Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will chase a record fifth title when they take on University of Free State (UFS) in the Varsity Cup final at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
TUT and UFS have survived after eight rounds of thrilling football and the Pretorians, known as the Red Army, are slight favourites after they recorded four wins and two draws on their way to the final.
While TUT are chasing another title, UFS have the opportunity to lift the trophy for the first time and will be motivated to do it in front of their own supporters.
TUT, who are coached by Bushy Moloi, narrowly beat University of Johannesburg 1-0 in the semifinal, while UFS held their nerve to edge North West University 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to seal their spot in the championship match.
“I am confident of winning the fifth star because we have done it before,” said TUT captain Alan Moja.
“This is our year. We know the feeling of playing the final and we will do everything to prove that, as we have done it before. We were written off, so now is our chance to reclaim our title. This title belongs to TUT and no other institution.
⚽🔥 The goal that sends the Red Army into the Varsity Football 2025 final!
— Varsity Football (@VarsityDiski) September 25, 2025
Brilliant work by Lehlomo Tolo who works his magic to drive towards the box, offloads and then collects before firing off a precision shot to send @Sport_TUT into the final.#iyachesa pic.twitter.com/44wXaafoJb
“I believe in teamwork and hard work — we depend on those things. So we have to cross the line and be remembered in the history of Varsity Cup football.
“Working together will help us win the title. All the instructions and encouragement we will give each other will play a huge part.”
TUT defeated UFS to secure their place in the semifinal in the final match of the round-robin stage.
“When it comes to the final, it’s about the results. We have the experiences we shared through the campaign and this will come in handy on the day.”
UFS coach and former Kaizer Chiefs and Jomo Cosmos defender Mokete Tsotetsi is expecting a tough match.
“This one is going to be an interesting and challenging game. We are up against a team that know how to win varsity football and we saw that two weeks ago when they took all the points against us,” he said.
“But this is a new game and a new hurdle — a moment where all the hard work and challenges of the season will be tested.”
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