TUT failed to keep their 100% winning record as drew yet again with UKZN, 1-1, in a chilly night in Pietermaritzburg.
Despite being on opposite ends of the current log standings, Thursday’s game was a clash of champions – UKZN as 2018 USSA champions and TUT as defending Varsity Football title holders.
The Impi seemed to show that champion mentality as they, buoyed by the crowd in ‘The City of Choice’, began the match on high note – pressing TUT from the first minute.
The rewards were immediate as, in the third minute, Bongumenzi Zulu went one-on-one against TUT shot-stopper Sikhumbuzo Ncube and beat him to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
As the clock went by in the game, it became more than just a football match, it was war as several players went down from both the home side UKZN and the defending champions TUT.
In the 31st minute, the defending champions showed a glimpse of their venom when Lebohang Phatlhane drove in a dangerously looking grass-cutter, but a quick reflex save by Banele Kubeka was equal to the task.
As a result, UKZN held on to their hard-earned lead until the halftime whistle.
The men from Tshwane came into the second half with the halftime instructions from coach Bushy Moloi seemingly buzzing in the heads as they pressed the UKZN defence with one attack after the other.
It was thus no surprise when, seven minutes into second half, the Red machine struck level through a swift effort by Thabiso Lebitso who drove the ball into the corner of the net.
You would have got strong odds that UKZN’s resistance woukld crumble having lost their lead, but it was not the case.
In fact, in the 81st minute UKZN almost salvaged a late winner but Siphamandla Sosibo missed an easy tap-in after a goalmouth scramble was then picked up by Sikhumbuzo Ncube – to his and his team’s relief.
The game ended one-all, meaning the title favourites dropped their first points in the competition and failed yet again to defeat UKZN for the second consecutive time.
UKZN (1) 1 Bongumenzi Zulu
TUT (0) 1 Thabiso Lebitso
FNB Player of the Match: Nkosinathi Sibeko (UKZN)
Debonairs Real Deal Save of the Match: Thobani Maseko (UKZN)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Thabiso Lebitso (TUT)
UKZN: 20. Banele Kubeka (GK), 12. Bhekabambo Mkhize, 4. Lungani Nhlengethwa (capt), 25. Siphamandla Sosibo, 3. Siphesihle Sokhela, 18. Ziyanda Ndlovu, 16. Thobani Maseko, 7. Nkosinathi Sibeko, 15. Sifundo Nkosi, 9. Bongumenzi Zulu, 11. Khumbulani Mbokazi.
Replacements: 1. Thandolwakhe Radebe (GK), 8. Lungelo Dube, 13. Bheka Ncube, 17. Eugene Mkhize, 21. Siphelele Mbewana, 24. Nkosinathi Sosibo, 28. Mthobisi Mathaba.
TUT: 20. Sikhumbuzo Ncube (GK), 3. Rorisang Rapelang (capt), 5. Mogau Mphahlele, 16. Boipelo Molale, 2. Tumelo Mphela, 8. Tebogo Lekaba, 6. Thuso Mlamla, 10. Thabiso Lebitso, 4. Wisdom Mathebula, 13. Lebogang Phatlane, 15. Ronald Mabasa.
Replacements: 25. Kgaratlo Phatsoane (GK), 11. Moses Lehlomela, 21. Tlotlo Afrika, 22. Ogorositswe Tabane, 24. Jim Naselele, 27. Hendrick Xaba, 28. Tiego Mathebe.
By Mpendulo Letsoalo
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