UJ Men’s Football Team crowned 2024 Pirates Cup champions
The Orange Army was undefeated in 11 matches.
The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Men’s Junior Football Team emerged victorious in the 2024 Pirates Cup, when they secured the R80 000 prize money and the coveted championship title which they achieved at the Wits Marks Park Sports Grounds.
The UJ team, which boasted a blend of young and experienced players, showcased remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. They remained undefeated in 11 matches, winning five out of seven games in the round-robin stage on March 29, and conquering their remaining matches during the knockout stages on March 31.
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Nicknamed the Orange Army, the team displayed their prowess by securing two victories, one against Celta Vigo (1–0) and the other against Total Football Excellence (5–0). They also held their ground in a goalless draw against Trap n Pass. This impressive performance landed them at the top of the log standings with seven points and a significant goal difference advantage (six goals ahead of second place).
While the UJ women’s team could not advance beyond the round-robin stage, their performance displayed strong potential. They played three matches on March 28, drawing against the University of Pretoria and JVW FC (both goalless) and securing a 1–1 draw against Wits University ladies.
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