Varsity Football log leaders UJ have made their intentions clear as they continued their unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory over UWC at UJ Soweto Stadium. Wits also showed strong character, securing a 2-0 win over TUT at Wits Stadium, while defending champions UFS continued their title defence chase with a convincing 3-0 victory over DUT. UP-Tuks also claimed an important three points, edging UL 3-0 at Tuks Stadium, as the battle for the semifinal places heats up.
UJ 2-0 UWC
UJ retained their position at the summit of the Varsity Football standings, grinding out a clinical 2-0 victory over UWC to reach 16 points on the log standings.
A frustrating first half in Round 6 left both technical teams searching for answers, as the on-pitch action failed to spark. While the Orange Army probed with sporadic attacks, UWC goalkeeper Zubeir Mohamed proved an unyielding final barrier before the break. Mohamed produced a trio of crucial saves – denying close-range efforts from Tshepo Mosieleng and Mfundo Ngema, as well as defusing a long-range rocket from Njabulo Jele.
UJ pinned the visitors deep inside their own half, but UWC’s defense absorbed the pressure admirably to keep the match deadlock-bound at halftime. With little on-field brilliance to celebrate, the home supporters found their entertainment in the interval activations rather than the opening 45 minutes.
The tactical dynamic shifted dramatically in the second half. UWC attempted to make their presence felt through Mesuli Manzi on the right flank, but UJ’s organised backline comfortably dealt with his deliveries into the box.
The breakthrough UJ relentlessly pursued finally arrived in the 55th minute. Off a long throw-in from the right wing, the UWC defense failed to clear their six-yard box, allowing Yasidu Lifa to pounce on the loose ball and fire the hosts into a 1-0 lead.
Both sides’ technical teams turned to their reserves, injecting pace and intensity into a rapidly opening game. UJ’s depth ultimately made the difference. Sent on as a substitute, Tumelo Machete sealed the result by finishing off a crisp cutback from Sandile Nkosi, unleashing a beautiful left foot instant strike into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Mohamed continued his heroic display between the sticks for UWC, pulling off several late saves to prevent a broader margin of defeat. Driven by deafening cheers from the stands as UJ launched counter attack after counter attack, the night concluded with an electric Friday night atmosphere, keeping UJ's championship momentum firmly intact.
SCORERS
UJ: (0) 2
Yasidu Lifa, Tumelo Machete.
UWC: (0) 0
Player of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza (UJ)
TEAMS
UJ: Bayanda Mkhonza, Yasidu Lifa, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Njabulo Jele, Moraka Mathidza, Phadishi Kaka, Ofentse Motlhabi, Tshepo Mosieleng, Mfundi Ngema, Koketso Monyama, Keletso Sekhwela.
UWC: Zubeir Mohamed, Kamva Sifuba, Qhayisa Lekata, Imaan January, Zamian Plaatjies, Malinga Mdodana, Relebohile Matima, Asakhe George, Vuyani Ncontsa, Luphulo Zini, Melusi Manzi.
TUT 0-2 Wits
Wits secured a gritty 2-0 victory over TUT at Wits Stadium, securing a place in the semifinals.
TUT created the first major opportunity in the eighth minute, but Wits goalkeeper Lwando Mvinjana produced an excellent high save to his right to keep the scores level.
Wits struggled to break through a determined TUT defence, while the Red Army also found it difficult to convert their chances. In the 32nd minute, Mvinjana was in action again, blocking a top-right effort from TUT's Akhani Rathokoa.
Wits had their own opportunity five minutes later. Karabo Tsoane's effort from the right carried good spin but sailed just over the target.
The breakthrough finally came shortly before halftime. Wits won a corner, and Simangaliso Dlamini rose to head the ball home, giving the hosts a 1–0 lead.
Two minutes of extra time were added, though no goals came through. Both sides had created a number of chances, but Wits were left to rue those missed opportunities. Mvinjana remained particularly important for Wits, while TUT captain Lucky Raphala helped keep several dangerous Wits attacks at bay.
In the second half, Wits continued to push forward. Mxolisi Mthiya came close in the 53rd minute when his header from a cross narrowly missed the target.
TUT continued to search for a way back into the contest, but Wits eventually doubled their advantage in the 76th minute. Moloko Kgatla finished off a well-worked one-two combination with a low strike towards TUT goalkeeper Khafelo Debeshe, making it 2–0.
Despite the Red Army's efforts to respond, Wits held firm through the closing stages.
The final whistle came in the 94th minute, confirming a 2–0 victory and semi-place for Wits, with it also possibly being a home clash.
SCORERS:
TUT: (0) 0
Wits: (1) 2
Simangaliso Dlamini, Moloko Kgatla.
Player of the Match: Kaihil Cloete (Wits)
TEAMS
Wits: Kgwadi Molepo (c), Mxolisi Mthiya, Tebogo Masemola, Obakeng Leping, Kaihil Cloete, Moloko Kgatla, Siphesihle Ntombela, Keabetswe Segaetsho, Simangaliso Dlamini, Karabo Tsoane, Lwando Mvinjana.
TUT: Khafelo Debeshe, Oreratile Mapudi, Ntshuxeko Mkhabela, Tshiamo Rantho, Lehlomo Tolo, Thobani Ngwenya, Matsobane Chipana, Lucky Raphala (c), Kereabilwe Mphahlele, Akani Rathokoa, Menzukuthula Ntshangashe.
UFS 3-0 DUT
A ruthless UFS punished a 10-man DUT 3-0 in Bloemfontein on Friday night to record their second win of the season and keep their hopes of reaching the Varsity Football semifinals alive.
The first half in the City of Roses certainly belonged to the defending champions, as they showed glimpses of the form that won them the title last year. They were confident with the ball at their feet, dictated the pace of the game and dominated possession.
UFS launched wave after wave of attacks and created numerous scoring opportunities. Had they not hit the woodwork on three occasions, the scoreline would have made for grim reading for the visitors from Durban at halftime.
The deadlock was broken in the 39th minute when none other than the captain himself, Jarome Jansen, opened the scoring. His strike found the bottom-left corner to give his team a 1-0 lead at the interval.
The second half saw UFS crank up the pace after DUT’s Zethembe Dlamini was shown a red card less than a minute into the final period. While UFS could not score from the resulting free-kick, Ivense Mbhele did manage to double his team’s lead less than a minute later.
With less than 20 minutes to play, Mbhele completed his brace, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net following a cracking cross from Itumeleng Louw.
It is safe to say that the UFS attack in the second half was some of the best football the team played not this season, but in years. They were ruthless and outstanding.
It was enough for the defending champions to collect three valuable points and keep their title defence alive going into the final round.
SCORERS
UFS: (1) 3
Jarome Jansen, Ivense Mbhele X2
DUT: (0) 0
Player of the Match: Jarome Jansen (UFS)
TEAMS:
UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Sandile Mhlanga, Philani Zondi, Itumeleng Louw, Sachile Eusil Nyathi, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jarome Jansen, Keabetswe Mofokeng, Samkelo Nakedi, Ivense Mbhele.
DUT: Sekwanele Mtolo, Luyanda Ntuli, Zethembe Dlamini, Nkululeko Nkosi, Nqobeko Magoso, Amahle Maduma, Kwanele Vilakazi, Fanelesibonge Ndwandwe, Sandiso Xaba, Nkosiyesizwe Buthelezi, Awande Buthelezi
UP-Tuks 3-0 UL
UP-Tuks collect all three points in a commanding 3-0 victory over UL. With the Varsity Football log starting to shape up and pressure pilling to collecting points, UP-Tuks welcomed UL desperate for a win.
Coming from a defeat in their previous encounter, the Stripe Generation needed all three points in order to stay in contention for the last four. The clash depicted a fair and balanced opening stanza both looking for an early lead.
Tuks did not waste time in posing threats to UL, explosive winger Risen Albert beat a defender on one-one but sees his effort going wide from a tight angle. The Turfies on the other side looked dangerous on the near wing with Theto Mohale making deadly runs into Tuks box however could not convert their chances.
The half was frustrating for the home side as they were denied a goal for an offside. Samukelo Ngodela laid off the ball for sharp shooter Ntokozo Madela cleanly headed home after connecting perfectly with the ball however it was disallowed for an offside.
The end-to-end action bursting clash remained goalless at the break, 0-0.Tuks returned from the break and took control of the possession however it was the visitors absorbed the pressure and relied on counter attacks. The home side took an early lead in the second half courtesy of Matome Rangata’s sensational free kick, a hard low shot through the wall and the goalkeeper could only watch the ball.
Turfies were not to be written off as they kept asking questions with the Tuks defence remaining calm, the Limpopo based side searched with no answers. Stripe Generation proved their dominance and converted their second of the night.
Substitute Sinalo Nyawose with cheeky touches broke through UL defence and fed Risen Albert. Albert turned and unleashed a thunder to make it two to the good for Tuks. Substitute Raymond Matlamela put a nail in the coffin making it 3-0 in referee’s optional time as the Pretoria outfit walked away with all 3 points.
SCORERS
UP-Tuks: (0) 3
Matome Rangata, Risen Albert, Raymond Matlamela
UL: (0)
Player of the Match: Matome Rangata (UP-Tuks)
TEAMS:
UP-Tuks: Gennaro Johnson, Sibusiso Tolomane, Jason Cox, Lebogang Mswane, Euan Jenneker, Paballo Mamabolo, Joshua Wood, Matome Rangata, Samukelo Ngodela, Risen Albert, Ntokozo Madela.
UL: Wisani Sibuyi, Fesbon Ngobeni, Malwandla Makamu, Reggy Kabelo Masebe, Simon Katlego Malebe, Lesedi Kgadima, Theto Mohale, Sechaba Phoko, Maano Phaswana, Lethabo Baloyi, Xola Nava