Wits U17 produced a composed second-half display to defeat Prestige Football Development Academy 2-1 in their Gauteng Development League matchweek 23 fixture at Wits Marks Park on August 22, strengthening their push in the pursuit for top five.

The opening half was fiercely contested, with both sides showing attacking intent from the outset. Wits looked to exploit the half spaces while Prestige pressed high, resulting in an entertaining but goalless first 45 minutes. The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock when Udonna Ogbonna struck the upright, while Prestige nearly took the lead through Siyasanda Ngcem, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but fired straight at the Wits shot-stopper.

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Wits returned after the break with greater composure and purpose. Their persistence was rewarded when they earned a penalty, with Chinedu Ogbodo calmly converting from the spot to open the scoring. The home side continued to dominate possession and doubled their advantage moments later as Ogbonna capped off an influential performance with a well-taken finish to make it 2-0.

Prestige refused to fold and pulled a goal back through Bokang Paka, who converted from the penalty spot. The visitors searched for an equaliser, with Siphelele Ngongela coming closest when he headed over from a promising position. Despite late pressure, Wits defended to secure all three points.

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Wits U17 Captain Keoagile Motshaba credited the team’s determination for the victory. “We played and communicated very well. But the main thing was our hunger. We wanted the game more than them and executed what the coaches worked on with us during training.”

Motshaba said the difference after halftime was the team’s improved composure in front of goal. “The coaches told us to remain calm and take our time in the final third. We became more clinical, and that’s how we got our goals.”

Prestige coach Ofentse Ngwanapodi was disappointed with the result, believing key refereeing decisions influenced the outcome. “The first half was fair, and both teams played good football. My frustration is with some of the decisions in the second half, particularly the penalty and moments where I felt fouls against us were ignored.”

Despite the defeat, Ngwanapodi said his side would shift its attention to improving midfield ball recovery and maintaining focus ahead of their next league fixture.

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