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The TUT Red Army come back from 1-0 down to clinch their fifth and record Varsity Football title with a 3-2 victory over arch rivals UP-Tuks. UP-Tuks locked horns with arch rivals TUT in the fierce Tshwane derby with the Varsity Football title at hand. The much anticipated encounter did not spare any action as both teams took to the field blazing. The Red Army were the first to pose threats to Tuks defence with Akani Rathokoa and Lucky Raphala combining well, however Rathokoa could not capitalize. Tuks responded immediately with Risen Albert coming close to taking the lead. The home side then grabbed the lead in the 17th minute. Risen Albert carried a perfect cross connecting flawlessly with Ntokozo Madela, as he headed it in the bottom corner to hand Stripe Generation a much needed lead, and the leading goal scorer taking his tally to six goals. Nicholas Stothard’s troops however became complacent after going ahead inviting pressure from TUT. The Red Army sent threats seeking instant response. Tuks suffered a blow after losing Risen Albert due to injury. The Red Army posed threats with no success as Tuks held firm to take a narrow 1-0 lead at the interval. TUT returned from the tunnel rejuvenated and responded with an equalizer and subsequent lead courtesy Iviwe Sodidi and Rearabilwe Mphahlele. Bushy Moloi’s troops made a statement return with Mphahlele at the thick of things, first an assist and then a goal. TUT with cheeky and deadly counter pressed Tuks’ defence, Mphahlele found Sodidi in the box who tapped it in to level matters. The bold wing back capitalized on Tuks sloppy defence, Matome Rangata failing to control and clear his lines, the ball fell on Mphahlele’s lethal boot who fired a cracker. Gennaro Johnson failed to gather the ball as it went through his hands and legs as TUT found themselves in the driving seat. Desperate for an equalizer the Stripe Generation sent numbers upfront forcing crucial safes from Luyanda Mandindi. Samukelo Ngodela and Kholofelo Masenamela saw their efforts blocked by Mandindi. The high flying winger Akani Rathokoa put the icing on the cake, sealing the fifth star for the Red Army. Individual brilliance from Rathokoa as he pierced through Tuks defence and releases a cracker at the far corner to make it 3-1 in favour of the Red Army. Jason Cox fired from inside the box for Tuks’ second however it was not enough as TUT sealed their fifth Varsity Football title beating rivals Tuks 3-2. SCORERS: UP-Tuks: (1) 2 Ntokozo Madela, Jason Cox. TUT: (0) 3 Iviwe Sodidi, Rearabilwe Mphahlele, Akani Rathokoa Player of the Match: Luyanda Mandindi (TUT) Suzuki Golden Boot winner: Ntokozo Madela (Tuks) FNB Player of the Tournament: Akani Rathokoa (TUT) TEAMS: UP-Tuks: Gennaro Johnson, Matome Rangata, Jason Cox, Lebogang Mswane, Euan Jenneker, Paballo Mamabolo, Samukelo Ngodela, Risen Albert, Chuene Moabelo, Phiwayinkhosi Dube, Ntokozo Madela TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Oreratile Mapudi, Ntshuxeko Mkhabela, Tshiamo Rantho, Lehlomo Tolo, Thobani Ngwenya, Likho James, Lucky Raphala, Kearabilwe Mphahlele, Akani Rathokoa, Iviwe Sodidi

UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 2 October. Winner will be announced after the final at 7pm. The 2026 Varsity Football season has delivered another action packed campaign bringing high-intensity football, dramatic moments and plenty of #iyachesa diski moments during the season. With the tournament heading towards the semi-finals and final we can't to see who will be crowned this year's champions. But before we discover who lifts the trophy, it’s time to celebrate the stars who have stood out across the competition. The head coaches selected the players who they thought had the biggest impact and now the fans can have their say and vote for the FNB Player of the Tournament 2026, with the winner taking home a cash prize of R10 000 from FNB. How the nominees were selected: Each of the eight head coaches across the competition nominated three players who impressed them the most. Coaches were not allowed to put forward players from their own squads. Nominations were weighted: 1st = 3 points, 2nd = 2 points, 3rd = 1 point. After tallying the totals, the three players with the highest scores made the final shortlist. Here are the nominees for 2025 as chosen by the coaches: The public can cast their votes until Friday, 2 October at 9am. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on the same day. UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 2 October. Winner will be announced after the final at 7pm. Matome Rangata (UP-Tuks) Tuks explosive winger established himself as a threat and a player to watch whenever the Stripe Generation takes to field. Rangata was a thorn in the defence with deadly runs and cheeky feet on the left wing, eliminating players, creating chances and breaking defensive lines. He is always in the thick of things and a constant threat to opposition, displaying man of the match performances or scoring sensational free kicks. Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza (UJ): Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza stood out for UJ with a composed and influential performance in the heart of the Orange Army midfield. Operating as the pivot, Mkhonza plays a crucial role in breaking up the opposition’s attacks and disrupting their rhythm, while also showing quality in possession. His ability to win back the ball and quickly transition UJ into attack helps create important opportunities, making him a key figure in the team’s performance. Akani Rathokoa: TUT’s newly signed winger Akani Rathokoa is taking Varsity Football by storm as the record champions chase a historic fifth title. The exciting wide player has joined the Pretoria giants with his pace, flair and attacking threat expected to play a key role as TUT target another Varsity Football crown. Rathokoa was key to TUT attacking troops in all opening encounters, alluding the freedom given by the coaches to express himself. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE

UP-Tuks have battled their way through a season of twists, setbacks and late drama to book their place in the 2026 Varsity Football final, where they will face Tshwane rivals TUT at Tuks Stadium on 2 October. The Stripe Generation announced themselves in style in the opening round, producing a clinical second-half comeback to defeat defending champions UFS 4-2. After trailing 2-1 at half-time, Tuks turned the game around through goals from Matome Rangata, Samukelo Ngodela and Paballo Mamabolo to claim an impressive opening victory. The momentum was checked in the following two rounds. Tuks suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to UWC before drawing 1-1 with TUT in a fiercely contested Tshwane derby. Ntokozo Madela provided the equaliser against TUT after Likho James had put the Red Army ahead. Tuks responded emphatically against DUT, securing a 3-0 away victory. Risen Albert was instrumental in the opening goal, setting up Madela before Rangata produced a spectacular long-range finish. Philasande Khuzwayo then completed the scoring to give Tuks three valuable points. A narrow 2-1 defeat to Wits left Tuks needing points in their final two matches to remain in the hunt for the semi-finals. They delivered exactly that. A 3-0 victory over UL, featuring a sensational Rangata free kick and further goals from Albert and Raymond Matlamela, kept their campaign alive. Then came a decisive final-round clash against log leaders UJ. Madela's 17th-minute strike proved enough as Tuks defended their advantage under sustained pressure to secure a 1-0 victory and book their semi-final place. The semi-final brought another meeting with UJ and another game decided by the finest of margins. After a tense, tactical battle in front of a packed UJ Soweto Stadium, substitute Kholofelo Masenamela became the hero, finding the winner in the 86th minute. Tuks held firm through the frantic closing stages to secure a second successive 1-0 victory over UJ and a place in the final. Now the stage is set for an all-Tshwane showdown. Tuks vs TUT. Tuks Stadium. 2 October. 19:00. After seven rounds and a dramatic semi-final, the road ends with one final match and the 2026 Varsity Football title on the line.

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BACK Varsity Football final HIGHLIGHTS: Tuks vs TUT - 2 Oct 2026 23 April 2022 LATEST VIDEOS VIEW ALL VIEW ALL Varsity Netball Final HIGHLIGHTS: UJ vs NWU - 28 Sept 2026 29 Sept 2026 Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: UJ vs Tuks - 25 Sept 2026 28 Sept 2026 Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: Wits vs TUT - 25 Sept 2026 28 Sept 2026 Football Men Football Women Netball SPORTS Tickets Teams Fan Zone INFO Football Men Football Women Netball FIXTURES & LOGS Videos Photos News News MEDIA About Sponsors History ABOUT © 2023 Varsity Cup. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions |