AmaTuks skipper Shitolo believes first win marks a turning point

University of Pretoria captain Gladwin Shitolo believes AmaTuks have overcome a difficult start to the season after their first victory in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

AmaTuks defeated Venda FC 2-0 at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, with Samuel Darpoh and Luvuyo Phewa scoring for the visitors.

The result was the university side’s first win of the campaign after defeats in their opening two fixtures. Shitolo said the three points could provide the platform for a sustained improvement under head coach Michael Loftman.

“It was a very important win for us, especially because we lost our two opening fixtures [to Midlands Wanderers and Hope home and away respectively]. These three points mean a lot and I believe we will never stop winning now,” Shitolo said.

Loftman, a former assistant coach at Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, took charge of AmaTuks at the beginning of the current Motsepe Foundation Championship season. He replaced Kwanele Kopo in the role.

Shitolo joined University of Pretoria at the start of the season after leaving Golden Arrows. The defender now hopes the victory over Venda will begin to change the team’s fortunes.

AmaTuks will attempt to build on the result when they host recently relegated Orbit College at Tuks Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.

The win over Venda was one of several closely contested results in the latest round of matches. Gomora beat Bees 1-0, while Hope recorded a 1-0 victory against North West.

Highbury also secured a 1-0 away win at Upington, and Native defeated Midlands 1-0. Magesi claimed a 3-1 victory over Leicesterford, while Cape Town City came from the round with a 2-1 win against Lions.

The full results were:

– Cape Town City 2-1 Lions – Bees 0-1 Gomora – North West 0-1 Hope – Leicesterford 1-3 Magesi – Venda 0-2 AmaTuks – Upington 0-1 Highbury – Native 1-0 Midlands