The divine smell of success is in the air at NWU Tawana FC after the Potch-based club qualified for the ABC Motsepe League for only the second time in their history on Saturday, 21 November.
A nerve-wracking 3–1 penalty shootout win in the NW regional final against City Rovers in Vryburg secured promotion to the North West stream of the ABC Motsepe League. This is the third tier of football in South Africa, after the Glad Africa Championship and the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Video: NWU Tawana/Instagram
The final saw both NWU Tawana and City Rovers battle for dominance but, in the end, neither side could break the 0–0 deadlock.
The dreaded penalty shootout awaited the sides with promotion at stake. NWU Tawana’s head coach, Michael Seleka, made sure his players stayed calm and, sure enough, they delivered under pressure.
The man of the moment was NWU goalkeeper, Mojalefa Magage, who saved three penalties in a match- defining effort.
Lesego ‘Migo’ Tshetle and Bongane Ncgobo scored the NWU penalties to give their side the advantage. Magage’s heroics gave Thabang Mathloko the chance to seal the deal with his spot-kick.
Mathloko duly slotted the winning penalty with scenes of jubilation and gratefulness ensuing on the field and in the changing rooms afterwards.
It was a long, hard road for NWU Tawana as Covid-19 halted preparation for the Dr KK playoffs and the ensuing North West promotion playoffs.
The side had minimal time to train and gel ahead of crucial matches, but they put in a tremendous effort to reach their goals.
Seleka was emotional after the win and stated that the team was overjoyed to reach their target.
“I am emotional; I can’t describe the feeling when Thabang Matlhoko scored the winning penalty. I am speechless and happy to be up there, where we belong,” he stated.
NWU Tawana centre back, Bongane Ncgobo, also expressed his delight at reaching the ABC Motsepe League.
“I want to first thank God for showing his presence unto the team. We came here believing that we were going to be victorious and, by God’s grace, we were given glory,” emphasised Ngcobo.
“The first game was the most difficult because it was a must-win to claim promotion. We won the game against Taung Mega Stars 2–1. We scored the first goal; then I conceded a penalty. They scored the penalty and made it 1–1 but, through the power of God, we didn’t look back and I scored the winning free kick to make the full-time score 2–1,” mentioned Ngcobo.
The prayerful and faithful defender also emphasised that this was a redemptive effort of the players to take NWU Tawana back to the league they were relegated from in 2013.
“It is a really big deal for us, as this will be the first time that we as a group will play in the ABC Motsepe League. We are the generation that reclaimed the glory and made Potch proud to have a team in this league once again. We are grateful for the support of Potchefstroom’s people.”
“God’s grace brought us success in the team, he gave the technical team the right decisions on how to plan for the playoffs. Eight months of no training due to Covid made us feel the pressure, but our management kept us going and told us to be mentally fit. They prepared us well for the playoffs and we are thankful to them for that; we are here now because of them,” said Ncgobo.
NW ABC Motsepe teams for the 2021 season:
Polokwane City Rovers, Orbit College, Allys Tigers, Stilfontein Real Hearts FC, Buya Msuthu
Young Zebras, Thaba Tshwane FC, North-West University (Mahikeng), Makapanstad Romans
Marauding Classic, Luka Ball Controlers FC, Master Peace, Tigane United FC, Captain Eleven FC
New Castle United FC. Newly Promoted: NWU Tawana FC, City Rovers FC and Taung Mega Stars.
