UL determined to turn things around after early setbacks

The University of Limpopo’s 2026 Varsity Football campaign may have got off to a difficult start, but the Limpopo outfit remains determined to turn things around.

UL suffered a 2-0 defeat to DUT in their opener before falling to a 3-0 loss against Wits, leaving them without a point or a goal from their first two matches.

Despite the disappointing results, the side will be hoping to draw on its resilience and respond strongly in the matches ahead.

However, head coach Lesetja Dukes Laka believes the results do not tell the full story.

“The team's overall performance has been positive irrespective of the results. We have managed to create clearer goalscoring opportunities than both opponents,” said Laka.

For UL, the challenge has been turning opportunities into goals and eliminating costly individual errors.

The coaching staff are now focusing on finishing, defensive organisation, communication, transitions and decision-making as UL look to respond in their remaining matches.

Laka’s immediate target is simple, which is to win the next game and keep a clean sheet.

There is still plenty of reason for optimism, with this same UL group having already proven its quality by overcoming strong opposition at the USSA Championships to earn their place in Varsity Football.

“This is the group that beat these teams at USSAs to qualify for Varsity Football 2026,” he said.

The road to redemption starts now. Two matches may have passed without reward, but UL’s belief remains intact and their fight is far from over.

UL’s next kick-off will be against the University of Johannesburg at UJ Soweto stadium (18:30)

Fixtures: HERE

Tickets: HERE

By: Lebogang Mathaba