The finalists for this year’s competition have been decided. Read who made it through after UWC travelled to Pretoria to face log leaders Tuks and the Eagles hosted UFS in Mahikeng last night.

UP-Tuks 0-1 UWC

The 2015 Varsity Football winners UWC was the first side to march to this year’s final after defeating the three-time champions UP-Tuks. The highly anticipated encounter did not spare any drama or action as Tuks enjoyed much of the possession in the opening exchanges. UWC looked dangerous on the counter attack and capitalized on their chances in a cheeky piece of play from their playmaker  Relebohile Matima who made no mistake and slotted the ball in a far upright to put the visitors ahead after 11 minutes.

Both teams articulated their set pieces in textbook plays, but the score remained 1-0 at the interval. UP-Tuks returned from the break rejuvenated with the introduction of Ntokozo Madela who had a chance to put Tuks back in the game. He found himself with an open net from a rebound but hit the post. Seconds later Mnqobi Mkhize saw his header go wide as UWC hung on to a closely contested victory.

Scorers: Relebohile Matima (UWC).

FNB Player of the Match: Damian Overmeyer (UWC)

UP-Tuks: Jayden Van Der Walt, Khotatso Balepile, Nkosana Shabalala, Edward Rankwe, Tshepiso Mahlangu, Paballo Mamabolo, Joshua Wood, Matome Rangata, Camagu Mdevulana, Samukelo Ngodela, Quintin Stokes-Waller.

UWC: Leathan Croats, Malinga Mdodana, Shuaib Martin, Leandro De Sousa, Asibonge Maphumulo, Jadan Zeeman, Relebohile Matima, Vuyani Ncontsa, Damian Overmeyer, Khanya Dyani, Imaan January.

 

Omphemetse Matlhogonolo Athibeng at NWU vs UFS at NWU Stadium on Thursday 12 SEPTEMBER 2024. Mahikeng, South Africa Photo by Toy Shot It for Varsity Football

NWU 4-0 UFS

NWU delivered a commanding performance, defeating UFS 4-0 at the NWU Mafikeng Stadium to book their place in the Varsity Football final. The result was a reversal of fortunes after UFS had beaten NWU in the group stages. Although the opening 10 minutes did not produce any goals, NWU was clearly on top, dictating play and putting pressure on the UFS defense. The breakthrough finally came in the 26th minute when Reatlegile Kgosithebe rose high to meet a cross from the right flank, heading the ball into the back of the net to put NWU ahead.

The second half saw NWU continue to impose their will on the game. In the 52nd minute, Lucky Letwaba doubled NWU’s lead with a stunning free kick. UFS tried to find a way back into the game, but NWU’s defense remained solid, with the goalkeeper making several crucial saves to keep the clean sheet intact. As the game progressed, NWU piled on more pressure, and Xolani Masethi added a third goal with a powerful volley from the left flank, leaving the UFS goalkeeper with no chance. To cap off an excellent team performance, Molemo Kukama scored NWU’s fourth goal in the 90th minute.

Scorers: Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Lucky Letwaba, Xolani Masethi, Molemo Kukama (NWU).

FNB Player of the Match: Reatlegile Kgosithebe (NWU).

NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Olebogeng Moeti ©, Lucky Letwaba, Sousa Mathe, Lucas Seromo, Lesego Motsepe, Momelezi Mngati, Ranonyane Mmutlane, Xolani Masethi, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Pascual Tivane.

UFS: Boy Rantsoti ©, Moeti Mofokeng, Arlonso Diedricks, Omphemetse Matlhogonolo Athibeng, Obakeng Seekoei, Thandolwethu Khoza, Sandile Mhlanga, Iviwe Dyabuza, Tisetso Daniel Seodinyane, Thato Nkhatho, Jarome Jansen.

Book your ticket for the September 26 final here

See all fixtures and the log here

Courtesy Varsity Sports