Rhodes’s women’s soccer team put on a spirited display in losing 4-1 to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) on Friday the 14; a significant improvement on their 11-1 defeat in the sides’ previous fixture.
Rhodes’s women’s soccer team put on a spirited display in losing 4-1 to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) on Friday the 14; a significant improvement on their 11-1 defeat in the sides’ previous fixture.
Having led for much of the first half through Gabriella Bellairs-Lombard’s penalty, the hosts were picked apart on the stroke of half-time by a goal from Taskeen Daniels.
After the break, Amukelani Mageza put NMMU ahead.
Debutant Kelo Moze then compounded Rhodes’s misery with a late brace.
NMMU went on to beat Walter Sisulu University 3-0 in the final, while Rhodes were awarded victory by default in their second game after Fort Hare’s late arrival.
Rhodes women’s soccer coach Chris Totobela was happy with his team’s display against NMMU despite defeat, saying, “Credit must go to the players for their willingness to learn at training and for the tremendous effort they have put into their games lately.
This team is still a work-in-progress and I have faith in each and every one of them.”
Bellairs-Lombard was also impressed with Rhodes’s performance, saying, “Regardless of the score, the display we put on today was the best I have ever seen from us.
We normally put all our energy into the first few minutes of the game, but this time we fought right until the end.
I am so proud of all of our players. I have never seen us this strong.”
NMMU coach Fiona Fleur was humble in victory and admitted to having been “surprised” at the strength of Rhodes’s performance.
“Rhodes were a different team (compared to their last performance against NMMU).
They were more organised and fitter. (Athi Majali) played really well for them,” said Fleur.
“A setback such as conceding a penalty can happen, but at the end of the day it’s about how you get back. Rhodes ran out of steam eventually. You can’t play at a certain tempo for a whole game if your conditioning isn’t good enough.”
Rhodes will be delighted with their improvement from their previous clash against their fierce rivals, but will be hoping to pose an even bigger challenge to NMMU when the sides next meet.
