03 October 2025
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Story Onthatile Tikoe
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Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
The University of the Free State men’s football team with Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal (in red jacket); Mokete Tsotetsi, Head Coach (right of Prof Klopper); and Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director: Student Affairs (right of Coach Tsotetsi), following their historic Varsity Football victory.
“I am extremely proud of our team,” said Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. “Winning our first Varsity Football trophy is not only a historic sporting achievement, but it is also a reflection of the resilience, excellence, and unity of our Kovsie community. It is a defining moment that inspires belief in the power of dedication and shared purpose. To Coach Mokete Tsotetsi and his team: Well done on leading us to victory.”
Coach Tsotetsi acknowledged the hard work by the technical team and players, and the support from KovsieSport and the UFS community.
“I joined the team a bit late. This historical achievement means a lot not only to me, but the entire institution. All I had to do was inculcate a culture of belief – that whatever you wish to achieve, you go all out for it. I made them believe it is possible,” Tsotetsi said.
The final was a showcase of resilience, skill, and determination. Both sides entered the field backed by passionate supporters who created an unforgettable atmosphere. For the third year in a row, the Varsity Football title was decided by a penalty shootout – but this time history belonged to the boys in blue and white.
The triumph is one that will be remembered for years to come. From the roar of the Shimla Park crowd to the final whistle and the decisive penalty, UFS has etched its name into Varsity Football history as the champions of 2025!
The first half was fiercely contested, with UFS looking to stamp their authority in just their second-ever appearance in a final. In-form forward
Jerome Jansen came closest to scoring for the home side, but his shot whistled narrowly wide of the post. The intensity of the match heightened in the 25th minute when UFS captain
Iviwe Dyabuza collided heavily with TUT’s key player, Lucky Raphala. Both players were forced off, with Dyabuza’s injury resulting in an early substitution for the Kovsies.
Despite the setback, UFS continued to build momentum and pressed forward, but the Red Army’s defence held strong. The halftime whistle blew with the score still at 0-0, leaving everything to play for in the second half.
After the break, the Kovsies came out with renewed energy, creating chance after chance, but could not find a way past the disciplined TUT backline. TUT briefly thought they had found the breakthrough when the ball hit the back of the net, but the goal was ruled offside. With neither side able to convert their opportunities, the final went to the drama of penalties.
The decisive moment came when TUT’s Lehlomo Tolo sent his spot-kick over the crossbar, giving UFS the edge. Calm and composed, the Kovsies converted their chances, and it was substitute Theko Phinithi, who had stepped in for the injured Dyabuza, who sealed the historic victory with the final penalty.
While TUT’s Surprise Khoza was named FNB Player of the Match, the evening belonged to UFS. The victory not only brought silverware to Shimla Park but also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the team and their supporters.
The technical team who guided the team to their first Varsity Football success:
- Head Coach: Mokete Tsotetsi
- Assistant Coach: Teboho Moeti
- Goalkeeper Coach: Donald Nkopane
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Yanelisa Chamane
- Student Strength and Conditioning Coach: Boikarabelo Lepodisi
- Physiotherapist: Tshepo Nkake
- Equipment Managers: Ashley Shingange and Lutho Nyume
- Video Analyst: Mafase Malomane
- Empower Rep: Tebogo Malatjie
Penalty scorers
UFS: Jose Mondi, Omphemetse Athibeng, Jerome Jansen, Ben Kraai, Theko Phinithi.
TUT: Alan Moja, Surprise Khoza, Katlego Motlhale, Kediwe Ncenya.