The TUT men’s team lift their second trophy in four finalappearances.
The University of Western Cape was forced to abandon its dreams of winning the varsity football competition, when the dominant TUT Red Machine side sneaked two goals in the dying minutes. This secured their fifth Varsity Football trophy victory with a 2-1 score. The goals by on-form TUT striker Hilda Magaila and attacking middle fielder, Rachel Sebati, just 10 minutes just before the end of the match, shattered UWC’s dreams of winning their first trophy this year.
According to Tebogo Mokae, women team’s coach, it was a great final, with both teams deserving to be in it. He said it was not easy because play on both sides was quite technical. Although his side had more chances to score than their opponents did, they failed to capitalise early. “When they got a chance through a penalty, they scored. We came back from behind to win the final in the dying minutes. The standard of women’s football is improving day by day. Looking at the score margins though, it was not as easy as before; any team could have won,” Tebogo added.
The men’s team also only equalized with a goal by middle fielder, Godfrey Mohale, 57 minutes into the match. Just as the crowd thought penalties would be the ultimate decider for the match, TUT’s Lebogang “Vandal” Phatlane rose to head a well curled cross from full back Rapelang Rorisang, spoiling the party for the hosts.
Shadrack Nthangeni, Director of Sport and Recreation, said the TUT community is thrilled about the men’s team winning the Varsity Sport Football title for the second time in four years.
He added that the women football team proved beyond any doubt that they are the champions, which is why they featured in all six finals. "Coach Bushy, the technical team and the players have made us proud in the 2018 Varsity Football season. We are indeed the number one University of football in the country. The University brand also scored big time through this victory," Shadrack said.