BLOEMFONTEIN: The University of the Free State’s (UFS) men’s team is gearing up for a crucial away game in the Varsity Football semifinal clash against the North-West University (NWU) – today Thursday, 25 September. The winner will meet the victor of the other semifinal between the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
The first semifinal, a Gauteng derby between the UJ and TUT, is scheduled to kick-off at 17:00 followed by grudge match between the Kovsie boys and NWU at 19:30. The final is scheduled for Thursday, 2 October, at a venue yet to be announced.
The four clubs qualified following their outcomes in round 7 matches played on Thursday, 18 September, at different venues. The NWU boys delivered a commanding performance, defeating Wits FC 3 − 0 at their home turf in Mahikeng. An in-form UJ maintained their unbeaten run in the group stages, after edging the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, 1 − 0 in Bloemfontein.
The Kovsies lost 1 − 2 to the TUT at their home ground of Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. However, their consistent performance in the round-robin matches saw them advance to the semifinals for the second year in a row.
The University of Johannesburg (black) and the Tshwane University of Technology in action during round 6 of the match played on 11 September. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/ Asem Engage Credit: Christiaan Kotze/ Asem Engage
The semifinal between the Kovsies and NWU is a repeat of last year’s championship. However, last year the Kovsies lost 4 − 0 to the hosts on penalties and the result saw the NWU avenge their 3 − 1 loss at the hands of the Free State boys. Revenge is on the cards in this intriguing fixture.
The championship has eluded the aspirations of the Kovsies and their current head coach, Mokete Tsotetsi, to end this misfortune. The NWU and UJ lads are searching for their second trophy since winning in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
The most successful team is the TUT, having won it four times − in 2023, 2022, 2018 and 2016. The University of Pretoria (UP Tuks) won the tournament twice, in 2014 and 2017, while the University of the Western Cape (UWC) won it in 2015 and 2020.
UJ, who edged TUT 1-0 in round 6 of the tournament will be looking for a double while the opposition want to avenge their narrow defeat.
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