TUT to battle UFS in Varsity Football 2025 final showdown

TUT secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UJ in a tense Varsity Football semifinal, booking their place in the final where they will face UFS. Meanwhile UFS advanced after holding their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout, edging NWU 4-3 to seal their spot in the championship clash.

UJ 0-1 TUT

In a nail-biting Varsity Football semifinal showdown, TUT Football secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts UJ Football. The match, played at a hushed UJ Soweto Stadium, was a tense tactical battle that came down to a single moment of brilliance.

The opening half was a cagey affair, with both teams prioritizing defence. TUT controlled possession, pushing UJ deep into their own territory, but neither side managed to create a clear-cut opportunity. The most notable action came in the 6th minute when UJ's goalkeeper, Kyle Van Rensburg, was forced to make a save from a long-range shot. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0.

After the break, the intensity ramped up significantly. The physical game led to a flurry of yellow cards, and the momentum shifted decisively in the 69th minute. UJ's Yasidu Lifa received his second yellow card, earning him a red card and an early exit. 

This left the home team to play the remainder of the match with just ten men, giving TUT the confidence to press their advantage.

The decisive moment came shortly after. TUT's Lehlomo Tolo delivered the winning blow with a stunning strike, finding the back of the net and putting his team up 1-0. Having a man and a goal advantage, TUT continued to attack, but the score remained 1-0 at the final whistle.

This win was sweet revenge for TUT, who had been defeated 1-0 by UJ in a previous match in Round 6 during the round-robin stage. After finishing the season at the top of the table with five wins and two draws, TUT's victory eliminated UJ from the title race and earned them a well-deserved place in the final.

SCORERS:

TUT: Lehlomo Tolo.

Player of the Match: Lucky Raphala (TUT)

UJ: Kyle Van Rensburg, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Tumelo Machete, Tumelo Machete, Karabo Modisane, Ngwako Ramaloko, Yasidu Lifa, Tokoloho Vilakazi, Thabo Moshikere, Tshepo Mosieleng, Keletso Sekhwela.

TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Mekdiwe Ncenya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja, Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Motlhale, Menzukuthula Ntshangase, Lucky Raphala, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Precious Mohale.

NWU 0-0 UFS

NWU Football suffered a heartbreaking exit from the Varsity Football 2025 semifinals after falling 4-3 to UFS Football in a tense penalty shootout at NWU Mafikeng Stadium on Thursday night.

The much-anticipated clash lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and determination from the opening whistle. NWU took the early initiative, controlling possession and registering two shots on target in the opening 20 minutes, while UFS managed one attempt as they looked to settle into the game.

Despite NWU’s dominance in the first half, creating several promising chances and keeping UFS under pressure, neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval. The second half followed a similar pattern, with NWU continuing to push forward in search of a decisive goal.

The best chance of the match arrived in the final minute of regulation time when NWU were awarded a penalty. However, the opportunity slipped away when Momelezi Mngati failed to convert, leaving the score at 0-0 after 90 minutes and forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, both teams held their nerve initially, but two missed penalties from NWU proved costly. UFS capitalised on their chances, converting four of their spot-kicks to seal a 4-3 victory and book their place in the Varsity Football final.

It was a bitter end to an otherwise dominant performance from NWU, who controlled much of the match but could not translate their superiority into goals. The result means their 2025 Varsity Football journey comes to an end, while UFS advances with momentum into the championship decider.

Player of the match: Lethokuhle Makhaya (UFS)

NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Lucky Letwaba, Lucas Seromo, Aphelele Wandile Sibisi, Knowledge Muleya, Thabang Majoro, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Momelezi Mngati, Bokamoso Ramoshoane, Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk.

UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Philani Zondi, Xolani Mqwathi, Iviwe Dyabuza, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jose Mondi, Jarome Jansen, Omphemetse Matlhogonolo Athibeng, Kagisho Lekholoa, Adolph Radingoana.