Spurs suffer first Motsepe Foundation Championship defeat
Despite a late push for yet another comeback, Cape Town Spurs suffered their first defeat of the 2022 Motsepe Foundation Championship on Wednesday afternoon, with the University of Pretoria recording a 3-2 at the Tuks Stadium.
The home side made their intentions known early on, as they looked to adopt the long ball tactic during the opening exchanges of the game. Just before the 10 minute mark, the game was brought to a halt for a brief moment, as bees appeared to have invaded the Tuks goal area.
As the game resumed, Tuks immediately took the direct route at lofting the ball into the Spurs half, which disrupted the Spurs passing rhythm for much of the first half.
Tuks broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, as Khomotso Marebane got his name on the scoresheet. The Urban Warriors searched for an equaliser as the half progressed, while AmaTuks continued to go direct.
In a space of five minutes, Tuks scored twice just before the break as Nhlanhla Zwane and Delano Abrahams added their names to the scoresheet.
The second-half began in the same manner to that of the first 45, as the hosts employed a route one tactic. Coach Shaun Bartlett hit the troubleshoot button 10 minutes into the half as Asanele Velebayi and Logan Brown were introduced from the bench.
Spurs looked positive mid-way through the second-half and began stringing passes together with positive build up play. As a result, Spurs managed to get stronger as the clock ticked down, much like that of the first two encounters of the league season.
After winning a penalty in the 82nd minute, Ashley Cupido scored for the third game running, while Logan Brown added his name to the scoreboard during a scramble for the ball in the Tuks penalty area in the dying minutes of the encounter.
University of Pretoria: (3) 3 (Marebane 12’, Zwane 39’, 45’ Abrahams)
Cape Town Spurs: (0) 2 ( Cupido 82’ Brown 90+’)
Tuks: Mamabolo, Maqoko, Nkogase, Nkewana, Julies, Marebane, Abrahams, Langa, Nguse, Pheeane, Zwane
Spurs: Vyver, Daniels, Dortley, Mfecane, Bern, Allie, Moroole, Morton, Butsaka, Mpame, Cupido