Action Packed Evening Rounds Off Varsity Football Round Robin
It was another action-packed evening finishing off the 2022 Varsity Football round-robin fixtures
with fireworks. The Tshwane University of Technology and the North-West University secured the
final two semi-final spots, while the defending champions University of Johannesburg finished the
round-robin stage at the top of the log and Wits University finally collected their first win of this
year’s edition, beating record champions the University of Pretoria.
NWU secure top 4 vs VUT
Both teams had all to play for, as both NWU and VUT could’ve secured their semi-final ticket on
Thursday night. 21 minutes into the game, NWU opened the scoring thanks to Shuping Omphile,
who netted with a long range shot. VUT had a double chance to equalise just before the break but
the first attempt following a corner hit the post, before the NWU goalkeeper denied VUT on the
rebound. The Noble Men remained on top for large parts of the match and eventually scored the
second goal in the 80th minute via Reatlegile Kgosithebe. Shuping completed his brace in the 83rd
following a quick counter attack by the hosts.
FT score:
Goals: 21’ 1-0 Shuping Omphile, 80’ 2-0 Reatlegile Kgosithebe, 83’ 3-0 Shuping Omphile
Man of the Match: Shuping Omphile (NWU)
TUT leapfrog UFS
TUT faced Kovsies at Xerox Shimla Park in the early kick-off, with the hosts fighting to secure their
top-four spot, while the visitors had already secured their semi-final participation. It was a pretty
even affair in the first half but a goal by Kutloano Manamela after beating the UFS goalkeeper,
Tisetso Seodinyane in the 40th minute gave the hosts a massive boost. In the latter part of the
second stanza, UFS upped the tempo as they desperately seeked that all important goal in order
to secure a home semi-final. But unforced errors proved to be their Achilles Heel and apart from
the captain, Angelo Arendse, leading by example, UFS, just weren’t clinical enough to secure that
illusive point. Manamela’s first half goal was enough for the visitors to ensure they finished in the
top four, and more importantly, leap-frog UFS on the log to secure themselves a home semi-final.
FT score: TUT 1-0 UFS
Goals: 40’ 1-0 Kutloano Manamela
Man of the Match: Anda Yamile (TUT)
UJ collect come-back win vs UKZN
The defending champions had already booked their top-four spot but were keen on securing a
home semi-final, while UKZN were hoping to continue their upwards trend. UKZN had a chance to
take the lead after 12 minutes after being awarded a spot-kick, but goalkeeper Richard Banga
saved Njabulo Mkhize attempt. The visitors did take the lead in the 25th minute, thanks to a
brilliant free-kick goal from forward Khona Ntuli. The visitors carried their lead into the half but UJ
came strongly out of the change rooms. The Orange Army netted the equaliser in the 63rd minute
thanks to a header from Maselesele Makoti following a corner. Just two minutes later, Thulani
Zandamela netted his side’s second goal to put UJ in front.
FT score: UJ 2-1 UKZN
Goals: 25’ 0-1 Khona Ntuli, 63’ 1-1 Maselesele Makoti, 65’ 2-1 Zandamela
Man of the Match: Advocate Mokwena (UJ)
Wits sink UP-Tuks
The Educated Footballers had nothing left to play for but pride as they were still searching for their
first win of this year’s Varsity Football, while Tuks needed a win to stand a chance of sneaking into
the top four. The game remained deadlocked in the first half after it kicked off delayed due to some
protests. Wits eventually scored the opener in the 52nd minute thanks to a penalty calmly
converted by Bradley Mongwe. The sole goal was enough for Wits to celebrate their first win, while
Tuks failed to make the top four.
FT score: Wits 1-0 Tuks
Goals: 52’ 1-0 Bradley Mongwe
Man of the Match: Kgwadi Molepo (Wits)
CONFIRMED SEMI-FINALS
15 September, 16:45: University of Johannesburg vs North-West University
15 September 19:00: Tshwane University of Technology vs University of the Free State
