Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) have made Varsity Football history after coming from a goal down to defeat arch-rivals UP-Tuks 3-2 in a thrilling Tshwane derby and claim their fifth record title at Tuks Stadium on Friday night.
The Red Army’s latest triumph further cements their dominance in the competition, with TUT becoming the first team to lift the Varsity Football trophy five times.
The much-anticipated final lived up to its billing as the two Tshwane rivals went head-to-head with the championship on the line.
TUT started brightly, with Akani Rathokoa and Lucky Raphala combining to threaten the Tuks defence, although Rathokoa could not convert the opportunity.
Tuks responded through Risen Albert, who came close to opening the scoring before the home side eventually found the breakthrough in the 17th minute.
Albert delivered a pinpoint cross for Ntokozo Madela, who headed into the bottom corner to give the Stripe Generation a 1-0 lead. The goal took Madela’s tally to six for the tournament.
TUT immediately looked for a response and began piling pressure on Tuks, who were dealt a further blow when Albert was forced off with an injury.
Despite the Red Army’s pressure, Tuks held firm to take a narrow 1-0 lead into half-time.
TUT returned from the break with renewed intensity and turned the final on its head.
Iviwe Sodidi restored parity before Kearabilwe Mphahlele completed the turnaround to put the Red Army ahead.
Mphahlele was at the heart of TUT’s response, first providing the assist for Sodidi’s equaliser before getting on the scoresheet himself.
TUT’s aggressive counter-pressing continued to cause problems for Tuks, and Mphahlele capitalised on a defensive mistake to fire home and make it 2-1.
The Red Army then extended their advantage through Rathokoa, who produced a moment of individual brilliance, cutting through the Tuks defence before finding the far corner with a superb finish.
Tuks refused to surrender and pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest, forcing crucial saves from TUT goalkeeper Luyanda Mandindi.
Samukelo Ngodela and Kholofelo Masenamela both saw efforts denied by Mandindi as the Red Army defended their advantage.
Jason Cox eventually pulled one back for Tuks from inside the box, but it proved too little, too late as TUT held on for a 3-2 victory and secured their historic fifth Varsity Football crown.
The triumph capped a remarkable journey for TUT, who overcame a difficult start to the campaign to reach the final.
The Red Army opened with a 1-0 defeat to UJ before responding with a victory over defending champions UFS, with captain Raphala converting from the penalty spot.
A 1-1 draw against Tuks followed in the Tshwane derby before TUT suffered a defeat to UWC. They then produced a dramatic 3-2 victory over DUT, with Ntshuxeko Mkhabela converting a stoppage-time penalty.
After another setback against Wits, TUT needed a big result in their final group match and delivered with a 4-1 victory over UL to secure their place in the semi-finals on goal difference.
They then defeated Wits 1-0 in the semi-final, with Mphahlele scoring the decisive goal to book their place in the final.
Tuks also endured a testing route to the decider. They opened with a 4-2 comeback victory over defending champions UFS before losing narrowly to UWC and drawing 1-1 with TUT.
The Stripe Generation responded with a 3-0 win over DUT, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Wits. They then kept their campaign alive with a 3-0 victory over UL before defeating UJ 1-0 in their final group match.
Tuks repeated the feat against UJ in the semi-final, with substitute Kholofelo Masenamela scoring an 86th-minute winner to secure their place in the final.
But it was TUT who had the final say in the Tshwane showdown.
The Red Army’s 3-2 victory not only secured another Varsity Football championship but also established a new record with their fifth title.
Individual awards
Player of the Match: Luyanda Mandindi (TUT)
Suzuki Golden Boot: Ntokozo Madela (UP-Tuks)
FNB Player of the Tournament: Akani Rathokoa (TUT)
Five titles. A new record. TUT have once again conquered Varsity Football.
