Pretoria universities face off in the 2026 Varsity Football final
The soccer teams of Pretoria’s two local universities – Tuks and TUT – have long been arch-rivals on the field, and there is great anticipation for their clash in the upcoming VarsityFootball final, after both teams won their respective semi-finals to qualify for the ultimate showdown.
Victories for TUT and UP-Tuks set up a Pretoria derby for the Varsity Football 2026 final.
TUT edged Wits at Wits Stadium to book their place in the title decider, while UP-Tuks defeated UJ 1-0 at the UJ Soweto Stadium.
– TUT secured a place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wits, to try their hand at a fifth Varsity Football title.
The Red Army started brightly and broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. A neat one-two combination in the box on the left involving Likho James created the opening, with Kereabilwe Mphahlele finishing the move to put TUT 1-0 ahead.
Wits struggled at times to contain TUT’s attacking threat, with Raphala, James and Akani Rathokoa causing problems for the home defence. However, Obakeng Leping put in an impressive defensive shift for Wits as both teams created only limited opportunities on target.
In the second half, substitute Molia Kenny Matswiki came close to an equaliser shortly after the restart, narrowly missing an opportunity as the home side began to increase the pressure.
Wits’ task became even more difficult in the 70th minute when defender Keabetswe Segaetsho received a second yellow card, resulting in a red, following a rough challenge on Rathokoa, reducing the side to 10.
Photo: Asem Engage
– In a game defined by razor-thin margins and breathless tension, super-sub Kholofelo Masenamela produced an 86th minute moment of magic to propel UP-Tuks into the Varsity Football final with a dramatic 1-0 victory over rivals UJ on Friday night.
The highly anticipated semi-final at a packed UJ Soweto Stadium lived up to the pre-match social media frenzy, delivering a high-stakes clash of tactical discipline, physicality, and relentless intent.
Despite Tuks launching wave after wave of early attacks, UJ’s defensive line held firm under siege. Settling into their rhythm, the hosts gradually absorbed the pressure and mounted a series of sharp counter attacks to test the visitors’ resolve, sending a clear signal that the Soweto fortress would not fall easily.
As the second half unfolded, the scorching pace gave way to a tactical stalemate. Both sides adjusted their structures, prioritizing defensive solidity over high-risk offense.
While the roaring home crowd attempted to spur the Orange Army forward, it was UP-Tuks’ tactical depth that ultimately tipped the scales. With time ticking away, the visitors introduced fresh legs from the bench – a strategic gamble that yielded the ultimate reward.
In the 86th minute, Masenamela found space in the box and clinically slotted home the match-winner after UJ goalkeeper Bayanda failed to punch away the ball in the air, breaking the deadlock and sending the visiting bench into wild celebrations.
The final will be played at Tuks Stadium on Friday, 2 October.
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