Round 5 of the Varsity Men’s Football was filled with emotions and surprises as UWC travelled to Pretoria and handed Tuks their first defeat of the tournament. Defending champions TUT remain winless after being held to a draw by newcomers DUT while NWU flexed their wings to shutout CUT. Here's how round 5 played out. UP-Tuks 1-2 UWC     The home side were the first to show signs of attack, with Matome Rangata and Ntokozo Madela interchanging positions on the wings. Their aerial ball tactic didn’t pay off as UWC remained grounded and solid at the back. Tuks had two solid clear cut chances to take the lead but the Pretoria based side failed to capitalize.  UWC were relentless in attack and immediately capitalized on their chance through talisman Leandro De Sousa who tapped in a perfectly delivered cross after 34 minutes.  The visitors did not hold back and returned from the break guns blazing as they immediately doubled their lead. After 46 minutes captain Damian Overmeyer led by example scoring from a sensational free kick to make it 2-0.  In the 63rd minute, the home side were hunting and poaching to remain in the game as they pushed more numbers upfront. The Stripe Generation pulled one back from the penalty spot through captain Tshepiso Mahlangu when Rangata was brought in the box to make 2-1.   The dramatic ending unfolded when the home side again were awarded a penalty on the 85th minute, again Mahlangu stepped up, but this time he failed to convert leaving his team with the heads down as they lost to UWC.     Scorers:     Tuks: Tshepiso Mahlangu.   UWC: Leandro De Sousa, Damian Overmeyer.    FNB Player of the Match:  Damian Overmeyer (UWC).      UP-Tuks: Jayden Van Der Walt, Khotatso Balepile, Nkosana Shabalala, Edward Rankwe, Tshepiso Mahlangu ©, Paballo Mamabolo, Joshua Wood, Matome Rangata, Raymond Tshwane Matlamela, Ntokozo Madela, Quintin Stokes-Waller.      UWC: Leathan Croats, Asibonge Maphumulo,  Imaan January, Zamian Plaatjies, Relebohile Matima, Vuyani Ncontsa, Leandro De Sousa, Damian Overmeyer ©, Shuaib Martin, Ranieri Salvini, Khanya Dyani.        TUT 1-1 DUT     Defending champions TUT arrived in this match with their backs against the wall when they welcomed the DUT at a cold Sturrock Park in Johannesburg.    With both sides not producing much in the early stages of the match, it was the home side who broke the deadlock first through Andile Malaka in the fourth minute after a sloppy defense from the visitors to make 1-0.   DUT showed glimpses of their ability with great passes and moves, however they just couldn’t get one past the TUT goalkeeper, as the score remained the same at the interval.      In the second half, DUT came out the stronger of the two sides, putting in some promising attacks but were just unlucky not to get the equalizer.   The visitors were not deterred by their inability to score, they pushed, and a goal came from Nhlakanipho Ngwenya who passed it into the net, 1-all after 76 minutes.   TUT toiled for an all-important goal, but it just couldn’t come, it ended with a point apiece, leaving the defending champions participation in this tournament hanging by a thread.      Scorers:     TUT: Andile Malaka   DUT: Nhlakanipho Ngwenya       FNB Player of the Match: Thuso Mlamla (TUT).     TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Precious Mohale, Mnqobi Khumalo, Andile Malaka, Nqubeko Ntimbane, Thuso Mlamla, Anda Yamile, Katlego Motlhale, Nare Mojapelo, Tebatso Manyane, Swazi Kupa.      DUT: Xolani Mkhonza ©, Philasande Mthembu, Manqoba Mlele, Chad Desplace, Awande Ngidi, Khayelihle Ndlovu, Khulekani Nxumalo, Mlamuli Hlongwa, Samkelo Gwala, Lindokuhle Mtshali, Lindelwa Dlamini.    CUT 0-3 NWU     The visitors bullied CUT from the early minutes of the game. The inexperience of CUT's youth showed as the visiting side grabbed an early lead in the 2nd minute from a goal by Molemo Kukame.     In the 35' minutes, Momelezi Mngati upped the match tempo as he scored NWU’s second goal to make it 2-0. The match went on to half time with NWU leading 2-0.   As the second half resumed, CUT came out looking better with the simple one-touch football as they tried to unlock the hard and stubborn NWU's defense.     CUT's workhorse and captain Simo Ndlovu took matters into his own hands and tried to push his losing team into the attack but all efforts were in vain.     Kukame came back later in the 65th minute to extend NWU’s lead to 3-0.   In the dying minutes of the game, NWU seemed more aggressive and eager to increase the lead and bury CUT. This as the referee ruled two of their goals both in the 67th and 69th minutes offside.      The game got a bit rough with emotions getting huge, this led to the first and only yellow card of the game being given to CUT's Ndlovu. The match ended as NWU walked away with all the points.      Scorers: Molemo Kukame (X2), Momelezi Mngati (NWU).      FNB Player of the Match: Molemo Kukame (NWU).      CUT: Kananelo Sehebeng, Mpho Alex Ngcobo, Jeffrey Mokoena, Alwande Sibiya, Simo Ndlovu ©, Tiisetso Mpholoana, Pogisho Dikole, Mzwakhe Shabalala, Lehakwe Phumo, Nkosingiphile Lubisi, Itumeleng Masisi.       NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Olebogeng Moeti ©, Lucky Letwaba, Lucas Seromo, Sousa Mathe, Momelezi Mngati, Thabang Majoro, Ranonyane Mmutlane, Kopano Molefe, Pascual Tivane, Itumeleng Selemela.      UFS 1-1 VUT     UFS and VUT shared points on Thursday in what was a thrilling 1-1 draw during round five of the Varsity Football in Bloemfontein.   There was action galore and the one thing that was lacking in the game was goals. The chances were there between the two determined teams, but the defence on both sides on field was rock-solid.   It was a fast-paced game in the City of Roses with both teams trying to find a crack in the defence of their opponents in the opening exchanges. While it was an evenly matched contest, it was perhaps VUT that had the slight upper-hand, and this was down to outstanding work on the left-wing by Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana who created a lot of chances.   The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when Thandolwethu Khoza scored an own goal while defending a corner by VUT to hand the visitors the lead. On the stroke of half-time, Obakeng Seekoei, leveled matters when he neatly converted a penalty after being fouled in the box.   It is hard to imagine that the second half would have been even faster than the first 45-minute period, but it was. UFS came out like a house on fire after receiving a boost in their confidence with their goal. They certainly shifted not one, but two gears and this forced VUT’s defence to scramble.   But the story of their season continued with no goals coming from the ton of chances they created. It would be safe to say that both sides would be happy with the one point, although both teams know that they also dropped points.   For VUT their dream season continues, and they are eyeing the semi-finals. UFS on the other hand will have another tough outing in a week from now when they take on UWC in the Mother City.     Scorers:     UFS: Obakeng Seekoei.    VUT: Thandolwethu Khoza (og)    FNB Player of the Match: Siyabonga Nombewu (VUT).     UFS: Tisetso Daniel Seodinyane, Thandolwethu Khoza, Iviwe Dyabuza, Obakeng Seekoei, Sandile Mhlanga, Moeti Mofokeng, Arlonso Diedricks, Jarome Jansen, Omphemetse Matlhogonolo Athibeng, Boy Rantsoti ©, Samkelo Nakedi.      VUT: Tebogo Mosia, Lehlohonolo Ncambe, Gontse Kole, Perceverance Mashabane, Kgotso Nhlapo, Marumo Lekoloane, Siyabonga Nombewu, Lucky Raphala, Siyabonga Dean Shabangu, Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana, Sibusiso Baloyi.      Fixtures  HERE          Tickets  HERE

As Emihle Arosi laced up his football boots, he had a strange feeling that something was not adding up with his career. Growing up in the crime-riddled township of New Crossroads he never thought he would make it to the school let alone at the tertiary institution playing the sport he loved, football.   But proper guidance and discipline from the family of football lovers helped him to be where he is today.  The University of the Western Cape (UWC) first year Economic Development Higher Certificate student is proud to be a member of the UWC's Varsity Cup team, as he has big expectations for himself and the team.   “Academically I have to pass my studies. That is priority number one. I am working hard on that one and on sport. I would love to play regularly. But it is not as easy as some would think," said Arosi.  "There are a lot of experienced players in the team who are equally talented. We just have to work hard and win the Varsity Cup. I will be over the moon."  Known as Mudau, the 20-year-old has had to do schoolwork in between the games and trainings. So far, he is happy that he can balance the two demanding jobs. He has not had a full match yet but is working on that.   “As I have said. I am working hard and patiently waiting for my turn. I know with hard work, it will come,” he said.  The newest football player at the UWC side is excited that has been received well by coaches, players and fans. His soccer career started when he was only nine years old playing for Jabula Brothers FC in the dusty streets of New Crossroads.   He was later recruited by Blackbirds Academy in Nyanga. From Blackbirds he caught the eye of coaches at the ABC Motsepe team, Zizwe United. The doors kept on opening up for him, as they say, the rest is history.  Fixtures  HERE         Tickets  HERE

The much-anticipated 2024 Varsity Netball tournament starts on Sunday 1 September with the eight participating teams ready to get their hands on the coveted silverware. Last year defending champions UP-Tuks pulled a nine-match winning streak on their way to the final where they beat UJ 63-61 in an exciting display of top netball in the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria.   The Stripe Generation heads into this year’s campaign as a fully revamped side with a new head coach and a couple of additions to their troops. Erin Burger has taken over the coaching reigns from Jenny van Dyk who has moved onto the national set-up as head coach of the Spar Proteas.     Burger, a former national player herself and the first to reach a 100 test caps for her country, says she intends to carry on the standards set by her predecessor which was winning titles. She says preparations are going well and that the team will not play under the pressure of defending champions but maintaining their set targets.     “It is a great honour to coach Tuks, we are on track, and we are looking for the season to start. There is still a lot of things we want to do better and those are the things we are working on now ahead of the start. I do not see defending the title as extra pressure, I see it as we need to perform well constantly and consistently.    “We want to focus on what we can do, and we want to set the standard as that, we do not want to focus on everyone who wants to beat us, but we want to focus on how we can play good netball. It’s a new year and it is going to be a tough competition as always.”     Although Tuks were virtually untouchable last season, Burger believes there are areas they need to iron out with a new look group.    “We want to improve on possession, keeping and protecting our ball, it is in the timing and in the placement and hopefully by the start of the tournament we will be in good shape. We have players coming in from last year and new players, we have a good mix.” Concluded the 37-year-old Tuks alumni.    UP-Tuks will begin their title defence in a Tshwane derby against newcomers TUT on Sunday 1 September at 17:00. For a full fixture list, click HERE.      PROVISIONAL SQUAD (subject to change): Alice Kennon, Milla Coetzee, Jamie Williamson, Kamogelo Maseko, Phophi Nematangari, Marichelle Visagie, Tinita van Dyk, Melissa van Zyl, Kylie van Wyk, Caroline Paul, Ilani Klopper, Anja van den Heever, Kyla Dames, Luca Keun, Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa, Simone Swanepoel, Janine Moolman, Zionne Grobler.    by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

NWU has only one goal for the 2024 Varsity Netball tournament – reaching the finals. Last year the Eagles made it all the way to the semi-finals, only to be eliminated by UJ in a tough encounter. This year, the team aims to go further. Their semi-final appearance in 2023 is serving as both a motivator and a reminder of the work needed to reach their goals.   "We are taking it one game at a time and treating every match as if it's the only one that matters," says NWU coach Elsunet du Plessis, outlining the team's strategy for the upcoming season.     Du Plessis explains their preparation for the season is well underway, with the team working diligently to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.     "There’s a strong sense of purpose in the team, and everyone is putting in the effort to make sure we are prepared.”    Two players expected to play key roles this season are Martiné Jordaan and Sanmarie Visser. Jordaan, who also serves as the team captain, is seen as a crucial leader on the court.    The Varsity Netball tournament is recognised as an important platform for emerging talent, providing players with the opportunity to develop their skills and gain exposure to a higher level of competition.     This is something Du Plessis agrees with.     "Varsity Netball is crucial for the development of our players. It gives them the experience and exposure they need to prepare for national-level competition.”    NWU’s first match of the 2024 Varsity Netball tournament is against Madibaz on Sunday 1 September at 19:00 at the Wits Sports Hall in Johannesburg. For a full fixture list, click HERE.      PROVISIONAL SQUAD (subject to change): Sunel Smit, Nadine Hefer, Jade Egwatu, Andrya Joubert, Tlotlang Mokomela, Kega Mashilo, Nicola Oosthuizen, Jomari Lübbe, Johanné Meyer, Amori Matthee, Casey Davids, Jaylin van Zyl, Risima Ngobeni, Sanmarie Visser, Martiné Jordaan, Izaan Snyman.    by Phenyo Mokgothu

UP-Tuks currently sit top of the Varsity Football log and have yet to taste defeat. A big part of their success so far has been the form of 21-year-old Paballo Mamabolo who has played an integral role in orchestrating play and initiating attacks. We spoke to the midfielder and found what inspires him to one day play for Orlando Pirates. Originally from Olievenhoutbosch a township outside Centurion Paballo, moved with his parents to Midrand but he and his father often went back to the township on weekends just for two things in particular, church and football.   Paballo’s father dreamed of playing for Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, but was unfortunately not able to fulfil that dream and now the torch is with Paballo who is also a big Pirates fan.   “I grew up in two towns, Midrand and Olivenhoutbosch they are my two homes, I used to travel to from Midrand to Olivenhoutbosch every weekend for church and football. I started playing from when I was 4 years old, my dad made poles for me out of pipes and placed them in the backyard. As I grew up I used to shoot at the poles. He helped me work on my touches,” he said.   “There has not been a lot of men in my family besides my father, in terms of support it has always been him taking me to tournaments and games so he has been my number one supporter. Externally I would like to thank everyone who helped me from Olivenhoutbosch, playing the games at kasi from when I was young.  “I believe football chose me. I do not have any footballing background in the family besides my father he was a soccer player but he did not get to where he wanted to get which is Orlando Pirates which is my dream club as well. I hope I can take the torch and go further with it. I know I am already making him proud. I just want to do it for him and my family.”  With the influence football has on Paballo, he hopes to take it to greater heights.  “Football changed my life in many ways, it has kept me grounded and disciplined and how to be calm and composed in life. It has taught me how to be selfless. It opened doors for me, obviously I want to play to the highest level and be able to pave a way for others,” he adds.    “I want to start a movement not just for footballers but footballers in Christ which is an initiative I started. I have two icons, my dad and Sergio Busquets, because I don’t think I would’ve been where I am if it was not of him and Busquets because of how he plays, I have always been a fan of intelligent footballers.”    Fixtures  HERE        Tickets  HERE        By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

Former NWU Men's Football player turned assistant coach Lindani Nkabinde, has transitioned well from the pitch to the technical bench, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game.  Having previously served as both a player and a strength and conditioning coach for the NWU team, Nkabinde's transition to assistant coach has been smooth, despite its challenges.  “It wasn’t easy because I used to play with some of the players, but on player profiling, it was easy because I know their strengths and weaknesses,” said Nkabinde.   His firsthand experience with the players has allowed him to build strong relationships and offer personalized guidance that enhances their performance.  “I always tell them that self-belief and hard work will make us succeed,” he says.   From an early age, Nkabinde’s career caught the attention of big clubs, leading him to join Yebo Yes, a feeder team for Orlando Pirates at the time. His career progressed through various clubs in the ABC league, and he eventually earned a spot in the Nedbank Keyona team in 2016, which played against SuperSport United.    This was a significant milestone, marking his entry into higher levels of competition, and he reflected on the Varsity Football tournament, and the platform it provides to the young players and up-and-coming coaches.   “When I played for Zone Mavo in the ABC league in Mpumalanga, I got a call about an opportunity in the North West. Varsity Football is a great initiative where one can showcase their talent live on television. It gives players the feel of how things are done professionally.”  Fixtures HERE        Tickets  HERE      By: Phenyo Mokgothu

Round 4 of the 2024 Varsity Men’s Football saw 14 goals scored on the night. Log leaders UP-Tuks maintain their unbeaten streak in the competition following a 2-1 victory over UFS. It was also a night to remember for VUT, as the Vaal based side were too strong against DUT winning 4-1. UWC moved to third place of the log after a 4-1 win over CUT while NWU also bagged a three points against defending champions TUT who remain winless. Here are the players who were instrumental to the success of their teams. Lucky Letwaba (NWU)     Lucky Letwaba delivered a stellar performance in defense, consistently winning aerial balls and demonstrating exceptional commitment. His focus on securing the crucial third ball was pivotal to the team’s success. He reflected on the game and said “I knew winning those aerial battles would be crucial, so I made sure I was up for every challenge. We worked together as a team, and our mandate was clear: not to concede any goals.”      Jayden van der Walt  (UP-Tuks)     The UP-Tuks goalkeeper Jayden van der Walt was sublime for the three-time champions in the last line defence. He pulled off several good saves, while at the same time organising the Stripe Generation defence with conviction. He may have received a yellow card for time-wasting; however, he was instrumental in his team returning home with three points.  “It has been great for us in Bloem – we have come here twice and we have taken away six points. It has been good here in Bloem, but now we are hoping to stay at home for the rest of the games.  “The spirits in the camp are very high, we must just take this momentum into the game against UWC. At home we will not lose, we are going to beat UWC.”  Relebohile Matima (UWC)     Having struggled in the first stanza of the game, Relebohile redeemed himself as he was stable in the middle of the park for UWC. He intercepted most CUT danger balls while he made crucial passes that contributed to the team’s goals on the night. He was also named the FNB Player of the Match for his efforts.      “I struggled at the start of the tournament so it's a good reward right now since I'm starting to catch form. The coach told me to trust the process so he gave me that responsibility to lead up front so that really helps a lot. The first goal I have is to help the team win by scoring goals, contributing to goals, assisting, leading from the front.”     Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana (VUT)     The MaVUTI marksman once again showed his prowess and hunger in front of goal by bagging a late brace against DUT. The striker kept busy all game, pressing and looking for opportunities before pouncing late in the second half to score back-to-back goals in the 88th and 91st minutes to take his tournament tally to four goals.      Fixtures  HERE       Tickets  HERE

It was goals galore in the Varsity Men’s Football round 4 as VUT moved to second place of the log standings with 4-1 win over DUT, UWC bagged a second victory at home with a 4-1 victory over CUT. The night also saw impressive wins from log leaders UP-Tuks and NWU handed defending champs TUT another defeat at home in Mahikeng. VUT 4-1 DUT     Within 5 minutes of play, it was VUT who drew first blood to make it 1-0 after a great long ball where Thabiso Singo bullied the DUT defender off the ball and banged it into the roof of the net for the opening goal.     The match went to the interval with the Vaal side taking a slender 1-0 lead. The first half saw an end-to-end battle between the MaVUTi and DUT as it was Singo's early goal that separated the two during the half time break.    As the second half kicked off, VUT picked up where they left off in the first half of the game, MaVUTi were awarded a penalty after a player foul in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Kgotso Nhlapo didn't waste any time as he stepped up and hit it hard to make it 2-0 after 55 minutes.     DUT responded after 84 minutes as Nhlakanipho Ngwenya scored a great goal from out wide, pulling one back for the Durban side to make it 2-1. It didn't take long for VUT to extend their lead to 3-1, after a poor back pass which DUT failed to clear, Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana pounced for the third goal.     DUT wrapped matters up during added time with a 4-1 victory as striker Kgomoeswana got his brace with some silky skills in the box to beat several defenders.      Scorers:        VUT: Thabiso Singo, Kgotso Nhlapo, Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana (X2).     DUT: Nhlakanipho Ngwenya       FNB Player of the Match: Lehlohonolo Ncambe (VUT).        VUT: Tebogo Mosia, Lehlohonolo Ncambe, Perceverance Mashabane, Kgotso Nhlapo, Gontse Kole, Marumo Lekoloane, Siyabonga Nombewu, Lucky Raphala, Sibusiso Motsepa, Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana, Sibusiso Baloyi.        VUT: Xolani Mkhonza, Philasande Mthembu, Manqoba Shange, Manqoba Mlele, Chad Desplace, Khayelihle Ndlovu, Amahle Mkhize, Samkelo Gwala, Lindokuhle Mtshali, Likho James, Khulekani Nxumalo.     UWC 4-1 CUT     UWC’s victory at home to CUT in the Varsity Football match might guarantee a spot in the last four of the competition or even punching their ticket to the competition’s top sport. But that will be determined by other matches to follow. The Bellville-based team won their match against CUT by a convincing 4 - 1.  The away side drew the first blood but failed to protect their score. At the stroke of halftime, the home side took advantage when CUT failed to defend a cross from the right side allowing the home side to equalize. Buoyed by the home crowd, UWC quickly scored in the second stanza to make it a 2-1 lead.  As much as the visitors showed resilience and played good football, that did not yield any good results. They were punished again when they failed to clear a corner kick allowing UWC to add another goal. The away side tried to play but opened themselves when attacking. In the stroke of the 90 minutes the home team pounced on another cross to make it 4-1.  The home side finished strongly playing tik-a-taka football seeking another goal. In the four minutes referee’s option time, they nearly scored another one, but it was not to be. The jubilant Blue Army and the coaching staff jumped up and down when the ref blew his whistle. It was the end of CUT and UWC’s bad start to the competition.    Scorers:     UWC: Damian Overmeyer, Vuyani Ncontsa, Leandro De Sousa, Arnold Dube.   CUT: Lehakwe Phumo.    FNB Player of the Match: Relebohile Matima (UWC).     UWC: Leathan Croats, Asibonge Maphumulo, Zamian Plaatjies, Imaan January, Vuyani Ncontsa, Relebohile Matima, Damian Overmeyer ©, Khanya Dyani, Ranieri Salvini, Leandro De Sousa, Nkosingiphile Ncwane.     CUT: Kananelo Sehebeng, Siyabonga Mzelem, Jeffrey Mokoena, Simo Ndlovu, Alwande Sibiya, Tiisetso Mpholoana, Mzwakhe Shabalala, Lehlohonolo Nkaekae, Nkosingiphile Lubisi, Lehakwe Phumo, Oratile Mothibedi.        NWU 1-0 TUT     In a tightly contested match, NWU secured a narrow 1-0 victory over TUT. The game, which took place at NWU Mahikeng Stadium, was a tale of two halves, with NWU dominating the first half and TUT mounting a strong challenge in the second.  Both teams struggled to break the deadlock, with the scoreline remaining 0-0 after 30 minutes of play.   NWU controlled the tempo, creating a few chances but failed to capitalize on them. As the teams headed into halftime, the score remained goalless.  The breakthrough finally came in the 51 minutes when NWU’s Reatlegile Kgosithebe found the back of the net after a great set up by Momelezi Mngati, who beat the TUT defense on the right flank before delivering a precise cross into the box to make 1-0. Despite being on the back foot for much of the first half, TUT came out stronger in the second half, creating multiple scoring opportunities. However, their efforts were in vain as they struggled to convert chances into goals. NWU held firm, maintaining their slender lead as they claimed a 1-0 victory.     Scorers: Reatlegile Kgosithebe   (NWU)    FNB Player of the Match: Olebogeng Moeti (NWU).    NWU: Kamogelo Matane, Lucky Letwaba, Olebogeng Moeti ©, Sousa Mathe, Lucas Seromo, Thabang Majoro, Momelezi Mngati, Ranonyane Mmutlane, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Pascual Tivane, Itumeleng Selemela.     TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Precious Mohale, Mnqobi Khumalo, Andile Malaka, Nqubeko Ntimbane, Katlego Motlhale, Anda Yamile, Thuso Mlamla ©, Minenhle Khanyile, Nare Mojapelo, Oupa Mampuru.     UFS 1-2 UP-Tuks     UP-Tuks remained the team to beat in the 2024 edition of the Varsity Football following a 2-0 win against the UFS in Bloemfontein. Despite the scoreline, it wasn’t the easiest of wins, but more a case of using the chances on offer.  The top-of-the-table clash started at a high tempo by both teams as they tried to catch defence napping, but on both sides, they were well up to the task. UFS started to up the pace of the game about halfway through the first stanza and one sense that it was just a matter of whoever can master the finishing touches would open the score.  Tuks opened the scoring in the 37th minute when Ntokozo Madela found himself on the end of the cross following a freekick. He found the back of the net with a header to hand the three-time champions the lead. Mere minutes later the imposing figure of Quintin Stokes-Waller doubled the lead from a header as well, but this time it came from a corner kick to see the visitors lead 2-0 at the interval.   After a few stern words by the coach, Tebogo Motsamai, UFS creased the pace of their game and they desperately seemed to get on the board and give the home fans something to cheer about. However, the visitors managed this week and their goalkeeper, Jayden van der Walt, was solid between the posts, while he also organized the defence well.  The crack in the defence eventually came one minute into stoppage time when Obakeng Seekoei scored with a powerful header from a corner to get UFS on the board and give them the slightest of chances in forcing a draw. But it was too late as Tuks won 2-1 on the night.     Scorers:      UFS: Obakeng Seekoei  UP-Tuks: Ntokozo Madela, Quintin Stokes-Waller.     FNB Player of the Match: Ntokozo Madela (UP-Tuks).     UFS: Boy Rantsoti ©, José Mondi, Omphemetse Matlhogonolo Athibeng, Moeti Mofokeng, Arlonso Diedricks, Jarome Jansen, Thandolwethu Khoza, Iviwe Dyabuza, Obakeng Seekoei, Sandile Mhlanga, Tisetso Daniel Seodinyane.     UP-Tuks: Jayden Van Der Walt, Khotatso Balepile, Nkosana Shabalala, Edward Rankwe, Tshepiso Mahlangu ©, Paballo Mamabolo, Joshua Wood, Matome Rangata, Samukelo Ngodela, Ntokozo Madela, Quintin Stokes-Waller.       Fixtures  HERE      Tickets  HERE

With three rounds of robin stage in the Varsity Men’s Football competition passed, VUT Men’s Football is yet to find its form that will see the team make it to the last four elite teams of the campaign.   The highly promising Mavuti midfielder Lucky Raphala has admitted that the men from the Vaal have had some good moments but still have much to do to ensure positive fate for themselves.   “The season has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but I'm proud of my team and our efforts. We've faced our fair share of challenges, but we've also had some great moments too. We've had to learn from our mistakes and adjust our game plan, and that's part of the journey” said Raphala.   Dubbed as one of VUT’s ‘key players’ by his coach and mentor Sibusiso Mokondo, Raphala explained the difference of this season for him as he shoulders high expectations on himself as an individual player.   “It's definitely a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations of being the ‘next big thing’ after star players leave. But I'm trying to take it in and focus on what I can control. I'm doing my best to stay motivated, work on my skills, and to be a good teammate.”   The highly praised Mavuti danger man has already marked his sense of responsibility after he scored one of the goals in his teams four-goals-haul, 4-1, victory over defending champions TUT.   Raphala has revealed the ultimate goal for him and his team.   “It's important to remember that football is a team sport, and while individual performances are important, the ultimate goal is to win as a team,” Raphala added.   Fixtures   HERE    Tickets   HERE     By: Mpendulo Letsoalo

NWU Eagles captain Olebogeng Moeti believes that strong leadership will be essential in advancing the team beyond the round-robin stages of 2024 Varsity Men’s Football. Moeti stressed the importance of unity, focus, and determination, emphasizing the need for each player to contribute their best efforts. He is confident that his role as captain will be vital in motivating the squad to overcome challenges and push for greater success. Moeti’s journey to becoming the captain of Eagles has been marked by passion, perseverance, and the development of leadership qualities that extend beyond the sport. His football journey began in primary school when he joined the school soccer team. However, it was in Grade 7, when he joined Choseng African Stars, a team from his village in Taung in North West that his path truly began to take shape. “My journey started at Choseng African Stars where I developed skills and began to understand the importance of leadership, starting with being named captain of the team.” “My behaviour during training, games, and even off the pitch influences my teammates. Building the team’s spirit and a positive culture involves creating an environment where players feel valued and motivated,” he said. “As a captain, it’s important to remain neutral and mediate, not judge. Motivating my teammates during challenging games or tough periods in the season requires a combination of positive reinforcement, strong communication, and leading by example.”   Fixtures   HERE    Tickets   HERE     By: Phenyo Mokgothu

DUT Men’s Football goalkeeper, Philasande Mthembu has been a pivotal player in the defensive organization of the Durban based team. Despite the result in their last match, an unfortunate 0-2 defeat against UWC, the man from the coast can take pride in their efforts as the full time score line did not truly reflect their efforts in that match. A crowd silencing penalty save in the first match away in the Free State against CUT made many to pay attention to the DUT shot stopper.   Following those heroics, Mthembu has since partially revealed his secret to his success which is connected to his football idol, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana captain goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, whom he wishes to meet some day.   “Saving a penalty is not an easy thing to do but I always look at Ronwen Williams’ style of saving penalties and I can’t reveal it because some of the opponent players will learn it too,” said Mthembu.   “My biggest desire is to meet Ronwen Williams, to talk to him and ask him some questions,” added Mthembu.    Mthembu has also accredited his team’s commendable defensive unit to communication in the defeat against UWC and vow to give it all for the rest of the campaign.   “I think the most important thing in the field of play is communication amongst players. I believe that really helped us from not conceding more goals” he said.   “It’s not easy but I think we prepared very well for this tournament and we knew we were going to face challenges as it's the first time participating in Varsity football.”    Fixtures   HERE   Tickets   HERE   By: Mpendulo Letsoalo

Round 3 of the Varsity Football tournament saw UWC record their first victory in the competition in a rainy cold UWC Stadium, taking them to the fourth spot on the log standings. A thriller in Bloem saw CUT and VUT play to a 2-2 draw. Despite the other two fixtures being goalless there were some standout perfromance and here are our FNB Players That Impressed. Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana (VUT)     VUT's industrious left-winger mesmerized his opponents with his skills and flair and duly collected the FNB Player of the Match award for his efforts. He made several threatening moves inside the half of CUT but most chances were in vain.    "We did not play according to the plan. We did not play as expected. But we just have to go to the drawing board and fix things," Kgomoeswana said.  Mlamuli Hlongwa (DUT)     Despite the loss to UWC, DUT performed well in wet conditions. One player who enjoyed himself the most was attacker, Mlamuli Hlongwa made impressive runs on the attack as he tried to give DUT something that could change the game's outcome.     "It was a tough match and the weather conditions were pretty bad in the stadium with the rain. All our matches are away, so we need to adapt to the weather conditions of the places we go to and try to do better. I am happy with my game performance and I hope I can improve from here."    Moeti Mofokeng (UFS)     Mofokeng played an exceptional game in the midfield for UFS and he managed to create a lot of chances, while he also never lost the ball. He was sold on attack and in the defence as well with his efforts being rewarded by being named as the FNB Player of the Match.   "It was a tough game, but we are happy to take a point. It was physical and TUT brought the game to us. While we had to share points, it was good preparation for the upcoming match against Tuks."  Paballo Mamabolo (UP-Tuks)     Although log UP-Tuks shared the spoils with NWU, The Pretoria side enjoyed much possession, especially in the second half. Compact in midfield, orchestrating play and initiating attacks was Paballo Mamabolo. The 21-year-old played an integral role in managing the game well for Tuks.    “We fought, it was tough but we will take the point. We will continue to push and get the three points in the next game. I've always emphasized watching football to see how people like Sergio Busquets and Rodri inspired me to play how I play and remain comfortable throughout the games. Thanks to the fans, they came in numbers. We didn't give them the three points but it is a step in the right direction, it’s not over.”    Fixtures   HERE      Tickets   HERE