TUT road to the Varsity Football final

TUT’s road to the 2026 Varsity Football final has been built on resilience, attacking quality and the ability to deliver when it matters most. The Red Army struggled in the early stages and then clutched in the final group stage game to advance to the playoffs with a better goal difference.

TUT opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to UJ before bouncing back in emphatic fashion. TUT claimed their first win of the season against defending champions UFS, with captain Lucky Raphala calmly converting from the penalty spot to secure a valuable three points.

A thrilling Tshwane derby against UP-Tuks followed, with TUT taking the lead through Likho James before the Stripe Generation fought back to earn a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Luyanda Madindi played a crucial role late in the contest to preserve the point.

TUT suffered a setback against UWC but responded with one of the season’s most dramatic victories. Goals from Raphala and Akani Rathokoa put the Red Army ahead at different stages against DUT before Ntshuxeko Mkhabela converted a penalty in the fourth minute of stoppage time to seal a 3-2 win.

A 2-0 defeat to Wits followed, but TUT finished the group phase strongly. Going into the final group stage match they were in 6th on the log tied on points with UFS in 5th and needed a big win to stand a chance of making it to semi-finals. They dismantled UL 4-1, with Likho James, Akani Rathokoa and Kearabilwe Mphahlele all finding the net to book their spot in the playoffs with a better goal difference than defending champs UFS.

Then came the semi-final rematch with Wits. TUT produced a disciplined performance to secure a 1-0 victory, with Mphahlele finishing a neat combination involving James in the 19th minute. Despite increasing pressure from Wits in the second half, the Red Army held firm to book their place in the final.

Now TUT stand one game away from another Varsity Football title. Their final challenge will be familiar opposition, as they face UP-Tuks at Tuks Stadium on 2 October at 19:00.

The Tshwane rivals have already shared the spoils this season. There will be no such luxury in the final.

One match remains. One trophy awaits.