The University of Johannesburg (UJ) blew Wits University away 4–1 in their Varsity Football derby on an icy cold night in Joburg on 17 August.
UJ’s relentless attacks and exceptional defence demoralised Wits, who were playing at home, and had to dig deep to prevent a complete rout.
As UJ’s football manager Joel Kgokong said afterwards, his team needed a morale booster after losing 2–0 at home to Tshwane University of Technology on 10 August.
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“We reached the final last year and ever since then we knew we wanted to win the tournament, all that was needed for a good start this time was a reminder of our commitment to win, and we needed to convert our chances,” he said.
Kgokong praised his goalkeeper, Damaine van der Walt who made numerous saves during the game, to deny Wits a single moment to celebrate.
“He is one of the best keepers in the tournament, and in defence we were probably okay because of him.”
The ‘orange army’ was at the grounds in full force to cheer the UJ players on. Their deafening roar after each goal dwarfed the home crowd’s cheering, save for the brass and percussion band that spurred their team on for every minute of the game.
Wits coach, Mark Haskins said the UJ players wanted to win more than his players did.
“It does not matter what your ability is, if you do not have desire to win, you will be let down,” he said.
“We spoke to the guys at the break and they did better in the second half but we always had our back to the wall.”
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