UFS are the Varsity Football 2025 champions after edging out TUT 5-4 on penalties on Thursday evening. The thrilling final at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein ended in a goalless draw after the regulation 90 minutes and thus forced the champions to be decided by a shootout. Remarkably, the final went to a penalty shootout for the third year in a row. But for UFS, this victory was historic – the first time they’ve lifted the trophy and been able to call themselves champions. The first half in the City of Roses was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams eager to make an early statement and pile on the pressure. The hosts, appearing in just their second-ever final, had the first real chance when in-form Jermone Jansen’s effort flew narrowly wide. It was end-to-end football as both sides searched for the breakthrough. But the 25th minute proved pivotal when inspirational UFS captain Iviwe Dyabuza and TUT’s star player Lucky Raphala collided heavily in midfield. The nasty clash forced both inspirational figures off for the rest of the match. With neither side able to find the opener, the teams went into the break locked at 0-0. In the second half, UFS launched wave after wave of attack, but the Red Army’s defence stood firm. Despite their dominance, the Kovsies simply couldn’t find a way through, and the match remained deadlocked – sending the final to penalties. The defining moment of the shootout came with TUT’s third spot-kick, when Lehlomo Tolo blasted his attempt over the crossbar. UFS kept their composure, though there was a moment of confusion when the crowd celebrated too early, mistakenly thinking Kediwe Ncenya had missed his effort. In the end, it was substitute Theko Phinithi – who had replaced the injured Dyabuza – who slotted home the decisive penalty to seal a famous 5-4 victory for the home side.   Penalty scorers:   UFS: Jose Mondi, Omphemetse Athibeng, Jerome Jansen, Ben Kraai, Theko Phinithi   TUT: Alan Moja, Surprise Khoza, Katlego Motlhale, Kediwe Ncenya. FNB Player of the Match: Surprise Xhosa (TUT) Suzuki Golden Boot winner: Keletso Sekhwela (UJ) Cashbuild Golden Glove: Ethan Mokwena (NWU) FNB Player of the Tournament: Aphelele Sibisi (NWU)   TEAMS:   UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Philani Zondi, Xolani Mqwathi, Iviwe Dyabuza (captain), Tshepo Ndlovu, Jarome Jansen, Jose Mondi, Omphemetse Athibeng, Kagiso Semenya, Kagisho Lekholoa, Adolph Radingoana. TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Kediwe Ncenya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja (captain), Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Motlhale, Menzukuthula Ntshangase, Lucky Raphala, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Precious Mohale.

UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 1 October. Winner will be announced after the final on Thursday 2 October. The 2025 Varsity Football season has been nothing short of dramatic with last-minute winners and top quality diski that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Now after weeks of intensity all eyes turn to the final where UFS and TUT will battle it out on Thursday, 2 October at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein where a new champion will be crowned. But before we discover who lifts the trophy, it’s time to celebrate the stars who have stood out across the competition. Fans now have the chance to vote for the FNB Player of the Tournament 2025 with the winner taking home a big cash prize from FNB and driving away in a Hertz-sponsored car for a year.  How the nominees were chosen 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: UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 1 October. Winner will be announced after the final on Thursday 2 October. Now it’s over to the public. Your votes will decide who earns the title of Varsity Football’s top performer for 2025. The public can cast their votes until Wednesday, 1 October at 9am. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on Thursday 29 October. Vote for your winner below. UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 1 October. Winner will be announced after the final on Thursday 2 October. Omphemetse Athibeng (UFS): A stalwart of the Kovsies side Omphemetse is definitely a player to keep an eye on. An unassuming figure on the field until he touches the ball and his talent becomes apparent. He has speed, he has skill, power, and the finesse of a quality player. His cracking goal was the difference against DUT and he was rightly named as the FNB Player of the Match.    Aphelele Sibisi (NWU): The Eagles captain had a brilliant season and picked up several FNB Player of the Match award. As a leader, Sibisi is known not only for his defensive skills but also for lifting the team’s morale. His teammates often rely on his drive to keep them motivated during tough phases of a match. “I have a personal need to show how far I can go, that starts with giving everything for this team.” Jarome Jansen (UFS): The UFS star has played an instrumental role in helping the Kovsies securing their first ever Varsity Football final. His skill is undeniable and the Bachelor of Administration student has been playing football since childhood, excelling in attacking roles. Inspired by Themba Zwane’s humility, he dreams of turning professional while balancing his studies. The final takes place on Thursday the 2 October.

UFS Football is buzzing ahead of the Varsity Football final on Thursday night. Not only are they playing in the championship match, but they will also host four-time champions TUT Football at Shimla Park and have the opportunity to lift the trophy for the first time in their history in front of their home crowd. The Kovsies booked their ticket to the final after beating NWU on penalties in the semi-final away in Mahikeng. Just two weeks ago, UFS lost 2-1 to TUT in a game they felt was decided by an unlucky penalty. Despite that, coach Mokete Tsotetsi believes his young squad has the resilience to shine under pressure, and this is their moment, one they have worked hard for throughout the campaign. “This one is going to be an interesting and challenging game,” said the former Jomo Cosmos and Bloemfontein Celtic player. “We’re up against a team that knows how to win Varsity Football, and we saw that just two weeks ago when they took all the points. But this is a new game and a new hurdle - a moment where all the hard work and challenges of the season will be tested. “We’ve had to fight to understand one another, to buy into the philosophy, and to believe in what each player is capable of. Even though we have one of the youngest squads, the boys have shown real resilience and growth. We’ve already proven, with God’s grace and hard work, that we can overcome - like when we went to NWU, faced our fears, and came back with a dramatic win in the penalty shootout." “Luck only follows those who put in the effort, and the players now see and believe they have a real chance to bring silverware to this institution. We know it won’t be easy, but we’ll put our hearts into it and give everything to clear this last hurdle. Our goal is to finish the way we started - strong and hopefully bring the trophy home.” UFS captain and left-back Iviwe Dyabuza echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying the team has grown through this daunting journey in 2025 and now genuinely believes they are contenders for silverware. “We’re very excited and motivated for the upcoming game,” said the inspirational captain. “There’s a lot we want to show and a lot to offer on the day, and our focus is fully on that." “It wasn’t a hurdle for us when Coach Mokete came in - in fact, we were fortunate to have him. He brought new and exciting ideas, and it wasn’t difficult to adapt because we were learning something fresh almost every day." “His philosophy wasn’t much different from what we were already used to, which made the transition smooth. The players welcomed him, there were no clashes, and everyone was willing to listen and work with him throughout the tournament. It’s been a positive journey, and now we’re ready to take the next step.” Thursday’s historic final at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein kicks off at 19:00.   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.

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