The opening round of the Varsity Women's Football tournament got underway on Thursday evening in Potchefstroom.
UJ defeat Gauteng rivals 3-1 in opening encounter
UJ started off with a flying start as Amanda Mthandi scored within the first 10 minutes of the encounter in which they dominated from the whistle.
The women in orange showed true footballing class when Thato Letsoso extended their lead to 2-0 when she took full advantage of a free kick. Alexandra Michael struck back for Tuks when she managed to narrow the gap to 2-1 before half-time as she found the back of the net in what was a fast-paced game.
The second half saw UJ come out starting things just as they ended the first half – on top, as Mthandi scored her second goal to put her side 3-1 up. UJ were awarded a penalty, presenting Mthandi an opportunity to bag a hat-trick, but she failed to put the ball in the net. Tuks left the field with a defeat as UJ were off to a near-perfect start.
UWC put three past hosts in big opening win
UWC stunned NWU early in the game after a defensive blunder from the home team led to Nthabiseng Kgotsietsile's own goal.
Against the run of play, UWC were awarded a penalty when NWU keeper, Lerato Mahlangu, brought down a UWC player in the box. Thalea Smidt stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick to double her side's advantage.
NWU had the lion's share of possession in the first half, but it was UWC who went into the break smiling with a 2-0 lead.
With 10 minutes to go, UWC's goalkeeper, Jaime-Lee Peters, now playing outfield, put the final nail in the coffin as she strode the ball into the empty net to make it 3-0 after yet another defensive error from NWU.
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Kovsies strike late to bag a victory
Kovsies bagged a late winner through Lerato Moshoes to earn three points. Both teams did their part in the competition with chances going aplenty for both sides, but with neither able to convert.
The first half belonged to Kovsies as they showed more flair and determination to unlock the score, however, a great defensive performance by CUT kept the scores level at 0-0 as they entered half-time.
But in the dying minutes of the encounter Kovises were awarded a penalty and Lerato Moshoeshoe made no mistake in front goal breaking the deadlock for her side.
TUT start off title defence with convincing 3-0 win against UCT
The defending champions the Tshwane University of Technology got their Varsity Women's Football title defence off to an immaculate start with a crushing 3-0 victory over UCT in Group A.
TUT right winger, Salome Dikgale, threatened early and created problems for the UCT defence. It was soon 2-0 to the defending champions as they doubled the advantage. Soon enough, the lead increased to 3-0.
UCT had a chance early on in the second half and TUT had numerous chances convert but UCT's stubborn defence and goalkeeping heroics kept the scoreline respectable.
