pried and camped in the opposition half looking to double their lead, but they seemed to be wasteful with their chances. On the half-hour mark and with the visitor’s keeper already committed to the ground, Tebogo Molehe skewed a rebound when it seemed easier to score. Mabathoana then found himself in plenty of space and laid it up for Taole Rakgomo to give CUT a two-goal cushion going into the half-time interval.
With 68% of the possession and six shots on target to UFH’s nil, CUT naturally went into the break the happier of the sides.
The second half began as if the first had not ended as CUT continued to press their opponents. Still looking to get their first goal of the tournament, Solomzi Dinga failed to convert a free header at a fairly acute angle. Looking for a third goal, CUT put UFH on the back foot several times through Sizwe Ngoma and Mpho Molwatse, but the visitors’ defence stood firm. Sello Mokhathi then dazzled in the box and fired a low shot to put the game to bed with only 8 minutes of regulation time remaining.
81′ GOAL! Sello Mokhathi makes its three goals to none for @Football_CUT. Clean strike to the bottom corner
CUT 3 – 0 UFH#VarsityFootball pic.twitter.com/hVT7d8835r
— Varsity Sports (@varsitysportsSA) August 31, 2017
Fort Hare will have a long trip back to Alice having now shipped an eye-shattering 20 goals without scoring. CUT will travel to the University of Pretoria in the last match of the round-robin phase looking to secure a home semi-final.
Samsung Best Shot Award: Keitumetse Mabathoana (CUT)
FNB Man of the Match: Mpho Molwatse (CUT)
Score
CUT: 2
Goals: Keitumetse Mabathoana, Rakgomo Taole, Sello Mokhathi
UFH: 0
Teams
Central University of Technology: Kabi Ntsane (gk), Keitumetse Mabathoana (c ),Tebogo Molehe, Sello Mokhele, Katleho Molakeng, Wesley Ledibane, Mpho Molwatse, Tsietsi Ramosedi, Karabo Mojafi, Sello Mokhathi ,Rakgomo Taole,
Subs: Tshiya Sikisi (gk), Thato Mphulenyane, , Sizwe Ngoma, Sello Monokoane, Fanyana Nkosi, Thato Maruping
University of Fort Hare: Luyolo Bhanya, Sijongesonke Peter, Manelisi Same, Ndumiso Ndzama, Sphamandla Zanekile, Sipho Mfecane, Banele Thompson, Siphesihle Buthelezi, Siphuxolo Tomase, Siwongiwe Ndzakaza, Assurance Mzelemu
Subs: Mthunzi Xaba, Xolani Vuyani, Solomzi Dinga, Litha Bottomane, Loyiso Jezile, Sinalo Mbuzani, Zwelethu Banga
By Sam Styrax
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