The Varsity Football round-robin stages have officially concluded, with plenty of drama and excitement in Round 7. NWU delivered a commanding performance at the Mahikeng Stadium, overpowering Wits with a dominant 3-0 victory to secure a home semifinal.
At Shimlas Park in Bloemfontein, TUT caused a major upset by defeating UFS 2-1, a result that allowed them to squeeze into fourth place and claim the last available semifinal spot.
Despite a convincing 4-0 win over DUT, UP-Tuks fell just short and were unable to book a place in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, UJ maintained their unbeaten run in the group stages, edging CUT 1-0 at the CUT Stadium to seal their place in the semifinals and finish the round stages on a high.
UFS 1-2 TUT
The four-time champions, TUT Football, kept their Varsity Football 2025 campaign alive on Thursday by stunning the high-flying UFS Football with a 2-1 victory at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.
The Red Army broke their two-match losing streak at exactly the right time in the competition. For UFS, however, it was a disappointing evening as they created plenty of chances but were undone by lapses in concentration at crucial moments.
The scoring was opened in the 8th minute when Lucky Raphala converted a penalty for TUT against the run of play. The referee judged that Omphemetse Athibeng had handled the ball in the box during a corner. That early goal gave TUT more control of the match, whereas up to that point, it had been the hosts applying the pressure.
UFS slowly regained their rhythm and started creating more shots on target. Their persistence finally paid off when Jose Mondi pounced on a loose ball and drilled it into the back of the net, via a deflection, for the equaliser just before halftime.
Just as UFS looked to be gaining the upper hand, the towering Surprise Khoza restored TUT’s lead in the 64th minute with a superb header from a pinpoint delivery into the box. That proved to be the match-winning goal.
Despite the defeat, UFS have done enough to secure their spot in the playoffs, but it remains to be seen who their next opponents will be.
SCORERS:
UFS: Jose Mondi.
TUT: Lucky Raphala, Surprise Khoza.
Player of the Match: Surprise Khoza (TUT)
TEAMS:
UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Kwethemba Ndlovu, 3 Xolani Mqwathi, Iviwe Dyabuza (captain), Tshepo Ndlovu, Jarome Jansen, 20 Jose Mondi, 18 Kagiso Semenya, Kagisho Lekholoa, Omphemetse Athibeng
TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Kediwe Ncenya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja (captain), Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Motlhale, Menzukuthula Ntshangase, Lucky Raphala, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Precious Mohale.
NWU 3-0 Wits
NWU Football delivered a commanding performance in round 7 of the Varsity Football tournament, defeating Wits Football 3-0 in Mahikeng on Thursday night.
The home side made an explosive start, finding the breakthrough within the opening five minutes. A swift move down the right flank saw Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk perfectly placed near the penalty spot to convert a low cross and hand NWU an early 1-0 lead. The goal lifted the intensity of the match, with both teams enjoying equal spells of possession. Wits, despite conceding early, maintained composure and looked to build attacking momentum, but they were denied by NWU’s well-organised backline.
FULL-TIME at the NWU Mahikeng Campus🦅
— NWU - North-West University (@theNWU) September 18, 2025
The #NWUEagles soar into the Varsity Football semifinals with a commanding 3–0 victory over WITS! 💜#MyNWU #NWUEagles #iyachesa pic.twitter.com/C8BUfLCARo
By the 30-minute mark, NWU had registered three shots on target and several promising entries into the Wits penalty area, underlining their attacking intent. Wits responded with periods of possession but lacked penetration in the final third. The scoreline remained 1-0 at halftime, with NWU looking the sharper side in front of goal.
The second half began with NWU pressing high and pinning Wits deep in their half. Their dominance was rewarded in the 51st minute when captain Aphelele Sibisi doubled the advantage. Once again, the threat came from the right flank, as Van Schalkwyk turned provider, linking up with the midfield before setting up Sibisi, who calmly slotted home for 2-0.
NWU midfield trio-controlled possession, winning duels and recycling play efficiently, leaving Wits chasing shadows. The visitors struggled to carve out clear chances and were limited to long-range efforts that failed to trouble the NWU goalkeeper.
The result was sealed in the 89th minute when substitute Xolani Masethi produced the goal of the night. Spotting space outside the box, he unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew beyond the Wits keeper, making it 3-0 and sending the home supporters into celebration.
NWU’s blend of early attacking sharpness, midfield dominance, and defensive discipline ensured a deserved victory.
SCORERS:
NWU: Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk, Aphelele Sibisi, Xolani Masethi.
Player of the Match: Lucas Seromo (NWU)
TEAMS:
NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Lucky Letwaba, Lucas Seromo, Aphelele Wandile Sibisi, Knowledge Muleya, Thabang Majoro, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Momelezi Mngati, Bokamoso Ramoshoane and Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk
Wits: Lwando Mvinjana, Obakeng Leping, Kgwadi Molepo, Tebogo Masemola, Simphiwe Mabena, Karabo Tsoane, Prince Manku, Tumelo Nkwe, Tshepho Mothiba, Mxolisi Mthiya and Kaihil Cloete.
UP-Tuks 4-0 DUT
UP-Tuks Football finish fifth on the log with a 4-0 victory over struggling DUT Football. The Stripe Generation played hosts to struggling DUT desperate to keep their playoffs hopes alive. The opening half saw both sides asking questions early on. DUT had a chance to take a lead inside the first minute, but Bonga Mthembu saw his effort goes wide.
Tuks thought they had a penalty on the 20th minute when Raymond Matlamela was brought down in the box however referee was not interested. Their efforts were rewarded within a couple of minutes when playmaker Raymond Matlamela released Risen Albert who saw his shot blocked by keeper Samkelo Zulu. The save only went as far as Quinton Stokes-Waller’s who made no mistake and poked into the net.
A win at home to close off our campaign.
— #TuksSport (@TuksSport) September 18, 2025
Thanks to the fans for the unwavering support.
Next Up ⏭️ USSA Football Champs #StripeGeneration | #Iyachesa pic.twitter.com/NHWIS7QL6p
The home side pleated their lead swiftly through Matome Rangata. It was Tuks on the break and Rangata with a brilliant run out wide into the box and slotted it in the bottom corner. Tuks heading into the break with a two-goal cushion.
The Stripe Generation picked up where they left off and continue to run rampage on the visitors.
A pleasing cross hits Stokes-Waller before hitting DUT defender to take Tuks 3 nil up. It was not long before substitute Mathuane Selotola made it four for the Pretoria based side with another counter attack goal, goalkeeper committed and Rangata sent a stunning cross to Selotola. The experienced forward first slipped before he regathered and placed at the back of the net. A comfortable win for the Tuks to wrap up their campaign.
SCORERS:
UP-Tuks: Quinton Stokes-Waller (2), Matome Rangata, Mathuane Selotola.
Player of the Match: Risen Albert (UP-Tuks)
TEAMS:
UP-Tuks: Leathan Croats, Atlegang Masemola, Edward Rankwe, Damian Overmeyer, Nkosana Shabalala, Camagu Mdevulana, Samukelo Ngodela, Matome Rangata, Raymond Tshwane Matlamela, Risen Albert, Quintin Stokes-Waller
DUT: Samkelo Zulu, Luyanda Ntuli, Xolani Mkhonza, Sifundo Ngema, Nkululeko Nkosi, Sbonelo Ngidi, Thalente Mkhize, Phiwayinkosi Mchunu, Bonga Mthembu, Cebani Ngidi, Ndumiso Khali.
CUT 0-1 UJ
In their final clash before the semifinals, table-topping UJ Football maintained their unbeaten record with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against a battling CUT Football in Bloemfontein. UJ, dominant all season, showcased their class, while CUT, with just one win, fought valiantly but fell short.
Semifinals here we come! The Orange Army remain unbeaten, top of the log and secure a home semifinal after a composed away win in Bloem. Tokoloho Vilakazi scoring the only goal.
— Varsity Football (@VarsityDiski) September 18, 2025
CUT 0-1 UJ #iyachesa
Brought to you by FNB, Suzuki, Cashbuild and SportPesa SA. pic.twitter.com/NJmmgXEPKb
UJ controlled the midfield, dictating play with authority. Tokoloho Vilakazi struck early, firing home a clinical goal to give the visitors the lead. UJ’s relentless pressure kept CUT on the back foot, though the home side’s defence, led by captain Thabang Mokoena, stood firm to keep the score at 1-0 by halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with UJ’s attack, orchestrated by the creative Tshepo Mosieleng, creating numerous chances. However, poor finishing prevented the Johannesburg side from extending their lead. CUT showed resilience, with substitute Mpho Ntabi nearly equalising midway through the second half, only to be thwarted by a brilliant defending and a save from UJ goalkeeper Kyle van Rensburg.
As the match neared its end, CUT pushed desperately for a draw, but UJ’s defence remained resolute, repelling every attack.
The visitors’ discipline and composure under pressure ensured they held on to secure the win, allowing them to finish the league stage unbeaten and head into the semifinals brimming with confidence and momentum.
SCORERS:
UJ: Tokoloho Vilakazi
Player of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza (UJ)
TEAMS:
CUT: Siseko Faku, Thabang Mokoena (C), Edward Tshabalala, Alwande Sibiya, Keletso Khumalo, Siyabonga Mzelem, Pogisho Dikole, Polokeho Letlema, Mzwakhe Shabalala, Nkosingiphile Lubisi, Boeletsang Rankali.
UJ: Thabo Moshikere, Ndabezinhle Nkosi (C), Yasidu Lifa, Karabo Modisane, Ngwako Ramaloko, Keletso Sekhwela, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Kyle Van Rensburg, Tokoloho Vilakazi, Tumelo Machete, Tshepo Mosieleng.
