UFS roar in derby as NWU edge TUT in Varsity Football round 5

Round five of Varsity Football lived up to expectations, with the Bloemfontein derby delivering an exciting clash as UFS triumphed 2-1 over rivals CUT at Shimlas Park. NWU edged past TUT in a dominant display, showcasing their strength and control to secure a well-deserved 1-0 victory at NWU Mahikeng Stadium. UP-Tuks’s knockout hopes suffered a setback after a 1-1 draw against Wits at Tuks Stadium, while log leaders UJ managed to salvage a point against DUT.

TUT 0-1 NWU

NWU Men’s Football showed great control on the ball and tactical discipline to earn a hard-fought win over TUT Men’s Football in their Varsity Football clash on Thursday.

From the opening whistle, NWU set the tempo with a possession-based approach that left TUT chasing shadows. In the first 30 minutes, NWU enjoyed nearly 70% ball possession and produced three shots on target, while their opponents struggled to test the goalkeeper. The Mahikeng-based side’s midfield dominance and patient build-up highlighted their intent to dictate play.

TUT’s plan was built around transitional football, looking to strike through counterattacks. While this strategy allowed them occasional forward runs, the lack of precision in the final third meant their attacking threat was limited. With no shots on target in the opening half, TUT were left frustrated against a well-structured NWU backline.

The breakthrough came in the second half when NWU’s sustained pressure finally paid off. A well-worked move down the right flank opened space for striker Momelezi Mngati, who clinically converted to put his side ahead. The goal was a product of sharp ball rotation and intelligent movement, underlining NWU’s attacking discipline.

Mngati’s strike proved to be the decisive moment as TUT failed to mount a meaningful comeback. Despite increasing their intensity late in the game, their efforts were neutralised by NWU’s defensive organisation and composure in possession.

The victory not only secured three crucial points for NWU but also demonstrated their ability to combine tactical patience with attacking flair. For TUT, the performance highlighted areas of concern in the final third that will need urgent attention as the competition progresses.

SCORERS

NWU: Momelezi Mngati

Player of the Match: Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk (NWU)

TEAMS

NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Knowledge Muleya, Lucky Letwaba, Aphelele Sibisi (captain), Lucas Seromo, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Thabang Majoro, Bokamoso Ramoshoane, Momelezi Mngati, Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk, Reatlegile Kgosithebe.

TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Alan Moja, Surprise Khoza, Lehlomo Tolo, Makdiwe Ncenya, Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Sphamandla Motlhale, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Lucky Raphala, Glen Mashimbye, Precious Radithomo Mohale.

UJ 1-1 DUT

In a thrilling match that defied their recent record, coach Zipho Dlangalala’s Durban DUT Men’s Football secured a hard-earned point against the UJ Men’s Football on Thursday night. Playing on UJ's home turf, DUT showed no signs of discouragement from their four consecutive losses, starting the game with impressive confidence.

The game began with a cautious pace, as DUT spent the first 10 minutes sizing up UJ's possession. It wasn't long before DUT seized an opportunity, with their captain, Xolani Mkhonza, scoring the opening goal from a penalty kick in the 14^th minute after a UJ handball in the box.

The penalty was a direct result of UJ's miscommunication at the back, leading to a corner kick that put the home team under pressure. The goal visibly rattled UJ, causing their midfield to falter and create turnover balls that the visitors eagerly capitalized on. Despite multiple attempts on goal from both sides, DUT maintained their 1-0 advantage going into halftime.

The second half kicked off with a high tempo as UJ relentlessly pursued an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 61^st minute when striker Keletso Sekhwela scored with a perfectly placed header from a corner kick delivered by Teboho Makhalanyane. Both teams had multiple chances in the second half. UJ’s Karabo Modisane and Makhalanyane made several threatening runs into the DUT box, but the visitors’ defence held strong.

DUT’s players also shined, with Phiweyinkosi Mchunu, Iviwe Sodidi, and captain Mkhonza playing pivotal roles in driving their team forward. DUT’s solid defensive line proved to be a fortress, effectively shielding goalkeeper Samkelo Zulu from further goals.

The final minutes of the match were tense. DUT finished the game with only 10 men on the field after substitute Luyanda Ntuli received a red card less than 5 minutes on the pitch, for fouling UJ’s Modisane just outside the box. Despite being a man down, the team's resilience did not waver.

After 95 minutes of intense football, DUT walked away with a crucial point, a significant achievement after five challenging games.

SCORERS

UJ: Keletso Sekhwela

DUT: Xolani Mkhonza

Player of the Match: Sanele Mncube (UJ)

TEAMS:

UJ: Yasidu Lifa, Thabo Moshikere, Bonolo Magoro, Karabo Modisane, Tshepo Mosieleng, Keletso Sekhwela, Sanale Mncube, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Teboho Makhalanyane, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Kyle Van Rensburg.

DUT: Samkelo Zulu, Sibonginhlanhla Hlatshwayo, Xolani Mkhonza, Sifundo Ngema, Nkululeko Nkosi, Thalente Mkhize, Sbonelo Ngidi, Mnaqoba Mlele, Phiwayinkosi Mchunu, Iviwe Sodidi, Cebani Ngidi.

UP-Tuks 1-1 Wits

UP-Tuks Men’s Football knock out hopes where dented by Wits Men’s Football as the Stripe Generations were held to a one-all draw at Tuks Stadium.

The home side remains static on the sixth position after failing to register their first win of the season. Desperate for a win the UP-Tuks played hosts to Wits with hopes high to survive.

The Pretoria outfit is without a victory in four rounds picking up three draws and a defeat against UJ in their last outing.

Nicholas Stothard’s side continues to struggle, remaining winless after five rounds. The Stripe Generation started brightly, pressing the visitors hard in the early stages and looking threatening from set pieces as well as when building from the back. However, missed opportunities in the first half once again proved costly, as their ongoing struggle to convert chances continues to haunt them.

Wits relied on quick counter-attacks and were rewarded just before halftime when they earned a penalty. Simphiwe Mabena stepped up confidently and slotted it home to give the visitors the lead at the break, capping off an action-packed first half with Wits ahead.

Stripe Generation returned from the break with clear mission as Camagu Mdevulana saw his efforts hit the upright. From being a wall in Tuks defence to grabbing an equalizer as Damian Overmeyer pulled one back for Tuks. On the hour mark Overmeyer found himself in box and perfectly executed the header finding an open net.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw at Tuks Stadium, leaving the home side still searching for form.

SCORERS

UP-Tuks: Damian Overmeyer

Wits: Simphiwe Mabena

FNB Player of the Match: Matome Rangata (UP-Tuks)

TEAMS

UP-Tuks: Leathan Croats, Khotatso Balepile, Edward Rankwe, Damian Overmeyer, Nkosana Shabalala, Camagu Mdevulana, Samukelo Ngodela, Matome Rangata, Raymond Matlamela, Risen Albert, Ntokozo Madela.

Wits: Lwando Mvinjana, Obakeng Leping, Kgwadi Molepo, Sifiso Mlondo, Tebogo Masemola, Karabo Tsoane, Prince Manku, Tumelo Nkwe, Tshepho Mothiba, Mxolisi Mthiya, Kaihil Cloete.

UFS 2-1 CUT

In a pulsating Bloemfontein derby at Shimla Park, the UFS Men’s Football showcased their dominance to secure a well-deserved 2-1 victory over cross-town rivals CUT Men’s Football. The home side set the tone early, dictating play with a clear game plan centred on long balls that left CUT’s defence scrambling.

UFS struck first in the 25th minute when goalkeeper Lethokuhle Makhaya’s pinpoint long ball found Kagiso Semenya, who produced a moment of magic with a delicate chip over the CUT keeper. The Kovsie forwards continued to wreak havoc, exploiting their aerial prowess. Just before the break, Jarome Jansen coolly converted a penalty, doubling the lead and sending Shimlas into half-time firmly in control at 2-0.

Despite their dominance, UFS were left ruing missed opportunities, with winger Omphemetse Athibeng failing to capitalise on several chances that could have put the game beyond reach. 

CUT, limited to counter-attacking moments in the first half, showed resilience after the interval. The visitors created a handful of chances and earned a few corners but lacked the cutting edge to truly threaten.

The game sprang to life in the 75th minute when CUT substitute Katlego Ramotete curled a stunning free kick past Makhaya, igniting hope for a comeback. 

Reinvigorated, CUT piled on late pressure, but Shimlas’ defence held firm, weathering the storm to secure the bragging rights. For CUT, it was a case of too little, too late, as the hosts celebrated a hard-fought victory in a derby that lived up to its billing.

SCORERS

UFS: Kagiso Semenya, Jarome Jansen.

CUT: Katlego Ramotete.

Player of the Match: Jarome Jansen (UFS)

TEAMS

UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Philani Zondi, Xolani Mqwathi, Theko Phinithi, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jose Mondi, Jarome Jansen, Omphemetse Athibeng, Kagiso Semenya, Adolph Radingoana. 

CUT: Siseko Faku, Siyabonga Mzelem, Thabang Mokoena, Alwande Sibiya, Khotso Mphene, Polokeho Letlema, Mpho Ntabi, Malefetsane Matale, Mzwakhe Shabalala, Pogisho Dikole, Nkosingiphile Lubisi.

Fixtures: HERE  

Tickets: HERE.