VANDERBIJLPARK.- VUT FC had to dig deep to beat a youthful NWU Vaal FC team 1-0 in Sunday’s entertaining Safa Sedibeng Hollywood Regional League at NWU Vaal Campus.
This was a top-of-the-table clash, with VUT FC sitting at the summit of the Stream A log with a game to go before wrapping the 2023/2024 season. ‘The Blue Army’ as VUT is affectionately known will play their last game against RESA this coming weekend at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark.
As things stand, VUT stands a good chance to be crowned the league champions in this stream ahead of their rivals Vaal Juventus FC who are sitting second on the log. Both teams are left with one game with VUT leading Juventus with a point.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s game started with a blasting pace with both teams canceling each other on the attack, however, VUT FC created a better chance compared to the home side. The game went to interval with the scoreboard reading 0-0. The tempers were flying high on the bench for the better part of the game, even before the game started.
The soccer fans who came to watch this game went home entertained by both team’s displays. However, there was a drama when the VUT FC bench protested one of the NWU Vaal FC players whom they claimed was not properly registered. The game had to be stopped for a few minutes with both teams’ captains having to sign a protest letter on the touchline.
At this stage, the game was still goalless, however, VUT FC scored a winning goal with less than five minutes remaining from a run of play. However, a few minutes later NWU Vaal FC could have equalised but ‘blood ran into their heads’ when they rushed to take a shot inside the box.
VUT FC Coach, Obakeng “Bucks” Naane who is the former club’s goalkeeper told Sedibeng Ster Sport that it was a hard-fought victory. Naane said the aim is to win the league and represent Sedibeng at Promotional Play-Offs for promotion to the ABC Motsepe League.
“We made it clear at the beginning of the season that we would challenge the league title with the aim to gain promotion to the ABC Motsepe League. However, we are still left with a game against RESA. The league is not yet over because Vaal Juventus FC is also behind our heels even though they are one point behind us,” said Naane.
