The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Senior Women’s Team is heading to the Varsity Football final after a series of commanding victories, including a decisive 3-0 semifinal win over rivals Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Played out over four intense days at the UJ Soweto Stadium, the “Orange Army” showcased a masterful blend of offensive power and defensive discipline, scoring 13 goals without conceding one.
The team, led by Coach Nthabeleng Modiko, started their campaign with a bang, shutting out North-West University (NWU) 4-0 on Friday. On Sunday, they secured bragging rights over their city rivals, Wits University, with a solid 2-0 victory. They carried that momentum into Saturday with another dominant 4-0 win against the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
The semifinal match on Monday night was a masterclass in controlled aggression. UJ dominated TUT from the start, a performance that showcased their well-coordinated attack and impenetrable defence. In the semifinal against TUT, UJ’s efforts paid off in the 18th minute when star striker Thato Mofolo netted the first goal. Just six minutes into the second half, Sthembile Msomi doubled the lead with a stunning strike. The deal was sealed when senior defender defender Shannon Macomo headed in a corner kick, as her defence prowess earned her the FNB Player of the Match award.
While UJ’s success was a team effort, several players stood out. Thato Mofolo was a force to be reckoned with, not only scoring a hat-trick in the opening match but also collecting multiple FNB Player of the Match accolades. Sbongakonke Mzobe was a consistent threat on the scoresheet, while the defensive duo of Shannon Macomo and Portia Masilela held the line with calm, experienced precision. In the midfield, Sthembile Sandleni and Gugulethu Dhlamini seamlessly controlled the flow of the game, enabling UJ’s relentless attack.
Despite their impressive winning streak, the job is not over. The UJ team will now face a formidable challenge in the final against defending champions, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), who are gunning for their third consecutive title.
FNB Player of the Match: Shannon Macomo (UJ)
UJ TEAM: Manana Myeki, Shannon Macomo, Portia Masilela, Kabelo Mokoena, Nokuthula Sekhukhuni, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Sthembile Sandleni, Gugulethu Dhlamini, Thato Mofolo, Kamogelo Maponya, Sthembile Msomi.
TUT TEAM: Rebaona Tshoma, Paballo Chela, Lindiwe Nkambule, Nonzuzo Buthelezi, Mahlodi Mokoena, Karabo Mohajane, Palesa Ntsholo, Samukelisiwe Thwala, Thabiso Senyatsi, Mokgaetji Ramanna, Tshephang Mosehla.
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