UWC, undisputed Varsity Football champs

The University of the Western Cape men’s football team have followed in the boots of their female counterparts to be crowned Varsity Football 2024 champions.

The Cape side scored a late equaliser in the final minutes and claimed the title after a tense 8-7 win on penalties against the North West University in a match that ended 1-1 after regulation time.

NWU started well, dominating the first 10 minutes with strong ball control and aggressive play. Despite their early dominance, both teams struggled to find the back of the net. By the 30th minute, the game had become more balanced, with NWU maintaining a strong ball possession but unable to break through UWC’s defense.

The first half ended in a stalemate at 0-0.

The second half produced more of the same as NWU continued to push for the opener, and their persistence paid off in the 48th minute with Momelezi Mngati, putting NWU ahead 1-0.

As the match progressed, UWC began to find their rhythm, and in the 86th minute, Leandro De Sousa delivered a crucial equaliser. The late goal set up a nervy final few minutes, but despite five added minutes, neither side could find a winner, and the game went to penalties.

In the penalty shootout, both teams showed composure as the scores remained deadlocked after seven rounds. However, NWU’s captain, Olebogeng Moeti, missed the crucial eighth penalty, allowing UWC to claim the title. UWC kept their nerve, scoring all of their penalties to secure an 8-7 victory and lift the trophy for a second time in their history. Written by Ntsako Mkhari