University of Pretoria 0-2 Midlands Wanderers: Match Result & Highlights (29 Aug 2026)
Motsepe Foundation Championship (NFD) 2026/2027: University of Pretoria FC 0-2 Midlands Wanderers – Match Report and Highlights (29 August 2026).
Match report as Midlands Wanderers defeats University of Pretoria FC at the Tuks Stadium in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Lineups
Chuene Moabelo made the starting 11 while Vincent Sithole, Nqobani Biyela, and Oarabile Booysen started on the bench. All the four of these players are on loan at AmaTuks from pretoria giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
University of Pretoria FC’s starting XI: Ismail Rashid Watenga (Goalkeeper), Cassidy Snyders, Sibongakonke Mgwaba, Gladwin Shitolo (Captain), Jordan Sampson, Phiwayinkosi Zuma, Bongumusa Nkosi, Chuene Moabelo, Luvuyo Phewa, Jody Ah Shene, Ronaldo Maarman
Substitutes: Nqobani Biyela (Goalkeeper), Samuel Darpoh, Roy-Keane Avontuur, Vincent Sithole, Nhlanhla Mgaga, Amukelani Chauke, Teboho Lekhatla, Oarabile Booysen, Leandro De Sousa
Midlands Wanderers starting XI: Bayanda Zulu (Goalkeeper), Siyabonga Khumalo (Captain), Sipho Ndlovu, Sipho Ngqakabana, Rearden Dicken, Jabulani Mokone, Knowledge Miyeni, Melusi Dlamini, Smiso Gazu, Ndumiso Ngiba, Sonwabo Khumalo
Substitutes: Rethabile Lehubi, Melken, Bongani Cele, Sanele Radebe, Zeke May
Abafana Bebatha broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when an unmarked Ndumiso Ngiba headed the ball into the back of the net. This goal resulted from a Midlands Wanderers’ corner kick. This was the centre back’s first goal of the season.
Fourteen minutes later in the 33rd minute, another centre back, Smiso Gazu doubled Midlands Wanderers’ lead from a direct free kick. Gazu’s left footed shot was very close to the goal post and that was enough to beat AmaTuk’s Ugandan shotstopper, Ismail Rashid Watenga.
Honestly speaking, Watenga should have done better as the free kick didn’t have a lot of power and pace. So basically it was poor goalkeeping from AmaTuk’s number one goalkeeper.
This second second goal proved vital as it was enough to give the Pietermaritzburg side the bragging rights over the Pretoria side.
Substitutions
University of Pretoria
| Minute | Player out | Player in |
|---|---|---|
| 45’ | Jody Ah Shene | Roy-Keane Avontuur |
| 45’ | Luvuyo Phewa | Oarabile Booysen |
| 60’ | Ronaldo Maarman | Samuel Darpoh |
| 69’ | Jordan Sampson | Leandro De Sousa |
| 75’ | Bongumusa Nkosi | Teboho Lekhatla |
Midlands Wanderers
| Minute | Player out | Player in |
|---|---|---|
| 45’ | Sipho Ngqakabana | Rethabile Lehubi |
| 69’ | Knowledge Miyeni | Melken |
| 69’ | Sipho Ndlovu | Bongani Cele |
| 72’ | Sonwabo Khumalo | Sanele Radebe |
| 83’ | Rearden Dicken | Zeke May |
Following this win, Midlands Wanderers climbed to sixth position on the Motsepe Foundation Championship log with 3 points in their first two league games this season, having lost their season opener to Magesi last week.
On the other hand, this week’s defeat leaves AmaTuks with zero points in their first two league games, having also lost their season opener to Hope FC last week at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
Jabulani Mokone had a solid game at right back for Midlands Wanderers, keeping the AmaTuks wingers quiet throughout the entire match. He was arguably Abafana Bebatha’s best performer on the day. Jabu is with the Wanderers on a season long loan from Orlando Pirates.
Midlands Wanderers will play their next league game away from home against Real Native FC on Friday 4 September 2026 at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. While AmaTuks will play their next league game away from home against Venda FC on Saturday 5 September 2026, at Thohoyandou Stadium in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.
So what do you think about Midlands Wanderers’ win over the University of Pretoria FC? And which team played better according to you? Please share your opinion with us by dropping it in the comments section below.
READ MORE:
➜ Highbury FC announces lineup against Hope FC
➜ Hope FC reveals lineup against Highbury FC
➜ Round 2 Fixtures of Motsepe Foundation Championship 2026/27
