FNB Players That Impressed in Varsity Football Round 2

Round 2 of the Varsity Football 2025 campaign produced exciting results, with Wits securing their second consecutive victory of the tournament by defeating DUT 2-0 at Wits Stadium. In Bloemfontein, UJ edged UFS in a tense encounter, clinching a narrow 1-0 win. NWU continued their strong form at home with a 1-0 triumph over CUT, while the Tshwane derby between UP-Tuks and TUT ended in a goalless stalemate.

Here are the players who made the biggest impact in their respective matches.

Prince Manku - (Wits Men’s Football)

The standout performer of the match is Prince Manku, who earned the Man of the Match award with a stellar display. His impressive passing range, ability to play in tight spaces, and physical presence that unsettled the defense of DUT were key factors in his team's success.

Manku's influence on the game is evident, as he scored a goal and provided an assist, showcasing his skills as a dynamic and clinical finisher. His award as goal rush and Man of the Match is well-deserved, given his significant impact on the game.

"I put a lot of work behind the scenes. I must give myself credit here and there. It's a long tournament and we know you don't have to be the best everyday but it's important to grind out results especially at this level of Varsity Football I think I've gained enough experience since 2023, to know that it's not just about performance.”

Edward Rankwe (UP-Tuks Men’s Football)

Though still in search of first victory, UP-Tuks maintain a clean sheet in the Tshwane derby. At the helm was the skipper Edward Rankwe who orchestrated the defence as a unit.

“I am not really satisfied, I think I lost few duels, but I am quite happy this is something I can carry on going forward. I was talking to one of my teammates, I feel like we can win the next two games away and get the six. When our backs are against the wall we perform. We dropped points again, us not taking our chances it is not the results we wanted. We are running out of time, we need to get the goals."

"It is frustrating because we have one of the best attacks. I know our attack with get it right and once we start hitting the net we will go up and no more going down.”

Iviwe Dyabuza – (UFS Men’s Football)

Viwe Dyabuza led from the front with a tireless work-rate that eclipsed anyone else on the park. While marshalling his troops at the back, he was not shy to push forward and put in the hard yards, often playing more like a defensive midfielder than a left-back.

Momelezi Mngati – (NWU Men’s Football)

The NWU jersey number 9 was named Player of the Match following his outstanding display in the 1-0 victory over the CUT. Mngati impressed with his sharp ball control and confident play, dictating the pace of the game from midfield.

Under pressure, he retained possession with ease, showcasing composure and accuracy. Every pass he made reached its intended target, with no turnovers recorded, reflecting his precision and focus.

His vision allowed him to link up seamlessly with teammates, creating attacking opportunities and keeping the CUT defence on alert throughout the match. Mngati’s performance was instrumental in maintaining NWU’s momentum and territorial dominance, setting the stage for the winning goal in the second half.

Fixtures: HERE  

Tickets: HERE.