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Varsity Football Women’s 2026: UJ and Tuks Book Their Places in the Final

The 2026 Varsity Football Women’s competition delivered a dramatic Round 4 as the semi-finals produced two thrilling contests, with UJ and UP-TUKS emerging victorious to secure their places in this year's final.


UJ 1–0 UWC: Lindelwa Mabuza’s moment of magic

The first semi-final was a tightly contested battle between University of Johannesburg (UJ) and defending champions University of the Western Cape (UWC). UJ eventually edged the defending champions 1–0, with Lindelwa Mabuza producing a moment of brilliance to decide the contest. Mabuza unleashed a spectacular long-range strike that proved to be the only goal of the match, sending UJ through to the final. Her stunning effort also earned her the SportPesa Goal Rush Award.

UJ's defensive resilience was equally important as they held on to protect their narrow advantage and book their place in the championship decider. Sthembile Sandleni was instrumental in UJ's hard-fought victory and was rewarded with the FNB Player of the Match award and a R1,500 cheque powered by FNB eWallet. The result also brought an end to UWC's 3 years winning streak , while UJ moved one step closer to lifting the Varsity Football Women's trophy.

Tuks 1–1 TUT (6–5 on penalties): TUKS survive dramatic shootout

The second semi-final provided even more drama as UP-Tuks and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) played out a thrilling 1–1 derby draw before Tuks prevailed 6–5 in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

Tuks struck first through Ibanathi Msindo, whose beautifully executed free-kick from around 25 metres found the back of the net. The stunning effort earned Msindo the SportPesa Goal Rush Award. TUT, however, refused to surrender as Sibongile Ntoane stepped up from a free-kick and produced another moment of quality, choosing placement over power to curl the ball around the wall and into the far corner to make it 1–1. Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of the match, sending the contest into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. With everything on the line, Tuks held their nerve to win 6–5 on penalties, securing their place in the final and ending TUT's impressive run.

FINAL SET

The stage is now set for a blockbuster Varsity Football Women's final between UJ and UP-Tuks. After four rounds of intense competition, dramatic goals and penalty shootout heroics, all roads lead to UJ Soweto Stadium for the ultimate showdown.

Thursday 19 August 2026

19:00

UJ Soweto Stadium

UJ vs UP-Tuks


Writer: Jabulile Mabena

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