UJ soccer team defeats Madibaz
NELSON Mandela Metropolitan University failed to turn on the magic that saw them reach last season’s final, as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat to newcomers, UJ, in the second round of the Varsity Football matches.
The home team, UJ, started strongly with some good possession, passing the ball around. And their early pressure almost paid off when they got the first chance at goal, but the free kick from just outside the penalty area went wide and posed no threat to the visitors.
The match turned fiery later in the first-half with both sides committing cynical fouls.
UJ then sent the boisterous home fans into rapture early in the second half when, after 10 minutes, midfielder Ponshu Nyathi put them ahead after some good interplay in the middle of the pitch.
The home side seemed to be boosted by the goal and kept the pressure on their visitors, with some exciting football as the second half progressed.
They were rewarded again in the 22nd minute when Nyathi found his way into the area before beating Madibaz’ goalkeeper Lyndsay Jennings to make the score 2-0 to UJ.
Last year’s finalists then succumbed to a third in the 80th minute after some dreadful defending allowed striker Tebogo Mandyu to go on a maze-like run before unleashing a low drive to make the score 3-0.
The score stayed 3-0 to the newcomers, and the match ended after 93 minutes – much to the delight of the home team, who will be pleased to record an upset over last season’s number two team.
Nyathi was named FNB man of the match.
Varsity Sports events are renowned, as much for their athletic mettle as they are for their showmanship.
The concept is that of a playground, where the best footballers can test themselves against their peers. Market-leading brands sponsor the platform, with Samsung, Debonairs Pizza, FNB, Cell C and Jet Mart as the lead football sponsors.
CEO for Varsity Sports, Duitser Bosman said, “The excitement and quality of Varsity Football is what draws the crowds to these events. These high-energy events are well organised and offer huge spectator entertainment.”
Marketing executive for Varsity Sports, Guy Loxton added, “Varsity Sports is seeing many promising sportsmen and women successfully compete at its events and gain the attention they deserve.”
