This came after a nerve-racking penalty shootout win over the Tshwane University of Technology at a packed Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. The 2025 final had everything: bruising tackles, heart-stopping misses, injuries to two star players, and the unbearable pressure of penalties. 

After 90 minutes of relentless, high-octane football ended goalless, the champions would be decided from the spot. And in that cauldron of tension, UFS held their nerve to triumph 5-4, sparking wild celebrations in Bloemfontein.

Jose Mondi being hoisted by elated fans. Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

Remarkably, it was the third consecutive Varsity Football final to be settled by penalties. But for the Kovsies, appearing in only their second-ever final, this night was different. This was destiny fulfilled – the moment they could finally call themselves champions.

From the opening whistle, the match had the frantic energy of two sides refusing to give an inch. The home crowd roared as in-form star Jermone Jansen almost gave UFS the perfect start, his low drive skimming just wide of the post in just the fourth minute. 

But just as the game began to settle into a rhythm, it was rocked by a brutal collision that changed the complexion of the final.

Injured captain Iviwe Dyabuza boasting with the Varsity Football trophy. Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

In the 25th minute, UFS skipper Iviwe Dyabuza and TUT talisman Lucky Raphala clattered into each other with bone-jarring force. Both players lay stricken on the turf as the stadium held its breath. Neither could continue – two stalwarts forced out of the biggest match of their season.

The setback only seemed to fire up the Kovsies. They came out of the tunnel for the second half with renewed urgency, surging forward in waves. 

Attack after attack tested the famed resilience of TUT’s “Red Army”, which absorbed the pressure with stubborn defiance. Goalmouth scrambles, desperate clearances, and a string of near-misses kept the scoreline locked at 0-0 until the referee’s whistle signalled the dreaded lottery of penalties.

The anxious wait for UFS during the penalty shootout. Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

The shootout was certainly not for the faint-hearted. TUT struck first to calm their nerves, before UFS replied in kind. Then came the turning point – with TUT’s third kick, Lehlomo Tolo blazed his shot high over the crossbar – a miss that shifted momentum.

Even then, drama followed. When TUT’s Kediwe Ncenya saw his effort bounce awkwardly off the backnet back into the penalty area, the crowd gasped, with most thinking he had missed. But the goal stood, and excited spectators had to scramble off the field ahead of the final kick.

Finally, with the scores at 4-4 and sudden death looming, substitute Theko Phinithi – the very player who had replaced the injured Dyabuza – stepped up with history at his feet. The stadium fell into hushed silence. One deep breath, one steady strike – and the net bulged.

2025 champions. Photo: Hannes Naude/ASEM Engage

Pandemonium erupted. Players flooded the pitch, fans leapt from the stands, and UFS had done it: a 5-4 shootout victory and their first Varsity Football crown.

For the Kovsies, it was not just a win. It was a moment of vindication, resilience, and glory that will echo through their footballing history for years to come – especially considering that just days before the tournament kicked off, UFS were still without a coach. 

Truly, it was a fairytale ending to a dream season for the team from Bloemfontein.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek