Wits moves up the league after it secured a landslide win against the Poorte
The Wits Blues are set to play the University of Johannesburg’s rugby team this weekend after it secured a resounding victory against Roodepoort Ruby Club (Poorte) on Saturday, April 22, 2023; winning by an impressive 43-10 margin in the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge League.
The match started with Roodepoort scoring a try within the first 20 minutes, setting the tone for what would be a physical and tight game. However, Wits quickly caught up by scoring a try and a conversion, bringing the score to 7-5 by halftime.
As the second half began, Wits’ lock Awethu Lushozi received a ball from out wide and finished with a successful try and a conversion taking the score to 14-5. Wits’ prop Banele Mthenjane followed with another try and a conversion for the team, bringing the score to 21-5. The defense was under pressure as Wits were on constant attack which led to inside centre Siyabonga Xulu taking the ball to score a try and a conversion.
Wits fullback, Christian Humphries scored a successful try and a conversion after Roodepoort’s try, bringing the score to 38-10 before Wits wing, Simelela Nkomo closed out the game with the final try taking the score to 43-10 with a kick just before the game ended.
Wits put on a dominant display throughout the game, with spectators like Andrew William supporting Wits saying that the team played exceptionally well against Roodepoort. “I am very happy with the game, the boys put on a show for us and played a very good game.”
Wits wing Nkomo, told Wits Vuvuzela that “The boys set a high standard and I was pleased to maintain it as I got in on the 2nd half.”
Despite the loss, Roodepoort’s lock, Anton Gerber praised Wits for their performance and said, “It was a very tough game for us against a strong team like Wits but we pushed.”
Roodepoort’s supporter, Shanlee Maritz echoed the same sentiment: “I am very disappointed by the game from Roodepoort, but Wits really did took out and played a really good game.”
Despite winning, Wits’ first team coach, Saneliso Ngoma, said that they didn’t start off really well but in the second half the team pulled up, “we went to our structures and played the rugby that we know we can play. Now we have a week off preparing for our next big games.”
Wits captain, Mark Snyman told Wits Vuvuzela that, “I am not completely happy with how we played but a win is a win, and the team will continue to work hard to improve our game.”
Featured image: Wits blues and Poorte in a scrum restarting to play at Wits Rubgy field. Photo: Sinazo Mondo
The 17th Ashraf Lodewyk Memorial Basketball tournament returns with ten more teams vying for the win.
The Wits Bucks (first team) put on a stellar performance in their first Ashraf basketball tournament game on Wednesday afternoon, April 26.
The Wits Bucks faced off against Wanderers Scorpions Omega and led the game comfortably from the beginning with a thrilling win of 67-28 when the final whistle blew.
Scorpions Omega’s Ethan Murray was substituted after committing three fouls in the first half of the game. Assistant coach, Thabo Gumede said that he felt like there was a lack of communication and defence on their end.
Wits Bucks player Jacques Mahanga said, “I feel like their [Scorpions Omega] performance was really good; we didn’t underestimate the team although we knew that we’re not at the same level-we still came out with a lot of intensity, and I love our intensity.”
Wits Bucks player Isira Harisinghe getting ready to strike after being trapped by a Scorpions Omega defender. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov
Wits Bucks fan, Keeyanda Tshipamba said, “It was a very good game for Wits especially in light of their performance in the ICSL internal league, they were not doing so well so this is bringing our spirits up.”
The Bucks are not anticipating easy games especially since the tournament has grown with a total of ten more teams compared to last year’s 30. Teams compete in either the men’s or women’s division, with a further division into four pools (A to D) which will battle it out over the eight-day tournament.
With four more games to play, the Bucks need to secure the top two positions in their pool to compete in the finals on Monday, May 1.
Young Bucks trailing behind
A few courts away, the Wits Young Bucks (the second team) lost 45-55, in their first game against the Midrand Heat Basketball Club.
A game which was meant to be their comeback against UJ Orange Wave on April 26, ushered in a crushing defeat, with a final score of 19-44.
Going into the second half, UJ was leading 22-11 while Wits player Silas Lyuke, was substituted after a clash with the opponents, leading to a leg injury. The UJ side committed a foul against Matoti Buthelezi and was consequently awarded two free throws, but only netting one.
UJ coach, Mandla Ngema said, “We didn’t play well at all, we thought it was gonna be easy playing against a second team.”
Whilst Wits Young Bucks assistant coach, Angelo Quinn said to Wits Vuvuzela, “I felt it was a good game and a good reflection of the [Ashraf] program and it showed that we can compete at a higher level.”
The Young Bucks have three more games to play in their pool (C) and two of them will be played on Saturday, April 29 against Giant Ballers and University of Pretoria 1st.
Wanderers Scorpions omega player, Ethan Murray subbed out after commiting three fouls. Photo: Sfundo ParakozovWanderers Scorpions Omega assistant coach Thabo Gumede taking a peak at the shot clock for the final score. Photo: Sfundo ParakozovWits Bucks players, Lungisa Moussa Ntloko and Uzoma Eze celebrate their victory at the blow of the final whistle. Photo: Sfundo ParakozovWits Bucks player, Tirivashe Gapara greeting his supporters after the match. Photo: Sfundo ParakozovSilas Lyuke and Phemelo Tsogang shocked after an unexpected goal by UJ Waves. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov Wits Bucks players: Tirivashe Gapara, Jacques Mahanga and Chirag Jashi, congratulating each other after their 67-28 win against Wanderers Scorpions Omega. Photo: Sfundo ParakozovPlay-maker Timukudze Mhazo trying to get past Scorpions Omega defender. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov Uzoma Eze preparing for a free throw. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov UJ Orange Wave coach, Mandla Ngema briefing UJ player, Mkhwanazi. Photo: Sfundo ParakozovCaleb Marks tries to hit a slam dunk. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov Wits Young Bucks gathering during half time. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov Noam Fritsch attempting to score before the the final whistle. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov
FEATURE IMAGE: Wits Bucks players: Tirivashe Gapara, Jacques Mahanga and Chirag Jashi, congratulating each other after their 67-28 win against Wanderers Scorpions Omega. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov
The dream to finish in the top five of the Johannesburg Men’s Regional League takes a knock as Wits lose at home.
Wits Kudus Football Club lost 2-3 after a nail-biting match against Orlando Pirates Football Club on Saturday, April 22, at the Wits Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia.
This came after two consecutive losses in the Johannesburg Men’s Regional League against Inqaba FC and Orange Army FC. As a result, the Kudus remain in ninth place, while Orlando Pirates FC are fourth.
The scorching sun foreshadowed the high intensity match that was to come as Orlando Pirates dominated the first half of the match with Siyabonga Ngwenya, France Modiba and Lukho Ziwele scoring within 35 minutes. Wits striker Siyamdumisa Zulu managed to secure their first goal in the 40th minute.
During the second half, Kudu midfielder Thembalethu Machaba came to the rescue in the 63rd minute by scoring the team’s second goal. Pirates goalkeeper, Jayden Van Der Walt, successfully blocked a goal attempt by left winger, Sithembiso Mkhwanazi, in the 87th minute.
Kudus goalkeeper Samkele Shilubana was not happy about the team’s performance in the first half. “It was a bad game. My first mistake [was] within the first [few] minutes of the game which led to a drop in the confidence of the team [and] from that point [onwards] the whole game just switched.”
Orlando Pirates player, Malesela Modiba, and Wits Kudus player, Katlego Moruane, race for the ball. Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
However, he remained hopeful for the next game. “It is just a matter of working harder to rectify mistakes in the next game which will boost [the team’s] confidence and take on the remaining games in the league perfectly,” said Shilubana.
A spectator, Paballo Mazibuko, commended the Kudus for taking more control of the game in the second half and said Pirates were lucky not to concede more goals.
With 33 points, the Kudus have seven games left to try for a spot in the top five of the league.
Kudus coach Musawenkosi Ngobese commended striker Siyamdumisa Zulu for his performance. “He has been a better player for the past couple of games. He showed a lot of consistency and hunger and fighting for the team, but unfortunately a team consists of 11 players; you cannot do it alone.” The Kudus’ next match is scheduled for April 27 against Bossolona FC at Trezona Park, Roodepoort. In their previous encounter, on March 15, the Kudus beat Bossolona FC 4-3.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits Kudus distraught after losing against Orlando Pirates at Marks Park Sports Club on Saturday April 22. Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
The Braamfontein side is languishing in 10th position after it had topped the log at the beginning of the season.
Wits University Football Club and Pele Pele Football Club were forced to settle for a goalless draw on Saturday, April 22, hindering both teams from moving up in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League.
In a thrilling game, Witsies started the first half strongly as they were dominating the game. On the other hand, Randburg stars Pele Pele were struggling with possession. Out of eight chances Wits created, three were on target, threatening the Pele Pele goalkeeper, Tsebo Tsotetsi. One hit the goal post, denying Wits a goal. At the other end, Pele Pele managed to create five chances with only two on target.
Towards the end of the first half Pele Pele were awarded a penalty due to a handball. Fortunately for Witsies, the ball deflected off the crossbar. Halftime statistics showed two yellow cards for Pele Pele, against Siyabonga Buda for rough tackling and Tshepo Kakora for wasting time.
In the second half, tables turned as Pele Pele proved to be the hungrier of the two teams, with increased possession and confident display. Pele Pele managed to create an additional five chances with a lot of scrappy passes in between.
Witsies did not manage a single chance at goal up until the 80th minute when a ball coming in from out wide landed in the box for winger O’Neil Hendriks to break the tie. A heroic block on the line from Pele Pele defender Nhlakanipho Myeza was a decisive moment in the match.
Three minutes of extra time were added but neither team managed to score, and when the final whistle blew, the score was still 0-0. Wits football coach Alzavian van Rheede told Wits Vuvuzela that he was not bothered about what the result meant for the team’s position in the league. “It was more the performance that we were looking for, the tactical agreements that we were working on in training because we tried something new today and we’re happy with what we got out of the game.”
Pele Pele player Neo Mumble and Wits player Hakeem Marx eye the ball. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
With 33 matches played so far, Wits are currently 10th on the log. This is a far cry from November 2022 when, after eight matches, Wits topped the log. They went on to lose 12 matches, and now, with 47 points, are left with two games to try and make it into the top eight.
Seemingly the Braamfontein side has accepted that this season is a loss as winger Hendriks told Wits Vuvuzela that, “We are not fighting for anything now, we just want to enjoy the games that are left.”
Mncedisi Sibiya, football coach of Pele Pele, said that the result was disappointing as the third-placed team, with 66 points, was chasing the second spot. “We hope that the [Soweto Super United FC] throws or loses the game, but we still have two games to play. We will keep on pushing. We will get the two points [necessary to move up].”
Centreback of Pele Pele, Neo Mumble, said, “I think we should have won this game given that we played better than these guys. It was a tough, good game.“
Wits will next play away to Tembisa-based M Tigers Football Club on Thursday, April 27. The venue is yet to be confirmed.
Pele Pele and Wits players all have their eyes on the ball. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Witsie Nkosinathi Temba fights to keep the ball. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Wits goalkeeper Sibongiseni Mkhize makes a great save. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Pele Pele’s Neo Mumble gets away with ball from Wits player Hakeem Marx . Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Pele Pele’s Siyabonga Buda gets a yellow card for rough tackling. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits player, Lehlohonolo Mollo, wins the ball, leaving Pele Pele’s Neo Mumble in the dust. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
The Wits University’s rowing club has their sights set on a strong end to the 2023 season.
The Wits Rowing club has made it to the fifth out of 10 positions at the University Sports South Africa rowing sprint championships at Mis Verstand dam, in Cape Town this past weekend.
Wits rowing chairperson Malose Makwea and Jason Westman won gold in the men’s lightweight pair category, in a time of 3 mins and 36 secs. The lightweight category allows for each contestant to weigh 70kgs, and there is no person steering (coxswain). The pair defeated the University of Pretoria, which was trailing behind by just six seconds, along with three other teams.
The two also came second in the men’s lightweight double, which does not consider the participant’s weight.
Unfortunately, the women’s team was not able to get any medals in this competition, however, their captain Amy Cooper said that “everyone gained important experience, especially those new to racing.” Meanwhile, Makwea said: “the team spirit is very high, and people want to do better, which is good.”
Wits Sport rowing officer Tebogo Rabothata said that he is happy with the consistency of the club and he is hoping for podium finishes at the end of the year. “We really need to up our game [going forward] to finish top two or three.” He added by saying that as training increases, so will the depth of the club.
The team at Wits is predominantly made up by those who are new to the sport. This is referred to as ‘novice rowers’, which consists of rowers who have less than one year of rowing experience.
Deborah Cronje, who steers the boat describes rowing for the club as extremely fulfilling, with the team consistently developing. “We are largely a novice team, with [the club] winning the development award at the previous boat race,” said Cronje.
Members that the Wits Vuvuzela spoke to added that it is the culture of the Wits rowing that separates it from other clubs and contributes to the rower’s growth. “Unlike high school, or other university rowing environments, we focus on enjoying the sport,” said men’s captain Troy van der Westhuysen, adding that “with [enjoying the sport] comes growth.”
Across the board, those involved with the club are looking to recruit more Witsies to row, regardless of experience level.
Currently the club is busy with preparations ahead of the Gauteng and South African Championships, which will be taking place this month.
Gauteng championships will take place on the 14th – 15th, whilst the South African Championships will take place on April 28th to the 29th at Roodeplaat dam. From the 7th to the 12th of September, the club will also take part in Boat Racing in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape. The club is hoping to send two men’s and two women’s teams to these competitions.
FEATURED IMAGE:
The Wits Rowing club’s ladies team on the water at USSA sprints. Photo: Wits Rowing
Wits will not be progressing to the Varsity Cup semi-finals after being defeated by the NWU Eagles
North-West University’s Eagles have secured their spot in the Varsity Cup semi-finals on Monday, with a 36-3 victory against Wits.
The Eagles, affectionally known as Pukke had a strong start to the game, leading with a score of 10-3 before the game was suspended due to heavy downpours and lightning strikes.
The match was resumed 40 minutes later when the rain subsided, but Wits’ attempts to get the quanco into the end zone failed, ending the first half with the Eagles dominating with a score of 17-3.
When half-time ended, the heavy rains had intensified again and the game was suspended for over an hour. Most spectators left the stadium as they assumed the game would eventually be cancelled, but it carried on despite delays.
In the first 20 minutes after the game resumed, Pukke extended their lead through full-back Santino Swanepoel, who received the ball from out wide and finished with a successful try. This resulted in the NWU Eagles leading with 24 points while Wits remained at three points.
In their final try, which was finished off by inside centre Luke Fortuin, the NWU Eagles solidified their win with a final score of 36-3.
NWU player, Farai Sibanda who was sitting on the bench said the Eagles are excited about making it to the semi-finals, but “the job is not done.”
NWU Eagles trying to turn over possession during their match against Wits. Photo: Otsile Swaratlhe
Wits player, Ziyanda Msipha said that he believes the bad weather conditions negatively contributed to their overall performance. “I feel when they called it [halted the game] at first, during the first half, I believe they should have cancelled it and made us play [the next day]. I think that would have made sense because there’s a lot of momentum shifts when you’re stopping the play three or four times.”
He explained that it was unfortunate that they did not make it to the next round. “The team is hurt, it’s badly hurt, and it’s tough because there’s quite a few players that won’t play next year, so this would’ve been their last one, so in that aspect, players are really hurt.”
Wits head coach, Hugo Van As said the team was “very devastated” about not making it to the semi-finals He said although the weather was bad, he did not think it contributed to Wits performance, alluding that it was just a bad game for his team.
He added that overall, the team performed well this year. Out of the seven games they played, the games against Stellenbosch University and the University of the Free State were the only two games where they were not “on par.”
Wits player Jason Lee Cloete said despite the defeat, Witsies can hold their heads up high because they put a good effort on the field.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits rugby players in a maul with the NWU Eagles. Photo: Terri-Ann Brouwers
The new season will see the university’s internal football league split into an internal and external league.
Wits Internal Football League (WIFL) teams have been working hard in training, in preparation for the return of the league.
On Tuesday, March 28, Miners FC, Marshall FC and New Generation FC could be observed doing drills with cones, practising shooting and ball rotations at the Wits Digz Field. The teams could also be seen practicing their different styles of play.
According to the Wits Sports website, the WIFL is “the oldest and largest student football league at higher education level, presently made up of 48 teams formed by societies, faculties, residences and friends”.
The 2023 season commences during the week of April 17, according to Wits Sports officer for football, Montsho Matlala, who said they aimed to revitalise the league. In the new season, teams from outside the university will play in an external league, while the internal league will be for Wits teams.
“We want to see quality football in the internal league. We want to see more Wits students participating in the league,” said Matlala.
Coach of Miners FC, Thulasizwe “Thulas” Hadebe, said that even though they were aiming for the top spot in the new season, “We are taking it one step at a time.” Captain Karabo “Gattuso” Mushiyana said that he had confidence in his teammates, and loved the commitment and dedication they were showing. “I believe there is great potential in the team,” he said.
Miners FC players during a training session at the Wits Digz Fields on March 28, 2023. Photo: Ndumiso Nkosi
However, according to Miners FC player Kamogelo Phasha, some players are not coming back to play in the internal league because they are discouraged due to the lack of progress in the league.
Hadebe said that the university should be investing more in the internal league because that is where they are supposed to be harvesting players for the Wits men’s senior football team. Mushiyana added that “It is embarrassing for Wits to not qualify for [Varsity Football, the South African university association football competition] when there is so much talent in the internal league.”
Marshall FC captain Gift Mthethwa urged the university to allocate funds to Wits Sports to facilitate a better-run internal league.
Matlala told Wits Vuvuzela that referee payments, training spaces, and the difficulty to conclude the league in time were some of the challenges of the league in 2022, but assured teams that they were making all the necessary planning to mitigate such challenges this season.
His message to the internal league teams ahead of the new season is that: “I hope they play good football. I hope players raise their hands to be selected for the Wits men’s senior football team.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Miners FC is aiming for the top spot in the new season. Photo: Ndumiso Nkosi
Wits snatches victory against Johannesburg neighbour to gain a spot in the semi-finals of the Under-20 version of the annual competition.
FNB Wits Young Guns beat FNB University of Johannesburg (UJ) Young Guns 25-19 on Monday, April 4, to advance to the semi-finals of the Varsity Cup Young Guns league.
Both teams were competitive in the first half with Wits pushing back against UJ, blocking the Orange Army’s advances. But the boys in blue prevailed over the visitors, leading with a score of 15-7 by the break.
Wits’ decent lead was cut short after the restart, as UJ’s flanker Kyle Ehrke scored a try, converted by Kelvin Berriman, earning the visitors seven points. Wits made a comeback with flyhalf Eben Hyman scoring a try. The game quickly got too intense with the UJ side making strong advances, earning them a yellow card. A penalty kick for Wits and a try by UJ Young Guns saw the visitors with a slight edge, 18-19. However, Wits made a comeback with a try five minutes from the final whistle, finishing with a score of 25-19.
Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela after the game, FNB Wits Young Guns head coach Roland Bernard said that he was very happy with the win as the team qualified for the semi-finals. However, he said there were lots of opportunities lost in the game and “would like to change how we play”.
Wits Young Guns captain Zukhanye Dubulekhwele, affectionately known as ‘Dubs said that the team had put a lot of pressure on themselves and that they should have been more comfortable. He added that going forward they should be “more clinical”, have accuracy and precision.
UJ’s Berriman said that his team had “good execution, however, we weren’t able to finish”.
Supporters of the FNB Wits Young Guns came out in their numbers to support their home team. Takalani Madima, a third-year BSc student, said that “It was a close play, and I am happy Wits won, however, the referee’s decisions were questionable.”
The FNB Wits Young Guns will play on home soil against the University of Cape Town on Monday, April 10 at 16h30.
Wits and UJ engage in a scrum during an FNB Young Guns match at the Wits Rugby Stadium on April 3, 2023. Photo: Sbongile Molambo
FEATURED IMAGE: FNB UJ Young Guns tackle an FNB Wits Young Guns player during the second half of the match. Photo: Sbongile Molambo
The university’s first-team tennis players came out on top in the intra-Wits club championship.
First-team player Loyiso Kole captured his second intra-Wits men’s singles title after defeating teammate Ciaran Swartz 6 –3, 7 –5. His first was in 2021.
With nine total breaks-of-serve between the two, Swartz managed to save three match points, however, Kole converted the fourth with his signature serve-and-volley play. “I could place my volleys well today,” said Kole. “It got to a point where I really counted on them.”
Another first-team player, Justine du-Pont, took the women’s singles title after winning all three of her matches in the round-robin format (everyone plays everyone). Du-Pont captured her second title of the day in the women’s doubles, with teammate Jesse Platt, after defeating Joanne Joseph and Isabella Weber, 6 – 0, 6 – 0.
Women’s singles and doubles champion du-Pont dropped only six games in her four matches. “My forehands and serves were really solid.” she said.
In total, three competitions were run over the weekend of April 1 and 2 by the Wits Tennis Club. Participants consisted of 10 prospective and current first team players. There were several withdrawals of first-team players before the tournament, resulting in smaller draws and cancelled men’s and mixed-doubles matches.
Each match was best of three sets, with the third set being a 10-point tiebreaker. The men’s singles ran as a knockout, with a back draw (loser plays loser). Seven men entered the tournament – with three consecutive wins needed to claim the title.
The men’s final between the two first-team players brought in spectators. Second-year BA student Neo Matutoane described the match as “super exciting”.
Although happy with their overall performance, first-team players indicated that there was room for improvement throughout the course of this year. “We (the team) are going to work very hard this year,” said Kole. Swartz and du-Pont echoed similar sentiments. “We all want to and need to improve,” said Swartz, and Du-Pont added that “There is a lot of hard work ahead of us.”
The tournament is aimed at fundraising ahead of the club’s first appearance at the University Sport South Africa’s (USSA’s) A section in six years, after their performance in USSA’s B division in December 2022, hosted by North-West University in Potchefstroom. This year’s event will be hosted at Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape.
Head coach Sylvester Zungu, who joined the club in 2020, aims to get Wits to be considered as one of the top tennis universities in the country. “I am ambitious,” said Zungu. “I want [the club] to go to USSA and bring back silverware. The university is known for being the best in academics – it is time for it to be the same for tennis.”
Wits Tennis chairperson Connel Manhica said that the club was planning to organise friendly fixtures against the first teams of other universities in the USSA A section – particularly the University of Pretoria and North-West University in Potchefstroom. “This is aimed at getting match experience against strong teams,” said Manhica.
Ciaran Swartz hits a backhand volley during the men’s final. Photo: Seth Thorne
Loyiso Kole prepares to hit a forehand during his final. Photo: Seth Thorne
Loyiso Kole in his service motion during his semi-final match. Photo: Seth Thorne
Loyiso Kole shows frustration after an unforced error. Photo: Seth Thorne
Tawanda Nhokwane prepares to hit a backhand. Photo: Seth Thorne
Ciaran Swartz in his service motion during the final. Photo: Seth Thorne
Kani Lehlokoe hits a forehand in his first round match. Photo: Seth Thorne
Ciaran Swartz in his service motion. Photo: Seth Thorne
FEATURED: Ciaran Swartz lunges for a return of serve in the men’s final. Photo: Seth Thorne
Witsies efforts to be at the top of the ABC Motsepe League shattered, after a dismal loss this past weekend.
Wits University football club has lost 4-1 in a match against Soweto Super United (SSUtd) at Sturrock Park in Braamfontein.
The two last faced off on October 15, 2022, in a tough match at Trezona Park, Roodepoort, where the final score was a draw of 2-2.
Wits football player Nathi fights off Soweto Super United players in the ABC Motsepe league match at Sturrock Park on April 1. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov
Currently sitting in the 10th position on the Gauteng ABC Motsepe league, Witsies’ hopes of securing a place in the top eight became dimmer in the first half, after conceding three goals from SSUtd players, Benjamin Thando, Thabang Chuene and Lebogang Sentsho, respectively.
In attempts to counter the stronger rivals, Wits defensive player Bradley Mongwe sustained an injury and had to be substituted before the end of the first half.
However, going into the second half, the Witsies seemed to be in control of the match in the first few minutes, but were later humbled by SSUtd striker, Walker Jacko, who scored a fourth goal in the 86th minute.
Midfielder, Saluleko Mathonsi managed to net in the first goal for Wits university at exactly 90+2 minutes, just before the whistle blew.
The league consists of 19 teams and the top eight are awarded cash prizes. The ultimate winners get around R50 000, and the prize money goes down from position one to eight. The team that takes the eighth position gets R15 000.
The Wits players went into the match with 45 points, whilst SSUtd was sitting with 59. Separated by 14 points, the Witsies could not secure a victory, or equalize in score to lessen the gap.
With the season coming to an end on May 1, 2023, the loss means the Witsies will not be able to secure the runner up position even if they win the next five matches.
When asked about the performance after the match, Mathonsi said, “to be honest we started off very badly, in the first 10 to 15 minutes we were not in control of the match, and we were punished for that”.
Wits university will be playing Pretoria Ally’s Tigers on Wednesday, April 5, at Philip stadium, Soshanguve. Pretoria Ally’s Tigers beat the Witsies by 1-0 the last time they met at Sturrock Park in December 10, 2022.
The Wits assistant coach Andile Zulu expressed his disappointment on the team’s performance; but said his very hopeful that they will execute better in their next match.
FEATURED IMAGE: Soweto Super United players walking off the Sturrock Park field after their 4-1 victory against Wits univerity football club. Photo: Sfundo Parakozov
An unbeaten season for Wits Cricket Club secures a historic first place victory in the Gauteng Premier League 50-over format.
On Sunday, April 2, Wits Cricket Club played in the last game of the season and beat Kagiso Cricket Club by eight wickets. The Wits side were first on the Enza league table and needed a win to maintain their position.
Wits Cricket Club celebrate after restricting Kagiso Cricket Club to 181 runs on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Wits main campus. Photo: Kimberley Kersten
After forfeiting the toss, Kagiso were sent in to bat first. They got off to a good start in the power play with the first few wickets, but shortly after Wits were able to pull that lead back. With Mohammad Manack’s fantastic spell of five wickets for 21 in 10 overs, Wits restricted Kagiso to a subpar 181 runs.
Ndumiso Mvelase, Kagiso Cricket Club’s vice-captain said that the game was competitive but enjoyable, he said: “We knew that we were playing against the champs and ultimately we came out on the wrong side.”
When Wits took to batting, they were met with the fall of the skipper (Deeran Baba) in the opening overs. But Billy Van Zyl 65* (106) and Manack 81 (78) steadied the ship with a match winning partnership. Lions player, Conner Esterhuisen, struck the final blow with an explosive 25 not out, propelling Wits to 182/2 with 17 overs to spare.
This win marked the second trophy for the team this season after winning the USSA B division in December 2022, which saw them qualify for Varsity Cup and promoted them to the USSA A division.
Spectator Willem Van Zyl said: “The coaches have a lot of experience, they really know what they’re doing.” The new head coach, previous Lions player Nono Pongolo, who took up the post at the start of the year, looks forward to building upon the season’s success by preparing for Varsity Cup in the winter.
Speaking to the season that was, Captain of the Wits Cricket club, Deeran Baba, said: “The boys have worked hard behind the scenes to put out results every weekend and success has come our way. There is definitely more to come.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits batsman, Mohammad Manack, hits a ball against Kagiso Cricket Club on Sunday April 2, 2023 at Wits. Photo: Kimberley Kersten
Defending champions FNB UP-Tuks will play in the Varsity Shield next season after their Round 6 defeat by FNB Wits.
FNB Wits secured a historic win over the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) in the Varsity Cup on Monday, March 27, with a 77th minute try and conversion, for a score of 33-21.
Wits had an impeccable start with flyhalf Setshaba Mokoena scoring a try in the sixth minute and shortly thereafter, Wian De Lange and Lindo Ncusane scoring two more tries with successful conversions. UP-Tuks fought back with wing Bayanda Ngubane scoring a try with a conversion, however, Wits maintained their 19-7 lead by the end of the first half.
Tuks gained ground in the second half with eighth-man Divan Venter and centre Zander Reynders scoring point-of-origin tries in the final quarter, earning the Pretoria team bonus points for a total of 21. However, Wits managed to keep up the pressure with lock Hendrick Gouws scoring a try and prop Banele Mthenjane winning the game for the Witsies, relegating the defending champions to play in the Varsity Shield next season.
Afterwards, Wits player, Dameon Venter, told Wits Vuvuzela that, “We prepared really well and understood that if we just stuck to our plan the result would [yield] itself.” He added that their strategy for the rest of the season involved, “taking each challenge week by week [as we] have set clear goals to go all the way and make history”.
Supporters of the Braamfontein team came out in their numbers to cheer the home side. After the game, Jack Du Toit, a third-year civil engineering student said, “It is my first time watching a live game and it is an awesome experience to see good vibes and students having fun because [that] is what Varsity Cup is all about, bringing people together.”
Tuks third-year psychology student Pepi Mushayabasa was disappointed at the result, saying, “[Tuks] had the potential to do better if there were more Tuks supporters [because] the vibe isn’t there for them.”
Wits will play the FNB NWU Eagles in Round 7 at the Wits Stadium, on April 3, 2023.
UP-Tuks player, Johannes Mare and Witsie, George Devenish reach for the ball during a lineout in their Round 6 game in the Varsity Cup on March 27, 2023 at the Wits Rugby Stadium. Photo: Georgia Cartwright
FEATURED IMAGE: FNB Wits Rugby players face off in a scrum against UP-Tuks during a Varsity Cup Round 6 match on March 27, 2023 at the Wits Rugby Stadium. Photo: Georgia Cartwright
Since her announcement as the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille has dominated national headlines. In this bonus episode of We Should Be Writing podcast, hosts Lulah Mapiye and Bonolo Mokonoto dissect a media meet-and-greet with the mayoral hopeful. From her extensive political résumé to her controversial public utterance, we examine why the Democratic Alliance has chosen Hellen Zille as their candidate for the 2027 local mayoral elections. Additionally, […]
