UJ’s unbeaten run sets up Gauteng derby semi-final rematch

Siraj Kamedien
Sep 23
1 min read

UJ Men’s Football has put together a near-perfect season, and now their championship dreams will be tested in a high-stakes semifinal against long-time rivals, TUT. The two Gauteng powerhouses will face off at UJ Soweto Stadium on Thursday night.

UJ has dominated the 2025 group stages, finishing at the top of the log with an impressive undefeated record of five wins and two draws. Their disciplined play was on full display in their last match, a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CUT Football in Bloemfontein.

The team’s confidence is high, but they’re not getting complacent. Assistant Coach Ntsikelelo Simon Tshowa says the team is as focused as ever.

"The semi-final is a different animal, it's no longer about winning three points; it's a knockout. We hope the boys can rise to the occasion,” said Tshowa.

“Winning the tournament would be a wonderful achievement. That's what we need to do for the institution – to make them proud, especially after such great recent performances."

With both teams hungry for a spot in the final, this semi-final promises to be a thrilling encounter. The winner will go on to face either the UFS or NWU for the championship title on Thursday, 2 October 2025.