Varsity Football trophy in UJ’s hands
AUCKLAND PARK – UJ went three goals up in the first half with the last of their goals scored in stoppage time.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) men’s senior football team beat the University of Free State (UFS) 4–1 to win the Varsity Football trophy.
The final of the 2021 Varsity Football tournament was hosted on October 4 and saw UJ winning their first Varsity Football title after losing in two finals in 2014 and 2016. UJ football head coach Karabo Mogudi said, “This was a great win for us. We are super excited that we have lifted this trophy. We have been yearning for it in such a long time. Despite playing well in the past campaigns, UJ was unlucky because they lost the finals by marginal scores. This one is for the entire UJ community of staff, students and alumni as well as the surrounding communities.”
In the final, UJ’s Nkosinathi Sibiya drew first blood in the 25th minute followed by another goal in the 33rd minute thanks to a Tristan Nikitaridis strike which was deflected into the net. UJ secured a comfortable lead in the 40th minute courtesy of their star midfielder Thulani Zandamela who struck from outside the box.
Down 3–0, UFS capitalised on a poor clearance from UJ goalkeeper Titi Mabuza with Thandolwethu Khoza pulling a goal back for the Free State side. The game was done and dusted by the time UJ’s Pogiso Mabote tapped in their fourth goal in stoppage time to complete a remarkable victory.
Zandamela walked away with the Player of the Match trophy and cheque. The Orange Army led the tournament log from the start and only lost once, against Tshwane University of Technology in round six.
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