Round four of the 2025 Varsity Football tournament produced late drama, first wins and a big shift at the top of the log.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) edged UP-Tuks 1–0 at the Soweto Stadium to move top of the table, stretching their unbeaten run to four matches. After a tense first half, Keletso Sekhwela broke the deadlock just after the break, finishing off a period of sustained pressure. UJ’s backline, marshalled by Player of the Match Yasidu Lifa, kept Tuks at bay to seal a third victory of the campaign.
In Bloemfontein, the University of the Free State (UFS) snatched a dramatic late winner against North-West University (NWU). The tie looked destined for a draw until a stoppage-time free kick from skipper Iviwe Dyabuza forced an own goal, handing the hosts a precious 1–0 win and back-to-back victories at Shimla Park. Goalkeeper Lethokuhle Makhaya stood out with several key saves to keep UFS alive before the decisive moment.
Elsewhere, Central University of Technology (CUT) finally got their campaign up and running with a gritty 2–1 home victory over Durban University of Technology (DUT). Nkosingiphile Lubisi scored twice, including a second-half strike that proved decisive, while DUT’s Manqoba Mlele grabbed a late consolation. The result lifted CUT off the bottom, leaving DUT still searching for their first win.
At Wits Stadium, Wits and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) shared the points in a 1–1 draw. TUT opened the scoring before halftime through Lindokuhle Nyandeni, but Wits hit back from the spot in the second half as Mxolisi Mthiya coolly converted. Despite both teams creating chances, neither could find the winner.
After four rounds, UJ lead the standings on 10 points, followed closely by UFS and NWU. The competition remains wide open, but UJ’s consistency has given them the early edge in the race for semifinal places.
Mini Standings (after Round 4)
- UJ – 10 pts
- UFS – 9 pts
- NWU – 7 pts
- Wits – 7 pts