Defending champs UFS out to prove 2025 Varsity Football triumph was no fluke

The University of the Free State (UFS) will begin the defence of their Varsity Football title on Friday and, as is the nature of the competition, they will need to be at their best from the opening whistle when they host the ever-dangerous University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.

There is certainly pressure on UFS, given the quality of their opponents, while they will also have a target on their backs after their remarkable 2025 campaign, during which they defied the odds to win the title.

The man who masterminded that memorable triumph was head coach Mokete Tsotetsi. He has since had more time to work with his squad and mould them into a team he believes is capable of successfully defending their crown.

“Going into the tournament as defending champions, it’s not easy,” said Tsotetsi.

“Obviously, we need to be confident and believe that we can retain the championship. The confidence is there because of the way we’ve been preparing.”

The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs centre-back stressed the importance of learning from the past without dwelling on it, choosing instead to focus on the challenge ahead.

“We need to put last year behind us as history and focus on the future,” Tsotetsi added.

“We take what we did right and try to improve on it, while also looking at where we can be better. This is a new year and a new tournament.

“Teams will approach games differently now because we are the champions. We’re not forgetting what happened, but we’re taking the positives from last year and building on them.

“We still have about 70% of the squad that participated last year, with some new players coming in. It’s a good balance. The core of the team is still there, and the new players have added to the group.”

The UFS Blues will kick-off their eagerly anticipated title defence against UP-Tuks at Shimla Park on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

UFS Mens Provisional Squad

Lethokuhle Zipho Makhaya, Pule Leqela, Itumeleng Louw, Sandile Mhlanga, Ben Gaebolae Kraai, Simphiwe Sfiso Mbuyisa, Philani Zondi, Paballo Makgareetse, Sphesihle Alwande Magasela, Luvuyo Siyanda Kwasi, Thabang Ntohla, Keabetswe Malefetsane Dikgele Mofokeng, Jarome Abe Jansen, Rhulani Fortune Nkosi, Tshepo Shelton Ndlovu, Kagisho Sabata Lekholoa, Kagiso Blessing Semenya, Samkelo Nakedi, Thandolwethu Thabethe, Sachile Eusil Nyathi, Rantsane Erdwin Peete, Adolph Emport Radingoana, Ivence Mbhele, Thabang Mollo.

Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE