The 2024 Varsity Football finalists have been decided after UWC travelled to Pretoria and beat log leaders Tuks for the second time in the tournament while in Mahikeng the Eagles got their revenge and thumped UFS to secure a home final that will take place on 26 September at 7pm. Here's how the two teams advanced in the matchday wrap report.
UP-Tuks 0-1 UWC
The 2015 Varsity Football winners UWC was the first side to march to this year's final after defeating the three-time champions UP-Tuks 1-0.
As anticipated the encounter did not spare any drama and action as both sides started high spirited, Tuks enjoyed much of the possession in the opening exchanges.
UWC looked dangerous on the counter attack and immediately capitalised on their chances in a cheeky piece of play from their playmaker Relebohile Matima who made no mistake and slotted the ball in a far upright to put the visitors ahead after 11 minutes.
In an attempt to find the back of the net for an equaliser, Tuks’ Matome Rangata’s crosses were unsuccessful as UWC's strong defensive wall wasn't going to be exposed. Both teams articulated their set pieces in textbook plays. Rangata and Camagu Mdevulana were the trusted takers for Tuks, however their efforts did not materialize as the score remained the same, 1-0 at the interval.
UP-Tuks returned from the break rejuvenated with the introduction of Ntokozo Madela. The Stripe Generation kept pressing for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but their attempts were fruitless.
Madela, with the chance to put Tuks back in the game, found himself with an open net from a rebound but hit the post. Seconds later Mnqobi Mkhize saw his header go Narrowly wide as UWC hung on to a closely contested 1-0 victory.
Scorers: Relebohile Matima (UWC).
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, Camagu Mdevulana, Samukelo Ngodela, Quintin Stokes-Waller.
UWC: Leathan Croats, Malinga Mdodana, Shuaib Martin, Leandro De Sousa, Asibonge Maphumulo, Jadan Zeeman, Relebohile Matima, Vuyani Ncontsa, Damian Overmeyer ©, Khanya Dyani, Imaan January.
NWU 4-0 UFS
NWU delivered a commanding performance, defeating UFS 4-0 at the NWU Mafikeng Stadium to book their place in the Varsity Football final. The result was a reversal of fortunes after UFS had beaten NWU in the group stages. This time, the home side dominated from the outset, leaving UFS with little chance of repeating their previous success.
Although the opening 10 minutes did not produce any goals, NWU was clearly on top, dictating play and putting pressure on the UFS defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 26th minute when Reatlegile Kgosithebe rose high to meet a cross from the right flank, heading the ball into the back of the net to put NWU ahead.
Despite UFS's efforts to respond, NWU continued to press, and the first half ended with the score still 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
The second half saw NWU continue to impose their will on the game. In the 52nd minute, Lucky Letwaba doubled NWU’s lead with a stunning free kick. The set piece was awarded after a tough challenge by a UFS defender on an NWU player, and Letwaba made no mistake, curling the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
UFS tried to find a way back into the game, but NWU’s defense remained solid, with the goalkeeper making several crucial saves to keep the clean sheet intact. As the game progressed, NWU piled on more pressure, and in the 84th minute, Xolani Masethi added a third goal with a powerful volley from the left flank, leaving the UFS goalkeeper with no chance.
To cap off an excellent team performance, Molemo Kukama scored NWU's fourth goal in the 90th minute, finishing off a swift counter attack. The final whistle confirmed NWU's 4-0 victory and their place in the Varsity Football final.
Scorers: Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Lucky Letwaba, Xolani Masethi, Molemo Kukama (NWU).
FNB Player of the Match: Reatlegile Kgosithebe (NWU).
NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Olebogeng Moeti ©, Lucky Letwaba, Sousa Mathe, Lucas Seromo, Lesego Motsepe, Momelezi Mngati, Ranonyane Mmutlane, Xolani Masethi, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Pascual Tivane.
UFS: Boy Rantsoti ©, Moeti Mofokeng, Arlonso Diedricks, Omphemetse Matlhogonolo Athibeng, Obakeng Seekoei, Thandolwethu Khoza, Sandile Mhlanga, Iviwe Dyabuza, Tisetso Daniel Seodinyane, Thato Nkhatho, Jarome Jansen.