The Joburg derby lit up the UJ Soweto Stadium as hosts UJ edged out the high-flying Wits with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Round 3 of Varsity Football 2025.
Meanwhile, TUT climbed to the summit of the log after securing a convincing 3-1 win over CUT Men’s Football at the CUT Stadium.
UFS also claimed maximum points with a 2-1 triumph against DUT at the Harry Gwala Stadium, while the clash at NWU Mahikeng Stadium ended in a tense stalemate between NWU and UP-Tuks.
UJ 1-0 WITS
UJ Men’s Football claimed city bragging rights in a fiercely contested Joburg derby, edging past Wits Men’s Football with a narrow 1-0 victory in Round 3 of the Varsity Football competition.
A decisive 12th-minute penalty proved to be the difference on the night, as UJ held their ground to hand Wits their first defeat of the season in front of a packed and vibrant crowd at the UJ Soweto Stadium.
Tumelo Machete was the hero for UJ, calmly converting a penalty after a handball by Wits' Duane Bennett inside the box.
While it was the only goal of the game, both teams kept the pressure on, with their goalkeepers, UJ’s Kyle Van Rensburg and Wits’ Lwando Mvinjana, busy throughout the first half.
Just as the first half drew to a close, a minor blackout added to the derby drama, as two of the floodlights at UJ Soweto Stadium went out.
This caused a more than 30-minute delay before the second half could get under way.
Once play resumed, the match was a relentless battle. Despite Wits' coach Thando Zulu making an immediate substitution to shake things up, UJ's defence remained solid.
UJ goalkeeper Kyle Van Rensburg was particularly impressive, making several crucial saves to deny Wits a late equalizer.
After 97 minutes of gripping end-to-end football, the final whistle was met with thunderous cheers from the UJ home crowd, celebrating a hard-fought victory.
The result not only strengthened UJ’s push for a coveted top four spot in the Varsity Football standings but also brought an emphatic end to Wits’ impressive winning streak.
SCORERS
UJ: Tumelo Machete
Man of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza (UJ)
TEAMS:
UJ: Kyle Van Rensburg, Sanele Mncube, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Yasidu Lifa, Karabo Modisane, Teboho Makhalanyane, Thabo Moshikere, Tumelo Machete, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Tshepo Mosieleng, Keletso Sekhwela.
Wits: Lwando Mvinjana, Obakeng Leping, Duane Bennett, Tebogo Masemola, Simphiwe, Mabena, Karabo Tsoane, Prince Manku, Tshepho Mothiba, Kaihil Cloete, Mduduzi Ndaba, Paballo Dladla.
DUT 1-2 UFS
It was a crucial bottom-of-the-table encounter at the Harry Gwala Stadium as DUT hosted UFS in a match where both sides were desperate for points.
The game began at a cautious pace, with neither team able to take control early on, though it was the visiting UFS side that appeared more composed and looked the more threatening as they gradually settled into the contest.
Just after the 20-minute mark, the deadlock was finally broken as UFS took the lead.
A dangerous run ended with one of their players being brought down right on the edge of the box, leaving the referee with little choice but to award a free kick.
Stepping up with confidence, Iviwe Dyabaza produced a moment of sheer brilliance, curling his effort into the top corner and leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Just two minutes later, the visitors furthered their lead as they crowded the box of the opposition Jerome Jansen finding the back of the net with a tap in.
The halftime whistle came as a lifesaver for DUT as their defence was in sixes and sevens, battling with the away team’s attack, 2-0 to UFS at the break.
The second half started off on a high note as both teams were looking to control the game.
The 70th minute saw another spectacular set piece, in the way of the home side, a beautiful goal from Nkululeko Nkosi, from a free kick which somehow found its way in the back of the net as the home team pulled one back, 2–1 to UFS.
SCORERS
DUT: Nkululeko Nkosi
UFS: Iviwe Dyabaza, 23’ Jerome Jansen.
Man of the Match: Iviwe Dyabaza (UFS)
TEAMS:
DUT: Kwanele Mtolo, Luyanda Ntuli, Nkululeko Nkosi, Xolani Mkhonza, Sifundo Ngema, Kwanele Vilakazi, Sbonelo Ngidi, Phiwayinkosi Mchunu, Iviwe Sodidi, Fanelesibonge Ndwandwe, Ndumiso Khali.
UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Philani Zondi, Tshepo Ndlovu, Samkelo Naledi, Jarome Jansen, Ben Kraai, Jose Mondi, Iviwe Dyabaza, Kwethemba Ndlovu, Kagiso Semenya, Adolf Radingoana.
CUT 1-3 TUT
TUT Men’s Football claimed their second win of the Varsity Football campaign on Thursday night with a 3-1 victory over the CUT Men’s Football at the CUT Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Despite the scoreline, TUT had to work hard for the three points, but they showed why they are such a well-drilled unit and why they proudly wear four stars on their chests.
The Red Army got off to a flying start, taking the lead as early as the 2nd minute when Glen Mashimbye scored with their very first attack.
It wasn’t long before the advantage was doubled, thanks to a neat finish from Lucky Raphala.
CUT pulled one back when Mzwakhe Shabalala converted from the penalty spot, giving the home side some much-needed momentum after conceding twice so early.
That goal settled the nerves and CUT managed to see out the remainder of the half trailing by just one, despite relentless pressure from the four-time champions.
After the break, TUT kept up the intensity, but CUT looked a lot more composed both in possession and in defence.
However, the pressure eventually told when Lindokuhle Nyandeni restored TUT’s two-goal cushion from the spot, after a reckless challenge by CUT goalkeeper Siseko Faku.
Although CUT fought bravely until the end, their shaky start ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.
SCORERS
CUT: Mzwakhe Shabalala
TUT: Glen Mashimbye, Lucky Raphala, Lindokuhle Nyandeni
Man of the Match: Glen Mashimbye (TUT)
TEAMS:
CUT: Siseko Faku, Siyabonga Mzelem, Thabang Mokoena (c), Khotso Mphene, Alwande Sibiya, Polokeho Letlema, Tiisetso Mpholoana, Nkosingiphile Lubisi, Mpho Ntabi, Moeletsi Khumalo, Mzwakhe Shabalala.
TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Mekdiwe Ncensya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja (captain), Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Sphamandla Motlhale, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Lucky Raphala, Glen Mashimbye, Precious Radithomo Mohale.
NWU 0-0 UP-TUKS
The tightly contested battle between NWU and UP-Tuks ended without a breakthrough, as both teams failed to convert their chances and were forced to share the spoils in a goalless 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of football.
From the opening whistle, NWU controlled possession and dictated much of the play in the first half.
Their midfield pressed forward with intent, keeping the Tuks defense under pressure. Despite their dominance, they were unable to convert chances into goals, largely due to the heroics of Tuks goalkeeper, Leathan Croats.
Wearing jersey number 13, Croats produced a commanding display, using sharp reflexes and smart positioning to deny NWU on multiple occasions.
At halftime, the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0, with NWU’s dominance in ball possession not reflected on the scoreboard.
The second half saw more of the same as NWU searched for a breakthrough, but their efforts were consistently thwarted.
As the match wore on, frustration grew for the home side. NWU threw numbers forward in the final minutes, but Croats stood tall in goal, frustrating their attackers and ensuring his side remained in contention until the final whistle.
The game ended with honors even, but it was Croats’ performance that shone brightest, earning him the plaudits of the day.
Man of the Match: Leathan Croats (UP-Tuks)
TEAMS:
NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Knowledge Muleya, Lucky Letwaba, Aphelele Wandile Sibisi, Lucas Seromo, Pascual Tivane, Thabang Majoro, Momelezi Mngati, Smanga Twala, Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo, and Reatlegile Kgosithebe.
UP-Tuks: Leathan Croats, Khotatso Balepile, Edward Rankwe, Damian Overmeyer, Nkosana Shabalala, Paballo Mamabolo, Joshua Wood, Euan Jenneker, Samukelo Ngodela, Matome Rangata, Risen Albert.