Stars align as Tuks prepare to challenge UJ in Varsity Football Women's final

The stars have aligned for UP-Tuks as they fought till the end to reach the Varsity Football final for the third time. The Stripe Generation embarked on the tournament with fresh look and new leadership in a shape of Sibusiso Themba.

The Pretoria outfit started sluggish failing to win the opening two games, however skipper S’bahle Ndlovu and her teammates went on to top their group with much needed two victories against CPUT and Wits before knocking out Tshwane rivals TUT in a feisty penalty shootout. 

“It’s a special feeling to be playing in the final, reaching the final is something to be proud of considering the journey we had as a team. there is excitement and a lot of focus because we know worked hard to be where we are and now there is only one game left to finish the job,” said Ndlovu.

Playing against UJ will be a great challenge but we are not focused on what happened the last time we played them as anything can happen. The first week we were last on the log, and now we are competing in the final. We will go all out and together and fight for every ball.”

The 23-year-old midfielder alluded the commitment her team shown in this campaign.

“I will be playing in the first final since 2023, after missing out in the previous years and now being able to lead the team in the bigger stage I cannot take it for granted. It means a lot to us because it represents the hard work and effort we put in this tournament,” she said.

“We have become more disciplined in how we approach our games and staying composed when things do not go our way. We are always united and play for each other and I think that has shown this year. I am proud of this group; we have a lot of talented young players that shown so much courage and willingness. We learn a lot from each other.”  

The final takes place on 19 August, 7pm at UJ Soweto Stadium.

Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE 

By:Lehlogonolo Ditshego