TUT Advances To Men’s Varsity Football Final 2017

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) have advanced into the finals of the men’s Varsity Football 2017 for third time conservatively after they drew 1-1 in the semi-finals against Central University of Technology (CUT).

TUT won 5-4 on penalties in a match that took place on the 14^th of September 2017 at TUT Main campus at Pretoria.

Sithembiso Ncube, TUT goalkeeper and Man of the Match said the team is happy that they have reached the finals and he is happy that he received the Man of the Match award.

“Our target was playing nine games and we did it. We want to defend our trophy. From the first whistle I believed that today it’s my way to shine and that is why I was rewarded with Man of the Match”. Noted Ncube.

TUT Captain, Themba Ndlovu, who is a candidate for the Player of the Tournament and has already, registered 5 goals and 4 assists in 8 games, said they are happy with the win and they expected a tough game from CUT.

“We knew CUT will throw everything at us after we beat them in front of their fans. With this win we have advanced to the final and we are very happy as a team and also we appreciate the support from our fellow students”. Stated Ndlovu.

TUT Head coach, Bushi Moloi, said he thanks god for advancing into the finals for third time conservatively and he believes they stand a greater chance of winning the competition.

“We have a good team. I thank the boys for going all out in this competition and giving their best to each and every match. Without God we wouldn’t have done this that’s why I always tell my players to pray before and after the game.” Concluded Moloyi.

Pirates Maintain Unbeaten Run

Orlando Pirates have maintained their unbeaten run in the league after outplaying Blue and Gold Army AT FNB stadium on the 19^th of September 2017.

The Mayfair based outfit were the better side on the night missing several opportunities but were able to win the game in the 82^nd minute after Thabo Qalinge was assisted by the 17 year old Lyle Foster to make it 1-0.

It is a work in progress for the Mayfair based outfit this season under new coach Milutin Micho who has guided the Buccaneers to the fist position on the log.

Tebogo Moleya, a journalism student at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and sports reporter said that Bucs are way better compared to last season and maybe they might finish in the top 4 on the log.

“Bucs are way better than last season, you can tell that they want to win games and they are ready to go against any team this season unlike last season”.

“It is very possible that with their current performances, they might finish in the top 4 on the log even though it is still early to tell.” Said Moleya

Orlando Pirates Head Coach Milutin Micho, said that he gives the credit to the players for sticking to the tactics and he is very happy about Lyle Foster’s performances.

“First of all I want to give credit to the players for sticking to the tactics and it is not easy playing against a competitive team like Cape Town City who are in the MTN 8 Final.

They have been fighting for the league up to last matches last season.” Concluded Micho.

“I am very happy that Lyle Foster got more minutes and he showed that he’s future of our football.”

Cape Town City Head Coach Benni McCarthy said that they did very well and they were in control of the game but they didn’t take their chances.

“We did very well, we were in control of the game but we didn’t take our chances”

“I think the best team on the day won and Pirates have good players up front.” Stated McCarthy.

Orlando Pirates have played 5 games with 3 wins, 2 draws, no defeat and eleven points.

TUT Favorites To Retain their title?

TUT Varsity Football team poses for a team photo at TUT main campus

TUT have established itself as the best football team in this competition, having already won it several times. The Pretoria based outfit outperformed 2015 winners UWC, winning the match 4-2.TUT Captain Themba Ndlovu who scored three goals in the night and who has been already identified as the candidate for the Player of the Tournament, having already registered six goals and four assists in 5 games.

Many have said that the talented forward deserves a contract with a professional team after his splendid performances guiding his side to the top of the log, having already played 5 games with 4 wins, 1 draw, nom defeat and 13 points.

TUT head coach Bushi Moloi said that he is very happy with this win, he believes that they can win it, and he also thanks God for guiding his team throughout this tournament.

“I am very happy with this win, we stand a good chance of winning this tournament.”

“We changed our back four, any team that does that commits suicide and our goalkeeper was caught napping two times but I thank God for guiding us throughout this tournament” Moloi concluded.

University of the Western Cape Head coach Salie Adams, said that they were poor technically and they could have done much better.

“We were very poor technically, we tried maintaining balance in our team and it’s not easy coming here and sealing a win”.

He also quantified that he thinks that their individual errors was their main downfall coming to this game.

“We have to fix our mistakes because our individual errors were our main downfall coming to this game but I am very happy with the progress in my team".

TUT Captain Themba Ndlovu, said that he is very happy with this win but missing the penalty in the game was his downfall

“I am very happy that we won this game, we conceded two soft goals but that’s something that we can fix and missing the penalty was my downfall”.

When the talented forward was asked about their chances of retaining their title and his personal odds of securing a contract with a Premier Soccer League (PSL) team and winning the Player of the Tournament, he said that they will have to work hard as a team and as an individual.

“We will have to work hard as a team to increase our chances of retaining this competition and I will also have to work hard to be the candidate for the Player of the Tournament or securing a contract with a professional team”. The 24 year concluded.