Wits and TUT shine on Varsity Football's opening night

Round One of the Varsity Football 2025 campaign kicked off with a bang. Returning giants Wits made a statement with a 4-1 thrashing of CUT in Johannesburg. TUT edged DUT 1-0 at the iconic Harry Gwala Stadium, while UJ and NWU couldn’t be separated in a tightly contested draw. At Tuks Stadium, UP-Tuks and UFS shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate.

A chilly Johannesburg evening provided the perfect backdrop for a thrilling Varsity Football 2025 season opener as UJ Men Football faced off against NWU Men Football. With a packed stadium and buzzing crowd, the energy was electric from the first whistle.

The home side, UJ, wasted no time in igniting the crowd, scoring in just the third minute. Thabo Moshikere slotted home a tap in after Yasidu Lifa headed down a pinpoint free-kick from Teboho Makhalanyane. UJ held onto their 1-0 lead going into the break, though not without pressure from NWU. The visitors fought hard for an equalizer, with UJ goalkeeper Lungelo Sithole pulling off a crucial save from a close-range header. The game’s only caution went to NWU’s Thapelo Letsholonyane for a rough challenge.

In the second half, both teams traded attacks in a tense battle. The substitutions made by both coaches proved impactful, especially for NWU. Their efforts paid off in the 89th minute when Molemo Kukama found the back of the net, levelling the score at 1-1. The referee's final whistle blew shortly after, with the two teams taking homa a point each.

Wits Men’s Football marked their return to the Varsity Football tournament in style, securing a dominant victory over CUT Men’s Football at Wits Rugby Stadium.

Back after a two-year absence from the campaign, Wits sent a clear message with a powerful performance.

The match was intense from the start, with both teams creating clear scoring opportunities. Wits took the lead when Tebogo Masemola scored a brilliant goal, assisted by Simphiwe Mabena. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the home side, with CUT reduced to 10 men after Malefetsane Doctor Matale received a red card.

Wits took full control in the second half, dictating the tempo and creating a host of scoring opportunities. Despite missing several early chances to extend their lead, they eventually found the back of the net three more times through Sfiso Mlondo, Mxolisi Mthiya, and Simphiwe Mabena. CUT pulled one back late in the match with a consolation goal from Nkosingiphile Lubisi, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

The iconic Harry Gwala Stadium set the stage for DUT Men’s Football official Varsity Football debut game, as they faced off against TUT Men’s Football in a highly anticipated clash.

It didn’t take long for TUT to settle, as the Red Machine struck just seven minutes into the game. Precious Mohale tapped in from a well-placed six yard pass to put the visitors ahead, 1-0 to TUT.

The match continued at a competitive pace, with DUT boosted by a packed stadium of home supporters. Both sides had opportunities but none were converted before the break.

TUT’s experience showed as they maintained their narrow lead through half-time, despite the chilly Pietermaritzburg weather.

The second half kicked off with intensity. DUT came close to equalising through a powerful strike by Iviwe Sodidi, only to be denied by an outstanding save.

A crucial moment followed when Lucky Raphala was brought down in the box, earning a penalty. Sekwanele Mtolo rose to the occasion, saving the spot-kick and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

The battle remained fierce until the final whistle but TUT held firm, using their composure to secure a hard-fought victory in their season opener.

UP-Tuks Men’s Football and UFS Men’s Football ended their opening Varsity Football clash in a goalless draw. Hosting the match at a packed Tuks Stadium, the home team felt the pressure to impress, while UFS came determined to prove a point. The first half was intense, with Tuks showing more hunger and creating the early chances to break the deadlock.

The game was tightly contested with both teams evenly matched. Tuks had the first clear chance when Samukelo Ngodela’s shot hit the upright. UFS looked dangerous on counterattacks but Tuks’ goalkeeper easily handled their back-to-back attempts.

Despite controlling possession for most of the first half, the Pretoria side couldn’t break down UFS’s defense. A costly error by Tuks captain Edward Rankwe nearly gave UFS the lead, but they failed to capitalize. The teams went into half-time locked at 0-0 after a frustrating first half.

Nicholas Stothard’s team came out strong after the break, with Matome Rangata’s pace and Camagu Mdevulana’s precise passing threatening UFS. Debutant Risen Albert joined on the wing as Tuks pressed hard. Despite hitting the post twice, including a chance by Paballo Mamabolo, Tuks couldn’t break through. UFS’s solid defense held firm, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw in front of a packed Tuks Stadium.