BLOEMFONTEIN. The team from the University of the Free State (UFS) is the Varsity Football 2025 champions after edging out the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 5-4 on penalties on Thursday, 2 October at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.
The thrilling final ended in a goalless draw after the regulation 90 minutes and thus forced the champions to be decided by a shootout.
This win is a consolation after the netball team lost the netball final on Monday, 29 September at the Callie Human Centre in the city.
Remarkably, the final went to a penalty shootout for the third year in a row. For the UFS team, this victory was historic – the first time they’ve lifted the trophy and been able to call themselves champions.
The first half in Bloemfontein was played at a frenetic pace, with both teams eager to make an early statement and pile on the pressure. The hosts, appearing in just their second-ever final, had the first real chance when in-form Jerome Jansen’s effort flew narrowly wide.
It was end-to-end football as both sides searched for the breakthrough. But the 25th minute proved pivotal when inspirational UFS captain Iviwe Dyabuza and TUT’s star player Lucky Raphala collided heavily in midfield. The nasty clash forced both inspirational figures off for the rest of the match.
With neither side able to find the opener, the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.In the second half, UFS launched wave after wave of attack, but the Red Army’s defence stood firm. Despite their dominance, the Kovsies simply couldn’t find a way through, and the match remained deadlocked – sending the final to penalties.
The defining moment of the shootout came with TUT’s third spot-kick, when Lehlomo Tolo blasted his attempt over the crossbar. UFS kept their composure, though there was a moment of confusion when the crowd celebrated too early, mistakenly thinking Kediwe Ncenya had missed his effort.
In the end, it was substitute Theko Phinithi – who had replaced the injured Dyabuza – who slotted home the decisive penalty to seal a famous 5-4 victory for the home side.
Scoring the points in the final:
UFS: Jose Mondi, Omphemetse Athibeng, Jerome Jansen, Ben Kraai, Theko Phinithi
TUT: Alan Moja, Surprise Khoza, Katlego Motlhale, Kediwe Ncenya.
FNB Player of the Match: Surprise Xhosa (TUT)
Suzuki Golden Boot winner: Keletso Sekhwela (UJ)
Cashbuild Golden Glove: Ethan Mokwena (NWU)
FNB Player of the Tournament: Aphelele Sibisi (NWU)
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