UP-Tuks were relentless in their pursuit of the Varsity Football title at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on Thursday night, resulting in a 2–0 victory over defending champions TUT. The stadium was packed to capacity in anticipation for what was touted as the biggest game of the 2017 season. The supporters expected a high-intensity football match and they received just that.

UP-Tuks created opportunities early in the game and showed consistency in the first quarter. The visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute when Simbongile Njokwe headed a corner kick from the right-hand side by Jeremiah Nkwana, who showed unfailing persistence in the TUT half. UP-Tuks almost scored a second goal when Nkwana played a dangerous cross into the box, but it landed wide. The score was 1–0 to Tuks at half-time.

The second half got off to a heated start with TUT chasing an equaliser, but UP-Tuks continued to show dominance as they created more chances at goal. The game became physical after the 65th minute as both teams conceded fouls, forcing the referee to issue a few bookings. The score remained 1–0, with both sides unable to find the back of the net, until the 78th minute when Odwa Makha fired a shot from another Nkwana corner kick to put the visitors 2–0 up.

The match was called to an early end and UP-Tuks were crowned the 2017 Varsity Football champions.

Click here to watch the UP-Tuks team celebrate their victory.

Scores

TUT: 0

Tuks: 2

Goals: Simbongile Njokwe, Odwa Makha

Teams

TUT:

Sikhumbuzo Ncube, Rorisang Rapelang, Tlotlo Mothibedi, Vusi Sibiya, Tumelo Mphela, Lethabo Mashifana, Tebogo Lekaba, Thabang Makgwane, Keabetswe Mokwena, Thabiso Lebitso, Themba Ndlovu (C)

Substitutes: Kgaratlo Phatsoane, Steven Mvenya, Lehlogonolo Letshwene, Mogau Mphahlele, Thabiso Sibisi, Emmanuel Mahlangu, Kagiso Sole

UP-Tuks:

Dylan Hawes, Katlego Mohlatsang, Simbongile Njokwe, Lawrence Ntswane, Pierre Kok, Claudio de Almedia, Jeremiah Nkwana, Siphesihle Sosibo, Sabelo Tsambo, Odwa Makha

Substitutes: Athenkosi Jojo, Chinedu Okolo, Richard Moremi, Ludumo Nkebe, Clinton Mphahlele, Jurgen Booysen, Clement Malemone