Following two successive draws on the road, CUT went back to winning ways at home to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). After a slow start, CUT got a freekick which was easily dealt with by the Wits defence. With seven minutes on the clock, the home side got their first genuine chance, which Rakgomo Taole failed to convert. The referee’s assistant had his flag up anyway. Three minutes later, CUT took the lead through Orapeleng Manopole, with goalie Zolani Ligunya getting the assist after a Khune-esque delivery. 

Wits’ Mahle Mtabane was the first man in the book when he was punished for a dive in the box. Persistence from Tumelo Njoti nearly paid off when he won the ball in the Wits box, only for Taole to let the chance go begging. Wits no. 6, Tshireletso Motsogi, became the second man in the referee’s book after a high-boot challenge on his opposite number, Njoti. CUT were almost rewarded for their constant pressure when a long ball from Tshepo Tshikare found Njoti in the box. Wits goalie Brylon Petersen did well to force Njoti to sky his shot. Wits started the second half in high spirits, but it was CUT who came close to doubling their lead. After confusion in the Wits box, Katleho Motaung’s lob was cleared by Snethemba Msane. Nine minutes into the second half, Saluleko Mathonsi pounced on a defensive lapse to equalize for the visitors. Minutes after replacing Taole, Abrahm Singozo rose high to fire a powerful header past Petersen to restore CUT’s lead. 

With renewed momentum, the home side upped the ante and camped in the Wits half after a handful of successive corners. With 10 minutes remaining, CUT had a chance to put the game to bed through a counter, but Manopole’s cross was closer to the far post than it was to a teammate. Wits attempted to salvage a draw, but the home side held on to register their second victory of the tournament. 

Scorers 

CUT: Orapeleng Manopole, Abrahm Singozo Wits: Saluleko Mathonsi 

Yellow: Mahle Mtabane (Wits), Tshireletso Motsogi (Wits), Tshepo Tshikare (CUT) 

CUT starting XI: Zolane Ligunya (GK), Morena Lehloa, Tshepo Tshikare, Bongani Mohomane, Sello Mokhele, Karabo Mojafi, Tumelo Njoti, Keitumetse Mabathoana, Orapeleng Manopole, Abrahm Singozo, Katlego Motaung Subs: Mpho Motsoahole (GK), Rakgomo Taole, Vusi Vena, Neo Sebudi, Tokoloho Motsamai, Pule Thaele, Katleho Molakeng 

Wits starting XI: Brylon Petersen, Snethemba Msane, Kaizer Maphanga, Obert Rukato Jr, Baliwe Moyakhe, Tshireletso Motsogi, Saluleko Mathonsi, Mahle Mtabane, Graeme Dor, Mahudu Seageng, Lyndon Crouch Subs: Sthembiso Zuke, Tristan Gatter, Keamogetswe Mokalake, Luke Pereira, Hlohonolofatso Mahate, Vuyo Qhwesha, Shaun Matintela 

Images 

1: Rakgomo Taole of CUT celebrating the first goal during the Varsity Football match between FNB CUT v FNB Wits held at CUT Stadium. 

By Sam Styrax (Varsity Sports SA)