Wits Football club to face TUT in Varsity Football final after defeating UJ.
The Wits Football club made it through to their first Varsity Football final after beating University of Johannesburg (UJ) Football Club 4-3 in penalties on Thursday, August 13 at University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus.
The opening proved to be difficult as both sides were determined to break the deadlock. The first chance for Wits Football came after just 18 minutes when Tshireletso Motsogi passed a promising shot to Lerotholi Manala whose attempt went over the goal post.
UJ tried to score straight after but Wits goalkeeper Matthew Carelse blocked the ball from hitting the net.
The second half heated up when UJ player Mokete Mogaila was brought down in the Wits box, therefore awarding UJ a penalty. Karl Clements took the penalty and shot left but Carelse saved the ball.
Both teams struggled to score in the dying moments of the game with only two minutes added for extra time.
Carelse, FNB Man of the Match and Samsung Moment of Brilliance winner saved two UJ shots giving Wits victory and a spot in the finals.
Commenting on the Braamfontein boys’ performance, Wits Football coach Alzavian van Rhee said, “The boys gave a stunning performance even though they could have capitalised on some of the mistakes that UJ was making.
“So much emotions going through me, we have been told that we don’t have a striker and we won’t make it to the finals but I told the boys to work with what we have,” van Rhee said.
He said in the next two weeks the team will work hard to make sure that they are ready for Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) as it is one of those teams you can never underestimate.
“We are aware that TUT is a very strong team so they will definitely be a challenge for us. Our strategy going into this game is to break their speed as they play a very fast game, but I know for sure that it’s going to be a very good game for us,” van Rhee added.
Wits captain Tshireletso Motsogi said the team’s motive since the beginning of the league was to get to the finals.
“We’re going to start preparing as soon as possible, probably from Monday. We have to study TUT’s weaknesses and strengths. Reaching the final is a dream come true and I’m so proud of each and every player including the couch,” said Motsogi.
A Wits Football supporter Chris Nkosi said he knew the team would make it to the final.
“Wits have brilliant young men who are hungry and determined for success. From the beginning, they displayed world-class football and now they are through to the final against TUT,” the 21-year-old said.
Wits will host TUT for the final at the Wits Stadium on Thursday, September 27, at 18:00.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits go head to head with UJ. Photo: Takalani Sioga
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