Varsity Football Round 5: UFS Rule Bloem Derby as NWU, Wits and DUT Shine
Varsity Football 2025 served up plenty of drama in round five, headlined by a fiery Bloemfontein derby where UFS edged CUT 2-1 at Shimla Park. Goals from Kagiso Semenya and Jarome Jansen put Kovsies in control before a late strike from Katlego Ramotete set up a nervy finish, but the hosts held on to secure city bragging rights.
In Mahikeng, NWU continued their push for a semi-final spot with a controlled 1-0 win over TUT. Dominating possession from the outset, the Mafikeng side finally broke through when Momelezi Mngati netted the winner. Midfielder Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk was named Player of the Match after a commanding display.
Meanwhile, Wits dented Tuks’ knockout hopes in Pretoria, holding the hosts to a 1-1 draw. A penalty from Simphiwe Mabena gave Wits the lead, before Damian Overmeyer levelled for the Stripe Generation. Despite late pressure, the home side remain winless this season.
The shock of the round came in Johannesburg where log leaders UJ were held 1-1 by struggling DUT. The Durban side, who had lost four straight, stunned the Orange Army through a penalty from captain Xolani Mkhonza, before Keletso Sekhwela rescued a point for UJ. DUT’s resilience — even after a late red card — earned them a vital first point in weeks.
🔑 Key Quotes
- UFS matchwinner Jarome Jansen: “Derbies are about fight, and tonight we showed character. This win means a lot for our city.”
- DUT coach Zipho Dlangalala: “My boys showed heart. Nobody gave us a chance against UJ, but we proved we belong here.”
📊 Round 5 Results
- UFS 2–1 CUT
- NWU 1–0 TUT
- UJ 1–1 DUT
- UP-Tuks 1–1 Wits
📌 Group Standings (after 5 rounds)
- UJ – 11 pts
- NWU – 10 pts
- UFS – 9 pts
- Wits – 7 pts
- TUT – 6 pts
- UP-Tuks – 3 pts
- CUT – 3 pts
- DUT – 1 pt
