NWU dumped CUT out of playoffs contention by winning in 1-0 Mafikeng and moving joint-top themselves after Thursday’s Round 6 action.
Banele Hlophe has become NWU’s ‘Super-ub’ after he came off the bench for the second time this season to score… on Thursday doing so to put them top of the Varsity Football 2019 table – with one round to play.
He killed the match for NWU against CUT when he scored the only goal of the game coming off the bench.
Both teams created chances throughout the game but could not score. CUT thought they did so in the 69th minute only for defender Kananelo Motsoeneng to clear the ball before it crossed the goal line. That was the closest they came and now are left to reflect on a season that threatened to be better…
ALSO SEE: How close the standings at the top of the table is
NWU coach Karabo Masehela, meanwhile, told varsitysportssa.com that Banele Hlophe always assists the team when he comes on as a substitute.
“I have noticed that Hlophe is an impact player if he comes as a substitute,” said Masehela.
Pre-match, Masehela promised that his team would play this game to thank NWU fans – the Purple Army – for their loyal support and they delivered.
The win NWU moved to first spot on the Varsity Football standings, level with UFS on 11 points and on goal difference. With three teams one point worse off the final round of action – when NWU travel to UWC – is set to be hard-fought.
NWU (0) 1 Banele Hlophe
CUT 0
FNB Player of the Match: Banele Hlophe (NWU)
Debonairs Pizza Real Deal Save of the Match: Kananelo Motsoeneng (NWU)
MTN Pulse Moment of Brilliance: Wandile Luvuno (NWU)
NWU: 28. Luzuko Jevuka (GK), 22. Lesego Motsepe, 3. Wandile Luvuno, 2. Tholinhlanhla Masuku, 8. Kananelo Motsoeneng, 5. Sibusiso Ndlovu, 7. Paseka Matsheka (capt), 6. Lindani Nkabinde, 23. Simphiwe Mlangeni, 9. Adam Fynn, 24. Mandisi Gadla.
Replacements: 27. Kagiso Ramadivhane (GK), 11. Kagiso Moshotetsi, 12. Bongani Taaibosch, 15. Goratileona Mashishi, 16. Israel Matshane, 21. Banele Hlophe, 25. Hope Moeng.
Coach: Karabo Masehela
CUT: 1. Thabo Samuel (GK), 22. Itumeleng Chelopo, 15. Morena Lehloa, 2. Phiwokuhle Mpalala, 5. Thabang Khesa, 6. Katleho Molakeng, 4. Tsietsi Ramosedi (capt), 19. Oratile Mothibedi, 10. Keitumetse Mabathoana, 14. Pule Thaele, 25. Mothusi Madilola.
Replacements: 28. Mpho Motsoahole (GK), 8. Thabo Mokhele, 11. Khauhelo Ramotsoenyane, 13. Thabang Khopane, 17. Tlotlego Mjikeliso, 18. Fanyana Nkosi, 23. Mpho Molwatse.
Coach: Mosai Rakometsi
By Phenyo Mokgothu
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