UJ heads to finals

University of Johannesburg booked a place at the Varsity Football Cup final when they beat the University of Free State Kovsies at the semi-final on 8 September.

In front of their vibrant fans at Soweto Sports Complex, UJ had taken an early lead with the Kovsies defence caught napping.

With the match tied at 2–2 on the final whistle, UJ edged their hosts in a nerve-wrecking penalty shootout – eventually winning by three penalties to one.After 90 minutes with the scores locked at 2–2 the referee blew for full-time and the players prepared themselves for a penalty shootout. UJ’s Tshepo Tolo stepped up to take the first penalty and scored.

Jay Jay Groenewald missed his shot. Lumkile Dava scored for UJ. Lehlohonolo Mokoena managed to score. Tebogo Mandyu also found the back of the north. Manxubandile Bantshi failed to make his team proud. Kovsies captain Themba Zimo stepped up, but sent his shot over the bar for UJ to celebrate their win and a place in the finals.

Ex-Bafana Bafana player and UJ head coach Bradley Carnell is confident following their win, but will have to strategise for the hugely-anticipated final against the defending champions Tuks.

“We are competing with the team that has being doing this for a long time,” he said

“All we have to do now is get the results; we must focus more on doing than talking…The boys are very excited, and I am extremely happy because they have worked so hard.”

Tuks will also be giving the hungry newcomers a run for their money as they will be defending their title.

The finals will take place at the UJ Soweto Campus on 15 September at 7pm.