The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Senior Men’s Football Team has gotten off a good start in the opening rounds of the Varsity Football tournament, claiming maximum six points from two matches to sit proudly atop the standings.
Photo by: Gerhard Duraan/Varsity Sports
Following an impressive opening-round performance against Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), UJ continued their winning momentum on Friday evening, 14 August 2026. The Orange Army clinched another hard-fought 1-0 away victory against Durban University of Technology (DUT) in front of a packed Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
The crucial breakthrough came in the 12th minute when a defensive blunder by the hosts left a loose ball bouncing dangerously inside the box. Opportunistic forward Tshepo Mosieleng pounced instantly, lofting a clever strike past the DUT goalkeeper Sekwanele Mtolo and into the back of the net.
“It’s a great feeling as an attacker to get on the scoresheet – it shows that the hard work on the pitch is paying off,” said Mosieleng post-match. “I’m just glad I could step up and deliver when the team needed it most.”
The early goal set the tone for a fiercely tactical and physical encounter. UJ dictated the tempo and controlled the lion’s share of possession for large stretches of the match, but the second half brought high drama.
DUT was handed a lifeline to equalize after UJ’s Yasidu Lifa was penalized for a handball inside the box. However, the hosts failed to capitalize on the moment, kicking the ball wide of the target.
The scare served as a stark wake-up call for UJ, prompting head coach Karabo Mogudi to introduce tactical substitutes to bolster the backline and lock down the result. The closing stages proved fiery, marked by heavy challenges from both sides – including a quick red card for UJ substitute Ndabezinhle Nkosi shortly after entering the pitch. Both teams played with ten men on the field after receiving a red card each. Despite the red card, UJ showed immense resilience to seal the full three points on the road.
“We managed to keep the DUT players on their feet for the better part of the game. I’m happy with a win away from home, clinching the crucial three points on the road will do us well building up to the playoffs,” said captain Lifa.
With six points from two games, UJ leads the pack as the tournament heat rises. They will look to keep their perfect record intact when they prepare to face the University of Limpopo on Friday, 21 August 2026.
SCORER: Tshepo Mosieleng
FNB Player of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza
TEAMS:
DUT: Sekwanele Mtolo, Luyanda Ntuli, Nkululeko Nkosi, Zethembe Dlamini, Amahle Maduma, Phiwayinkosi Mchunu, Sandiso Xaba, Nqubeko Magoso, Nkosiyezwe Buthelezi, Awande Buthelezi.
UJ: Bayanda Mkhonza, Ofentse Motlhabi, Yasidu Lifa, Ukhonaye Magele, Moraka Mathidza, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Njabulo Jele, Tshepo Mosieleng, Elija Banda, Koketso Monyama, Keletso Sekhwela.
