UWC share the spoils with UJ

UWC Football Club began their Varsity Football 2014 campaign on a promising note when they drew 2-2 with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) at UWC Sports Stadium on Monday 21 July 2014.

In a freezing evening in front of a roaring home crowd, the game was close, with both sides creating a fair amount of scoring opportunities.

The home side were first to find the net when striker Ayanda Nkunkwana was brought down inside the 18 area on the half-hour mark, and playmaker, Tapelo Sixishe, stepped up to send UJ’s goalkeeper Trent Harrison the wrong way to convert. UWC’s winger, Thulani Mkosi, could have stretched the lead, but his effort hit the post five minutes before the break.

In the second half the visitors’ dominance paid off when substitute Stephanis Sibanyoni on the 77th minute after toe poking the ball into the net despite a fantastic double save by UWC’s goalkeeper, Reon October.

UJ looked to have sealed the game when Tshepo Tolo capitalised on a home side defence mistake to score on the 90th minute. But UWC had the last say as substitute Wade Crowie made sure that the spoils were shared with a stunning free-kick that beat Harrison to send the capacity home crowd into frenzy in virtually the last kick of the game.

UWC coach Aboobaker “Boebie” Williams had wished for a win, he says, “but I’m very happy with a point under the circumstances”. His team has not played together in a while and the pitch was not at an optimal condition for carpet football.

Nevertherless, Williams fancies UWC’s chances in the Varsity Football tournament, and aims to at least reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Williams, who coached both the Under 17 and Under 20 South African National teams, says he will work on his defence and midfield in preparation for the team’s next assignment away at North West University next Monday 28 July 2014. UWC will test their strength on Wednesday, 23 July 2014 when they take on Northlink College in a University Sport South Africa game in Parow.