Newcomers UJ upset NMMU 3-0 in a fiery Varsity Football clash at a packed Bunting Road Campus Sports Complex in Johannesburg on Monday night.
UJ had a strong start with some early possession, showing their confidence in front of their home supporters, who came out in droves despite the chilly weather.
UJ's early pressure almost paid off when they got the first chance at goal, but the free-kick from just outside the penalty area went wide and posed no threat to the visitors.
Another attack on the Madibaz' goal saw UJ striker Ruwell Jagger yellow-carded for simulation after he was deemed to be diving in the area.
The rest of the first-half was a heated affair with both sides making lots of unnecessary fouls.
NMMU playmaker Cloudius Sagandira had the crowd worried when he stayed down after a clash of heads in the UJ penalty area, but he was soon on his feet again and match continued.
UJ started the second half in similar fashion and midfielder Ponshu Nyathi made no mistake in putting them ahead 1-0 after some silky passing in midfield.
The goal boosted the home side's confidence and they showed their class with some exciting football as the second-half progressed. Nyathi again found his way into the area in the 22nd minute again before beating Madibaz' goalkeeper Lyndsay Jennings for UJ to go 2-0 up.
NMMU pressed to get a comeback going but some brilliant defending from Ruben De Freitas ensured the hosts kept their lead.
The hosts put the last nail in the coffin for NMMU in the 80th minute when striker Tebogo Mandyu broke through the defence before drove the ball home to make the score 3-0.
The match ended 3-0 after 93 minutes.
FNB man of the match: Ponshu Nyathi
Samsung Super Striker: Ponshu Nyathi
Goalscorers:
For UJ :Nyathi 2, Mandyu
Teams:
UJ: 1 Trent Harrison, 3 Wisdom Mathebula, 4 Grant Bruchhausen, 6 Lwazi Nogenga, 7 Lerato Tleane, 9 Ruwell Jagger, 11 Tebogo Mandyu, 13 Tshepo Tolo, 14 Ruben De Freitas, 15 Sandro Claro, 18 Ponshu Nyathi.
Substitutes: 2 Stuart Peverett, 2 Matthew Edwards, 8 Lumkile Dava, 19 Karl Clements, 12 Steven Sibanyoni, 16 Mfundo Mazibuko.
NMMU: 24 Lyndsay Jennings, 3 Warren Kops, 5 Athini Bisha, 16 Lundi Balfour, 12 Onela Beqezi, 11 Kieran Koert, 19 Motlhabi Karabo, 4 Zukisani Mtendeni, 15 Alexander Owusu, 8 Lukanyo Rasmeni, 10 Cloudius Sagandira.
Substitutes: 1 Matthew Booysen, 2 Lukanyo Stemele, 7 Cornelius Matuoane, 9 Lukhanyo Ndabeta, 22 Reginald Mabokane, 21 Kevin Kevido, 20 Litha Fingo.
