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 the 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 seek that all-important goal 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 wasn’t clinical enough to secure that elusive 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 a 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 upward 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’s 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 

Final round-robin log: