AmaTuks pull off a major upset against Moroka Swallows

By Velile Mnyandu
14th March 2024

University of Pretoria became the first team to reach the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals when they knocked out Premier Division side Moroka Swallows beating them 2-1 in a last 16 match played at the Tuks stadium in Pretoria last night.

In what was a repeat of the 2009 final, the Motsepe Foundation Championship side returned with a strong performance in the second half and scored goals through Tebogo Mohlamonyane and later the winning goal from Thabang Sibanyoni.

Tuks head coach Tlisane Motaung says Swallows couldn’t cope with their second-half approach.

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"We realized that there were gaps, especially on flanks, we wanted to exploit that space, that's why when we bought DeKenny [Kenneth Langa] and took Delano [Abrahams] on the right, Kenneth Langa, we thought then bring in Sibanyoni and Kamo [Kamogelo Pheeane] up top,” Motaung said.

“We wanted to inflict a little bit of pressure on them, especially the two centre backs then we said first half we were more playing it looking to build from the back but second half let's go the other route that we know, go up and see if they'll be able to last. “Unfortunately, we conceded a soft goal in my view, we could have done better defensively but we didn't feel any pressure because we knew that we might get something before we finish. Otherwise, we were certain that in the extra time, one or two of them, they might run out of legs and we'll be able to capitalise."

With Tuks also chasing promotion to the elite league and just a point behind log leaders Magesi United with nine games to go, Motaung also revealed why he left some of his regular players on the bench for this game.

"One has to really give credit to the boys, I thought they fought in terms of our planning, we wanted to give one or two guys an opportunity. A player like Promise [Mkhuma] he hasn't been starting regularly. Ayanda Mvambi hasn't been starting regularly, Thabiso Mokoena. So we felt that it's an opportunity at least and also we did not want to hamper with the rhythm of the team at the same time and that's why we're excited and I give credit to the boys that they managed to win this particular match," Motaung added.