TUT secure final spot with victory over rivals Tuks

 

 

The teams were met by stifling conditions in the capital as the sun beat down relentlessly on the pitch with the heat definitely playing a role in the slow start of the match as the players struggled to get the upper hand over each other in the opening half.

 

There may have been no goals but that did not stop both teams from having a crack at the posts with UP-Tuks edging TUT three attempts to two but they had to settle for a 0-0 scoreboard at the break.

 

It was UP-Tuks who took the match by the scruff of the neck when play resumed as they continued to apply pressure on a resolute TUT outfit but they could not break through the tenacious defence.

 

Disaster struck in the 70th minute as UP-Tuks’ attempt at clearing the ball out of their box was intercepted by TUT with captain Elliot Seema firing in a shot that UP-Tuks goalkeeper Giovanni Idi had no chance of stopping from close range.

 

The defending champions tried hard to equalise in the dying minutes of the match but TUT held firm to bag a crucial one goal victory and in doing so, booked their place in the 2018 Varsity Football final.

 

FNB Player of the Match: Vusi Sibiya (TUT)

Samsung Moment of Brilliance: Elliott Seema (TUT)

Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save: Sikhumbuzo Ncube (TUT)

 

Goal: /

 

 

UP-Tuks: Giovanni Idi (GK), Siphesihle Sosibo, Simbogile Njokwe (C), Chinedu Okolo, Sabelo Tsambo, Claudio De Almeida, Katlego Motlhatsang, Lebohang Montueli, Jeremiah Nkwana, Dylan Murchie, Jurgen Booysen.

Subs: Yurie Mortimer (GK), Simthembile Ndimande, Sive Mfala, Nhlanhla Tsomele, Kagiso Mabusela, Tshimologo Huma, Nhlanhla Mabaso.

 

TUT: Sikhumbuzo Ncube (GK), Elliot Seema (C), Vusi Sibiya, Tumelo Mphela, Rorisang Rapelang, Nthabeleng Tshoba, Godfrey Mahlala, Ogorositswe Tabane, Lebogang Phatlane, Thabiso Lebitso, Melusi Vilakazi

Subs: Mpho Nhlapo, Paul Mnisi, Ofentse Tlholoe, Biopelo Molale, Emmanuel Mahlangu, Moses Lehlomela, Siyamthanda Topi.

By Dan Lombard