On Thursday evening, the UFS Blues secured their place in the final with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over North-West University in Mahikeng, after their semi-final clash ended in a goalless draw. The Bloemfontein side will now face the four-time champions, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), who snuck into the title decider despite finishing fourth on the log. 

TUT upset the fancied University of Johannesburg with a 1-0 win in their semi-final in Johannesburg. Until the semi-finals, the Orange Army of UJ were the team to beat after finishing first on the log following a fantastic campaign.

In Mahikeng, NWU started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances, with two shots on target in the opening 20 minutes. UFS managed only one attempt as they tried to find their rhythm. 

UFS captain Iviwe Dyabuza has been one of the Blues’ standout players in the competition. Photo: ASEM Engage

Despite NWU’s control in the first half and several dangerous opportunities, they couldn’t find the back of the net. The second half followed a similar pattern, with NWU pressing hard for a winner.

Their golden opportunity came in the final minute of regular time when they were awarded a penalty. 

However, Momelezi Mngati couldn’t convert, leaving the score locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes and sending the match into penalties. UFS kept their composure to win the shootout 4-3, breaking the hearts of the home team and their supporters.

Meanwhile, in Johannesburg, a second-half strike by Lehlomo Tolo proved enough for TUT to seal their spot in the final. 

TUT captain Alan Moja. Photo: ASEM Engage

It capped a remarkable turnaround for the most successful team in the competition’s history, who had been in danger of missing the playoffs altogether with just one round of group fixtures remaining.

By finishing higher on the log than TUT, UFS not only earned their first-ever place in the final but also the right to host it. 

It’s an impressive achievement, considering that just days before the start of the tournament, coach Mokete Tsotetsi had not even taken charge yet.  Their campaign also began slowly, with a draw against Tuks and a loss to UJ in the opening two rounds.

Memorable week for UFS

The last meeting between UFS and TUT came in round seven, when the Pretoria side edged a 2-1 victory in Bloemfontein. That defeat denied UFS a home semi-final, forcing them to take the tough road to Mahikeng to face NWU.

Now, the Blues will look to rewrite the script when they host the much-anticipated final at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. Kick-off is at 19:00 on Monday.

To make it an even more memorable week for UFS, their netball team and defending champions, Kovsies, will host NWU on Monday night at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein in the final of the Varsity Netball series as they go hunting for a record-extending sixth title.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs