The semi-final line-up for Varsity Women’s Football has been confirmed following a dramatic third round of fixtures at UJ Soweto Stadium, where defending champions UWC continued their imperious form with a 2-0 victory over struggling UP-Tuks to maintain their perfect record.
UJ secured their place in the last four with an emphatic 4-0 triumph over winless CPUT, demonstrating the clinical edge that has established them as genuine title contenders this season. Meanwhile, TUT finally broke their duck in spectacular fashion, dismantling UNIVEN 8-0 to claim their maiden victory of the campaign, whilst NWU and Wits shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
UWC maintain perfect start
The reigning champions extended their winning streak to three matches with a professional performance against UP-Tuks. Chelsea Daniels opened the scoring in the seventh minute, expertly heading home Mmabatho Mogale’s perfectly delivered corner.
UP-Tuks showed resilience in the first half, with Sivuyile Njobeni’s free-kick striking the woodwork, but UWC’s defensive solidity proved insurmountable. The decisive moment arrived in the 39th minute when Mogale doubled the advantage with a stunning direct corner kick, sealing qualification to the semi-finals.
Player of the Match Mogale’s two-goal contribution underlined her importance to UWC’s title defence, whilst goalkeeper Thandeka Ngcobo produced crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
UJ dominates Group B
UJ’s commanding victory over CPUT not only secured their semi-final berth but also established them at the summit of Group B. Adivhaho Mphangale’s early header from Portia Masilela’s corner set the tone, before the striker doubled her tally in first-half stoppage time.
The Orange Army’s superiority continued after the interval, with Thato Mofolo extending the lead in the 36th minute. Substitute Malitsatsi Mosala completed the rout from the penalty spot in the dying moments after Cassidy Primo fouled Kamogelo Maponya.
Despite CPUT’s spirited second-half response, including three consecutive corners, UJ goalkeeper Siphokazi Xaba remained untroubled to preserve another clean sheet.
Thrilling stalemate between NWU and Wits
The evening’s most dramatic encounter saw Wits surrender a two-goal advantage as NWU staged a remarkable comeback. Aliyaah Allie’s stunning 12th-minute opener was followed by Lusanda Nyathi’s header from a free-kick to establish Wits’ commanding position.
NWU refused to capitulate, with Veronicca Maswanganyi reducing the deficit just before half-time with a clever finish between the goalkeeper’s legs. The drama reached its crescendo in stoppage time when Mbalentle Dlikilili’s corner-kick effort deflected off a Wits defender to level the scores.
TUT’s statement victory
TUT’s 8-0 demolition of UNIVEN marked their breakthrough moment in the tournament. After a goalless opening 10 minutes, the floodgates opened when Lindiwe Nkambule broke the deadlock, quickly followed by Naledi Thakanyane’s first.
The match became a showcase for TUT’s attacking prowess, with both Thakanyane and Thabiso Senyatsi completing hat-tricks. Mokgaetji Ramanna also found the net as TUT built a 5-0 half-time advantage before adding three more goals after the interval.
With qualification secured, TUT’s coaching staff wisely rested key players ahead of their semi-final clash with UJ, substituting the entire starting XI by the 62nd minute.
Semi-final preview
The semi-finals promise captivating encounters, with defending champions UWC facing the challenge of an improving side, whilst TUT’s newfound confidence will be tested against group leaders UJ in what could prove the tie of the round.
The tournament continues to showcase the rising standard of women’s university football, with each fixture delivering compelling narratives and exceptional individual performances that bode well for the future of the women’s game in South Africa.
Fixtures: Monday 8 September
- 13:00 – CPUT vs UNIVEN
- 15:00 – UP-Tuks vs NWU
- 17:00 – UWC vs Wits
- 19:00 – UJ vs TUT
All matches are played at UJ Soweto Stadium.
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