Results:
· UJ 3-1 TUKS
· UWC 3-0 NWU
MATCH: UJ vs TUKS
UJ defeat Gauteng rivals 3-1 in opening encounter
Star player Amanda Mthandi steered the UJ team to a 3-1 victory over Tuks and started their Varsity Women’s Football journey on a high note on Thursday night in Potchefstroom.
UJ started off with a flying start as Mthandi scored within the first 10 minutes of the encounter in which they dominated from the whistle.
The women in orange showed true footballing class when Thato Letsoso extended their lead to 2-0 when she took full advantage from a free kick.
Alexandra Michael struck back for Tuks when she managed to narrow the gap to 2-1 before half time as she found the back of the net in what was a fast-paced game.
The second half saw UJ come out starting things just as they ended the first half – on top, as Mthandi scored her second goal to put her side 3-1 up. UJ were awarded a penalty, presenting Mthandi an opportunity to bag a hat-trick, but she failed to put the ball in the net. Tuks left the field with a defeat as UJ were off to a near perfect start.
FNB Player of the Match: Amanda Mthandi (UJ)
Samsung Best Shot Award: Thato Letsoso (UJ)
Teams
UJ:1. Miranda Casely Bull, 2. Thato Letsoso, 3. Ntombizodwa Mokenela, 4. Potso Degracia Aphane, 5. Nkazimulo Tshabalala, 6. Amanda Mthandi, 7. Katlego Mabuza, 8. Nolwazi Mathebula, 9. Sebueng Presocious Matabologa, 10. Temoho Motsi, 11. Faa-Iah Hartley.
Subs: 12. Tasneem Smith, 13. Bonisile Nzimande, 14. Beauty Ragkadi Kekana, 15. Charity Rito Valoyi, 16. Kelebongile Matsheka, 17. Monique Gilmour, 18. Lenah Keneilwe Mathabe
Tuks: 1. Kate Radebe, 2. Abueng Nchabeleng, 3. Thandokazi Chithi, 4. Zinise Norris, 5. Katrina Maguire, 6. Tania Oliveira, 7. Temakhwanati Mncina, 8. Natasha De Almeida, 9. Vuyelwa Makhura, 10. Alexandra Michael, 11. Amilcar Thobejane
Subs: 12. Prestigious Sibanda, 13. Sheila Simango, 14. Luchandre McKenzie, 15. Moyahabo Monyemangena, 16. Merelle Malan, 17. Takalani Ndlovu, 18. Thandekile Mnguni.
MATCH: UWC vs NWU
UWC put three past hosts in big opening win
Everything fell into place for the University of Western Cape (UWC) tonight against hosts NWU with an impressive 3-0 victory to end off the first day of Varsity Women’s Football action on day one at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds.
NWU were expected to win this one with a home crowd firmly behind them, but UWC put a spanner in the works with tight defence and opportunistic attacking play.
UWC stunned NWU early on when they had the ball in the back of the net after a defensive plunder from the home team led to Nthabiseng Kgotsietsile’s own goal.
NWU needed to fight back after that set back as Tsholofelo Namelang and Kgotsietsile did their best from midfield to regain control. NWU, though, struggled to breach UWC’s tight defence as FNB Player of the Match Nicole October and Nolubabalo Sishuba kept things tight. October orchestrated the defence from the back and was the rock of UWC on the night. NWU’s passes just did not stick as they struggled to make the most of their opportunities in the final third.
This came back to bite them, as against the run of play, UWC were awarded a penalty when NWU keeper, Lerato Mahlangu, brought down a UWC player in the box. Thalea Smidt stepped up and coolly converted the spot kick to double her side’s advantage.
NWU had the lion’s share of possession in the first half, but it was UWC who went into the break smiling with a 2-0 lead.
The home crowd did their best to reenergise the home team as the second 35 minutes got underway. NWU created a few chances through Ramogale Matemane on the right hand side of attack, but nothing seemed to pierce the UWC defence as former NWU keeper, Regirl Ngobeni, now playing in UWC colours, kept things in check.
UWC’s Lauren Johnathan and Amanda Lamani were constant threats on attack as they looked to increase UWC’s advantage.
With 10 minutes to go, UWC’s goalkeeper, Jaime-Lee Peters, now playing outfield, put the final nail in the coffin as she strode the ball into the empty net to make it 3-0 after yet another defensive blunder from NWU.
NWU will want to forget this game as quickly as possible before their next encounter, tomorrow against UJ, while UWC will want to savour this opening victory for as long as possible on a memorable Thursday night for the visitors.
FNB Player of the Match: Nicole October (UWC)
Samsung Best Shot Award: Jaime-Lee Peters (UWC)
Scorers
NWU: 0
UWC: 3
Goals: Nthabiseng Kgotsietsile (OG), Thalea Smidt, Jaime-Lee Peters
Teams
NWU: Lerato Mahlangu, Lerato Machere, Ramogale Matemane, Gomolemo Tsatsi, Mbali Padi, Janelee van der Bergh, Amanda Citywayo, Tsholofelo Nameleng, Nthabiseng Kgosietsile, Noma Matsane, Elizabeth Nel.
Subs: Motshidisi Nyaka, Annita Sege, Martha van der Westhuizen, Palesa Mokoena, Catherina Jacobs, Angelique van Wyk, Miaela Frade.
UWC: Regirl Ngobeni, Aaqilah Alfreds, Nicole October © Bongeka Jezile, Nolubabalo Sishuba, Thalea Smidt, Lauren Johnathan, Mipuleng More, Kiara Braun, Abongile Dlani, Amanda Lamani.
Subs: Tamia Milligan, Tamlin Dias, Gracious Baloi, Miche Oosthuizen, Jaime-Lee Peters
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