Durban University of Technology (DUT) made a perfect start to the 2026 Men’s Varsity Football tournament after securing a comfortable 2-0 away victory over the University of Limpopo (UL) on Friday evening at a sold-out Oscar Mpetha Stadium.
UL asserted their authority early on but lacked composure in front of goal, with several promising opportunities going begging. The hosts found joy down the right flank, where Xola Nova made dangerous runs and delivered a couple of inviting cutbacks, but UL could not find the clinical finish needed to break the deadlock.
DUT gradually settled into the contest around the half-hour mark and began to pose a threat in the final third. Awande Buthelezi came closest for the visitors before the break, but his effort was comfortably saved by UL goalkeeper Mosa Mabitsela as the sides went into half-time level.
DUT came out with a more positive approach after the restart and were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Buthelezi applied the finishing touch to a well-worked team move. A series of intricate passes opened up the UL defence before Buthelezi calmly finished to put the visitors ahead.
UL continued to probe for an equaliser, with Nova remaining a constant threat on the wing and causing problems for the DUT defence. However, the visitors remained composed at the back and kept the hosts at bay.
DUT were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute following end-to-end action as UL pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Defender Nkululeko Nkosi, who produced a solid performance at the back, stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to double DUT’s advantage and seal a convincing opening-night victory.
Pictures courtesy of Varsity Sport