TUT dethrone UJ to lift third Varsity Football crown

The Tshwane University have dethroned the University of Johannesburg to lift their third Varsity Football title.

It was a highly-anticipated final between the two best sides of this year’s Varsity Football tournament and the game which promised fireworks was living up to expectations.

The first 25 minutes of the match were an evenly contested affair, with TUT creating some half chances following set pieces.

UJ had a decent attempt in the 27th minute but Philane Masondo’s shot went wide off the target.

TUT eventually opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, when Kutloano Manamela found the back of the net with a stunning volley.

However, their lead lasted just one minute as Thanda Madiba found the equaliser from a tight angle after being set up by Thulani Zandamela.

UJ almost scored their second goal in injury-time of the first half but Tebogo Lekaba cleared the ball off the line.

TUT then went close in the first minute after half-time but a cross by Hendrick Xaba was blocked by Neo Lebopa.

Madiba had a decent chance with a free-kick in the 59th minute but his attempt flew over the bar.

TUT eventually found the winner in the 83rd minute, which came via an own goal by Maselesele Makoti after fine work down the right flank from Tumelo Hope Moeng.

UJ tried to find another equaliser but it wasn’t to be, leading to wild celebrations of the Red Army.

Coach Bushy Moloi was seen dancing on the sidelines as his troops lifted their third title after 2016 and 2018.

The Varsity Football team would also look to express their best wishes to injured TUT defender Siphosethu Mkhize, who had to be stretchered off the pitch in the dying minutes of the game.

Score: UJ 1-2 TUT

Goals: 32’ 0-1 Kutloano Manamela, 33’ 1-1 Thanda Madiba, 83’ 1-2 Maselesele Makoti (OG)

Man of the Match: Tshiamo Mahome (TUT)

UJ starting XI: Lona Richard Banga, Maselesele Makoti, Neo Lebopa, Siphiwe Manana, Thanda Madiba, Sanele Ndlalane, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Advocate Mokwena, Thulani Zandamela, Gerald Ndlovu, Philane Masondo

TUT starting XI: Sikhumbuzo Ncube, Sanele Nene, Tebogo Lekaba, Kutloano Manamela, Siphosethu Mkhize, Alan Majo, Andile Yamile, Hendrick Xaba, Tshiamo Mahome, Tumelo Hope Moeng, Tshepiso Mnisi