UP-Tuks grabbed three valuable log points as they scored on either side of half-time to register an important 2-1 win against CUT.
Another perfect late winter’s day in South Africa’s capital provided an excellent backdrop for a must-win match between the two teams as they look to finish in the top four and the opportunity to contest the Varsity Football final come September.
The first half could best be described as frantic as both teams threw everything at each other – mindful that playoff places are being hotly contested as the round robin phase nears its end. As good as they were at piecing together phases of slight footed attacking plays so was the defence equally as tenacious.
The deadlock was finally broken when UP-Tuks’ Nhlanhla Mabaso found the back of the net to open the scoring and hand the Stripe Generation the lead going into the half-time break.
It took the home team only eight minutes into the second half to get their second goal of the match with Mogau Khwinana’s attempt finding its target to the thunderous applause of the UP-Tuks’ faithful.
The second half may have started with a bang but it fizzled into a bit of a lullaby as neither team really threatened to score despite the constant and upbeat cheering of the vocal supporters.
CUT were determined to leave their mark on the proceedings, however, and duly scored a goal of their own via Mothusi Madilola in added time but it was not enough as UP-Tuks walked off the pitch with the score reading 2-1 in favour of the Stripe Generation.
UP-Tuks kept their playoff hopes alive, joining UWC (4th place) and UJ (5th) on seven points, while denting CUT’s after winning this six-pointer at Tuks Stadium.
UP-Tuks (1) 2 Nhlanhla Mabaso, Mogau Khwinana
CUT (0) 1 Mothusi Madilola
FNB Player of the Match: Katlego Motlhatsang (UP-Tuks)
Debonairs Real Deal Save of the Match: Thabo Samuel (CUT)
MTN Moment of Brilliance: Mogau Khwinana (UP-Tuks)
UP-Tuks: 16. Giovanni Idi (GK), 7. Jurgen Booysen, 3. Sabelo Tsambo, 23. Chinedu Okolo, 8. Wandile Dlamini, 11. Lebohang Montueli, 10. Mogau Khwinana, 20. Katlego Motlhatsang (capt), 26. Mathuane Selotola, 15. Siphamandla Ntuli, 9. Nhlanhla Mabaso.
Replacements: 18. Tyler Den Heyer (GK), 2. Tobatsi Roets, 4. Edward Rankwe, 14. Ross Marshall, 22. Curtis Mathebula, 24. Jerry Tlou, 25. Sive Mfala.
Coach: Tlisane Motaung
CUT: 1. Thabo Samuel (GK), 6. Katleho Molakeng, 15. Morena Lehloa, 2. Phiwokuhle Mpalala, 5. Thabang Khesa, 22. Itumeleng Chelopo, 19. Oratile Mothibedi, 23. Mpho Molwatse, 25. Mothusi Madilola, 11. Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane, 10. Keitumetse Mabathoana.
Replacements: 28. Mpho Motsoahole (GK), 4. Tsietsi Ramosedi, 8. Thabo Mokhele, 13. Thabang Khopane, 14. Pule Thaele, 17. Tlotlego Mjikeliso, 18. Fanyana Nkosi.
Coach: Morethebe Modutoane
By Dan Lombard
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