The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) made it six Varsity Women’s Football titles in a row when they beat the University of the Western Cape 4-1 in the 2019 final after a penalty shootout.

UWC started the final the better of the two teams, controlling the bulk of possession and territory in the opening quarter of the match at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium. Despite this fact, their attacking trio of Molatelo Kobo, Janice Smith and Mbaliyethu Mhlongo couldn’t find a clear opening.

In the 18th minute UWC’s pressure has borne fruit. TUT’s Nokwanda Shabangu received a weak pass from her goalkeeper Loretta Mokoena, was robbed in by Kobo, and the UWC right-winger beat the onrushing Mokoena with a pass to Smith who duly side-footed home for the Capetonians to lead 1-0.

In the aftermath of the opener, TUT got a foothold in the game without really threatening the UWC defence – who did catch them off-sides twice and thwarted two corner kicks.

As it happened, Mhlongo very nearly doubled UWC’s lead in the 30th minute, when her left-footed effort hit the post with Mokoena left standing. Kobo misdirected the rebound too.

By the time the half-time whistle went, UWC were full value for their 1-0 lead but coach Thinasonke Mbuli would well have been rueful that they weren’t further ahead.

TUT, meanwhile, were yet to find their rhythm.

Neither team did so at the start of the second half, which is probably why the next goal came via a mistake.

In the 43rd minute, Hildah Magaia tried to latch onto a through ball from Nomhle Sangweni. UWC’ keeper Regiri Ngobeni seemed to have it smothered but then spilt the ball and the Magaia made no mistake into an unguarded goal to make matters equal at 1-1.

After a serious injury to TUT’s goal keeper, Mokoena, which was responsible for a 15-minute delay in the match, the Pretoria girls restarted the better of the two teams.

UWC eventually also found their rhythm again, without properly testing the TUT defence and the match ended with penalties to ensue.

Eventually TUT replacement goalkeeper and captain, Hildah Magaia, duly became the hero. She saved UWC’s third penalty from Zondi (after Smith hit the upright with the first) and then Katlego Khwinana buried the decisive fourth as TUT’s won the shootout 4-1 to claim an unprecedented sixth straight Varsity Women’s Football title.

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