The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Men’s Football Team defied the odds and their long-standing rivals, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), to secure a crucial 1-0 victory and a spot in the Varsity Football 2025 semifinals. The intense showdown took place on Thursday night in front of a packed and passionate crowd at the UJ Soweto Stadium.
The match was a tactical masterclass in soaking up pressure and striking with lethal efficiency. Despite TUT’s relentless dominance and overwhelming possession, UJ’s game plan, led by Coach Karabo Mogudi, proved superior. The Orange Army’s defence stood as an unbreakable wall, anchored by the stellar performances of Yasidu Lifa, Thabo Moshikere, and Ngwako Ramaloko. Their tireless efforts, combined with the heroics of goalkeeper Kyle Van Rensburg, who made several key saves, ensured that TUT’s numerous attacks came to nothing.
The lone goal of the night, and the one that sealed UJ’s victory, came from the boot of striker Keletso Sekhwela. Capitalizing on a second ball in the box after a corner kick, his powerful volley found the back of the net, giving UJ the three points they needed to advance. This victory UJ’s redemption after TUT crushed their title hopes in the 2022 and 2023 finals.
Central to UJ’s success was captain Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, who was named the FNB Player of the Match. His tireless work in the midfield, including clinical tackles and precise distributions, was instrumental in both stifling TUT’s advances and launching UJ’s counterattacks. He was the vital link between UJ’s solid defence and their opportunistic offense, earning him the well-deserved recognition.
With this hard-fought win, UJ has now qualified for the semifinals, continuing a remarkable trend of scoring one goal in each of their six matches this season. They have one final regular-season game left to play against the CUT Men’s Team on 18 September in Bloemfontein.
FNB Player of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza.
TEAMS:
TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Mekdiwe Ncenya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja, Sphesihle Mazibuko, Previos R. Mohale, Menzukuthula Ntshangase, Lucky Raphala, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Zwonaka Malada
UJ: Kyle Van Rensburg, Thabo Moshikere, Bonolo Magoro, Yasidu Lifa, Ngwako Ramaloko, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Sanele Mncube, Tshepo Mosieleng, Karabo Modisane, Tokoloho Vilakazi, Keletso Sekhwela.
