The North-West University lost their first match of the 2021/22 ABC Motsepe League season 3–2 against the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) from Pretoria at a wet Olën Park on Saturday, 20 March.
A slow start by the Tawana side saw them concede in the first five minutes of the game, putting them on the back foot from the start. A good performance by the NWU’s team captain, Patrick Lebitsa, kept his team in the match.
He scored two penalties, one in the first half to tie the scores at 1–1 and a late consolation goal, moments before the final whistle blew.
NWU go down to TUT in the rain
Lebitsa was a threat inside the box, forcing some good saves from the TUT keeper. A sloppy second-half performance from the home team resulted in numerous defensive errors that allowed TUT to seal the game, scoring two quick goals and leaving the NWU defenders looking at each other.
TUT’s goal scorers were Ofentse Tlholoe, Lebogang Phatlane and Steven Mvenya.
“Communication and defensive organisation were the problem and its something our boys will work on leading up to the next games,” said NWU’s head coach Michael Seleka after the match.
The players’ never-die attitude throughout the 90 minutes and the passion displayed in possession are some positives Seleka can take out of this game.
Exciting performances by the right wing Ranoyane Mmutlane of the NWU saw him create many chances down the touchline; he always looked like creating a scoring opportunity when he had the ball.
Another notable performance was the midfielder, Tsebishi Sekgitla. He controlled the midfield and was very strong on the ball, providing pinpoint passes to his teammates up front.
The North-West University will take on Ally’s Tigers FC at Olën Park this Saturday, 27 March, hoping to bag all three points.
