The UP-Tuks football team dominated last night on their home turf to win their Varsity encounter against the University of Limpopo 2-0.

 

The victory means that UP-Tuks is still in the running for the semi-final playoffs. They are fifth on the log with eight points after five games. UJ is the current log leaders with 13 points followed by Wits and TUT both with 10 points and Northwest Pukke fourth with 9 points. So there is still everything to play for. 

 

In contrast to last week’s game Tlisane Motaung (UP-Tuks head coach) was all smiles after the game.

 

“The ‘boys’ were outstanding tonight. They executed the game plan to perfection. The team has now gone three games in a row without conceding a goal. That is impressive. Yes, we would have wanted to score more goals, but then again the true aim was to win. It means we got another three vital points in the ‘bank’.”

 

After last week’s 7-0 thrashing against UWC, the Limpopo players changed their game strategy playing more conservatively. It seemed as if they were more intent with just keeping the ball out of their own goal than scoring.

 

Motaung said that made it difficult for his players to score. 

 

“They were continuously holding back. At times they had nine players in their own half just waiting for us to make mistakes so they can counter. Still, I am happy with the way the players managed to set up goal-scoring opportunities. With a bit of luck, we could have scored one or two more goals.

 

The UP-Tuks goalkeeper, Giovanni Idi, who seemingly is managing to make difficult saves look easy received for the second consecutive week the Debonairs Real Deal Save-award.

 

The player of the match was undoubtedly Lebohang Montueli. The former striker who is now playing wing tested the Limpopo defenders skills to the limit on countless occasions. He was unlucky not to have scored in the second half. With nimble footwork Montueli outmanoeuvred all of the Limpopo defenders isolating the goalkeeper but just as he was about to go for the goal he was brought to ground by an illegal tackle. 

 

It turned out to be a costly mistake for Limpopo as the referee awarded a penalty. It is a known fact that Jeremiah Nkwana does often err in such situations. And he did not.

 

Sabelo Tsambo impressed with the way he scored UP-Tuks’s first goal. 

 

UP-Tuks is playing Northwest Pukke next at home. 

 

Score
UP-Tuks: 2
Goals: Jeremiah Nkwana, Sabelo Tsambo

UL: 0
Goals: -

FNB Player of the Match: Lebohang Montueli (Tuks)
Samsung Moment of Brilliance: Sabelo Tsambo (Tuks)
Debonairs Real Deal Save: Giovanni Idi (Tuks)

Teams
UP-Tuks: Giovanni Idi (GK), Siphesihle Sosibo, Simbongile Njokwe, Chinedu Okolo, Sabelo Tsambo, Claudio De Almeida, Katlego Motlhatsang, Lebohang Montueli, Jeremiah Nkwana, Dylan Murchie, Jurgen Booysen
Substitutes: Athenkosi Jojo, Sithembile Ndimande, Wandile Dlamini, Inkanyezi Pascal, Kagiso Mabusela, Tshimonlogo Huma, Nhlanhla Tsomele

UL: Ernest Mabu Charles Ramalefo, Pabalelo Emmanuel Mothoa, Lindo Khoza, Evans Malatji, Tshepo Motloutse, Maudi Evans Matlawa, Jackson Phuti Matlala, Tokelo Percy Nkoane, Bernard Kgwajana Molala, Freddy Matheba, Ngoanamello Ellis Rammala
Substitutes: Tente Senosha, Halalisani Ngomane, Nelson Ndhima, Terry M. Ntwanano Nkuna, Ntage Lebogang Sekhaolelo, Pedolent Phetholo, Mafori Thoka