'We have to step up' says new DUT coach as Varsity Football 2025 kicks off

It’s no secret that KwaZulu-Natal teams have struggled in Varsity Football competitions. However, the new DUT head coach, Zipho Dlangalala, believes this trend isn’t limited to Varsity Football alone but reflects a broader issue affecting all levels of football in South Africa.

“The challenges we have, we need to acknowledge. Everyone has their own challenges, so I will assume that just like the previous times there might have been challenges, we will have our own challenges as well,” said Dlangalala.

“This could be KZN, but also in other competitions at all levels as well and not just in the varsity teams. So, we are carrying quite a big load because of the history of KZN teams in Varsity Football. We carry a big load to say that we are better than that.

“We are clear that we have to step up and really show up. We don’t have a choice in that regard.”  

With a great deal of experience in the country’s development team at national level, the former Maritzburg United coach and Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Dlangalala believes that his side have a point to build from, which is last season’s participation in the Varsity Football competition.

“I would like to believe that 2025 is a season where we are looking to reverse last situations, not because the other teams were bad or that we are better than them, but because we have taken lessons from them,” he said.

“It’s a huge achievement that we are back. We are not starting from scratch all over again, we are starting from the experience that we gained last year.”

As the sole representatives of KZN, DUT will be using the iconic Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg as their home ground this season. According to Dlangalala, this is a major boost for the team, especially after going without any home games last season.

“We want to make maximum use of that, we should benefit from playing in Pietermaritzburg, midlands, which is one of our campuses as the main campus is in Durban.”

“We want to get support from all DUT campuses, but even from other institutions in Pietermaritzburg like UKZN, Mgungundlovu FET, and others including the general public. We will appreciate if  everyone comes” he concluded.

DUT Provisional Squad:

Nduduzo Zondi, Sibonginhlanhla Hlatshwayo, Lungelo Pillay, Xolani Mkhonza, Kwanele Vilakazi, Khwezi Dlamini, Manqoba Shange, Khulekani Nxumalo, Bonga Mhembu, Phiwayinkosi Mchunu, Iviwe Sodidi, Sbonelo Ngidi, Nkosibanathi Dlamini, Olwethu Ngidi, Nduli Ntando, Ayanda Kunene, Thalente Khize, Phakamile Mbona, Manqoba Mlele, Samkelo Zulu, Sekwanele Mtolo, Mluleki Mdunge, Luthando Buthelezi, Lindelwa Dlamini, Simangaliso Delwa, Fanelesimbonge Ndwandwe, Sifundo Ngema, Nkululeko Nkosi, Thobani Jwara, Khali Ndumiso, Luyanda Ntuli.

Full Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE.