Wits and TUT shine in Varsity Football 2025 opener

Round 1 of the Varsity Football 2025 campaign kicked off with a bang. Returning giants Wits made a statement with a 4-1 thrashing of CUT in Johannesburg.

TUT edged DUT 1-0 at the iconic Harry Gwala Stadium, while UJ and NWU couldn’t be separated in a tightly contested draw. At Tuks Stadium, UP-Tuks and UFS shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate.

UJ 1-1 NWU

A chilly Johannesburg evening provided the perfect backdrop for a thrilling Varsity Football 2025 season opener as UJ faced off against NWU. With a packed stadium and buzzing crowd, the energy was electric from the first whistle.

The home side, UJ, wasted no time in igniting the crowd, scoring in just the third minute. Thabo Moshikere slotted home a tap-in after Yasidu Lifa headed down a pinpoint free kick from Teboho Makhalanyane. UJ held onto their 1-0 lead going into the break, though not without pressure from NWU. The visitors fought hard for an equaliser, with UJ goalkeeper Lungelo Sithole pulling off a crucial save from a close-range header. The game’s only caution went to NWU’s Thapelo Letsholonyane for a rough challenge.

In the second half, both teams traded attacks in a tense battle. The substitutions made by both coaches proved impactful, especially for NWU. Their efforts paid off in the 89th minute when Molemo Kukama found the back of the net, levelling the score at 1-1. The referee's final whistle blew shortly after, with the two teams taking home a point each.

SCORERS:

UJ: Thabo Moshikere

NWU: Molemo Kukama

Player of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza (UJ)

TEAMS

UJ: Lungelo Sithole, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Tumelo Machete, Yasidu Lifa, Thabo Moshikere, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Teboho Makhalanyane, Keletso Sekhwela, Karabo Modisane, and Tokoloho Modisane.

NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Knowledge Muleya, Lucky Letwaba, Aphelele Wandile Sibisi, Lucas Seromo, Pascual Tivane, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Momelezi Mngati, Xalani Masethi, Ranonyane Mmutlane, and Reatlegile Kgosithebe.

Wits 4-1 CUT

Wits marked their return to the Varsity Football tournament in style, securing a dominant 4-1 victory over CUT at Wits Rugby Stadium.

Back after a two-year absence from the campaign, Wits sent a clear message with a powerful performance.

The match was intense from the start, with both teams creating clear scoring opportunities. Wits took the lead when Tebogo Masemola scored a brilliant goal, assisted by Simphiwe Mabena. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the home side, with CUT reduced to 10 men after Malefetsane Doctor Matale received a red card.

Wits took full control in the second half, dictating the tempo and creating a host of scoring opportunities. Despite missing several early chances to extend their lead, they eventually found the back of the net three more times through Sfiso Mlondo, Mxolisi Mthiya, and Simphiwe Mabena. CUT pulled one back late in the match with a consolation goal from Nkosingiphile Lubisi, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

SCORERS:

Wits: Tebogo Masemola, Sfiso Mlondo, Mxolisi Mthiya, Simphiwe Mabena.

CUT: Nkosingiphile Lubisi.

Player of the Match: Kgwadi Molepo (Wits)

TEAMS:

WITS: Lwando Mvinjana, Obakeng Leping, Kahil Cloete, Tshepo Mothiba,Reabetswe Modise, Kwadi Molepo,Tebogo Masemola, Prince Manku Simphiwe Mabena,Lesedi Thabo Mphaki, Sfiso Mlondo,Mxolisi Mthiya,Thato Puswane.

CUT: Siseko Faku, Thabang Mokoena, Siyabonga Mzelem, Khotso Mphene, Alwande Sibiya, Polokelo Letlema, Tiisetso Mpholoane, Tshepo Lekoro, Boeletsang Restoration Rar,Mzwakhe Shabalala.

DUT 0-1 TUT

The iconic Harry Gwala Stadium set the stage for DUT's official Varsity Football debut as they faced off against TUT in a highly anticipated clash.

It didn’t take long for TUT to settle, as the Red Machine struck just seven minutes into the game. Precious Mohale tapped in from a well-placed six-yard pass to put the visitors ahead, 1-0 to TUT.

The match continued at a competitive pace, with DUT boosted by a packed stadium of home supporters. Both sides had opportunities, but none were converted before the break.

TUT’s experience showed as they maintained their narrow lead through halftime, despite the chilly Pietermaritzburg weather.

The second half kicked off with intensity. DUT came close to equalising through a powerful strike by Iviwe Sodidi, only to be denied by an outstanding save.

A crucial moment followed when Lucky Raphala was brought down in the box, earning a penalty. Sekwanele Mtolo rose to the occasion, saving the spot-kick and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

The battle remained fierce until the final whistle, but TUT held firm, using their composure to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory in their season opener.

SCORERS:

TUT: Precious Mohale

Player of the Match: Sphesihle Mazibuko (TUT)

TEAMS:

DUT: Kwanele Mtolo, Luyanda Ntuli, Nkululeko Nkosi, Xolani Mkhonza, Sifundo Ngema, Kwanele Vilakazi, Sbonelo Ngidi, Cebani Ngidi, Iviwe Sodidi, Ayanda Kunene.

TUT: Luvanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Mekdiwe Ncenya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja, Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Sphamandla Motihale, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Lucky Raphala, Glen Mashimbye, Precious Radithomo Mohale.

UP-Tuks 0-0 UFS

UP-Tuks and UFS ended their opening Varsity Football clash in a goalless draw. Hosting the match at a packed Tuks Stadium, the home team felt the pressure to impress, while UFS came determined to prove a point. The first half was intense, with Tuks showing more hunger and creating the early chances to break the deadlock.

The game was tightly contested with both teams evenly matched. Tuks had the first clear chance when Samukelo Ngodela’s shot hit the upright. UFS looked dangerous on counterattacks, but Tuks’ goalkeeper easily handled their back-to-back attempts.

Despite controlling possession for most of the first half, the Pretoria side couldn’t break down UFS’s defence. A costly error by Tuks captain Edward Rankwe nearly gave UFS the lead, but they failed to capitalise. The teams went into halftime locked at 0-0 after a frustrating first half.

Nicholas Stothard’s team came out strong after halftime, with Matome Rangata’s pace and Camagu Mdevulana’s precise passing threatening UFS. Debutant Risen Albert joined on the wing as Tuks pressed hard. Despite hitting the post twice, including a chance by Paballo Mamabolo, Tuks couldn’t break through. UFS’s solid defence held firm, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Player Of the match: Damian Overmeyer (UP-Tuks)

TEAMS:

UP-Tuks: Leathan Croats, Khotatso Balepile, Edward Rankwe, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Damian Overmeyer, Nkosana Shabalala, Camagu Mdevulana, Joshua Wood, Matome Rangata, Raymond Tshwane Matlamela, Samukelo Ngodela, Quintin Stokes-Waller.

UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Philani Zondi, Samkelo Nakedi, Xolani Mqwathi, Iviwe Dyabuza, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jose Mondi, Jarome Jansen, Kagiso Semenya, Adolph Radingoana.