By: Ndumiso Nxumalo

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) suffered their first loss over University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN) on Wednesday night at UKZN’s Peter Boyzen Sport Ground,
Pietermaritzburg.

The home team scored three to snitch maximum points again the University Sports South Africa league leaders.  The DUT side were unbeaten in the league after eight games with two
draws and six wins.

The game was full of expectation with UKZN looking to hit back after DUT hammered them with a 4-0 thriller at Curries Fountain Sports Ground in the first round.

UKZN were the first to lay an attack when striker Dumsani “Zuzu” Mbambo’s shot hit the cross bar.

The shack DUT defence saw them conceding the first goal in the 21st minutes when Mbambo capitalise from a poor clearance.

It took Mbambo nine minutes to grab his brace when he skinned DUT defence with nice dribbling skills and fired a curling shot.

After conceding the second goal, the away team became players made many silly mistakes which saw them unable to combine well going forward.

DUT continued to make mistakes from the back and just before half time, they nearly conceding a third goal but keeper came to rescuer.

In the second half, the home side continued where they left off and gave DUT defenders a tough time.

DUT defender, Nhlakanipho Mabaso failed to clear a ball and that saw them conceding a third goal just 15 minutes in the second half, 3-0.

UKZN are now sitting on the third position in the league with DUT still in the top spot.

DUT skipper, Sanelo Duma said the wet peach made them unable to play their normal game.

“We tried our best, today was just not our day.  We couldn’t even made any combinational play and playing in the rainy condition was a hustle for us,” said Duma.

Mbamba said they are very pleased with the win in front of their home crowd.

“We played well and credits to the guys because they we played with our heart out, but DUT gave us a tough run,” said Zuzu.

DUT’s next encounter is at home against the second position UKZN Edgewood, venue to be confirmed.