UP-Tuks 4-2 UFS
Tuks opened their campaign in style, falling behind to defending champions UFS and trailing 2-1 at half-time before a clinical second-half response. Goals from Matome Rangata, Samukelo Ngodela and Paballo Mamabolo turned the game on its head, giving Tuks a statement 4-2 win to start the season.
UWC 1-0 UP-Tuks
That early momentum proved difficult to sustain. Tuks travelled to UWC in round two and came away with nothing, beaten 1-0 in a game where their attacking spark from the opening weekend never quite reappeared.
UP-Tuks 1-1 TUT
A tense Tshwane derby with TUT followed, and it ended level. Likho James put the Red Army ahead, but Ntokozo Madela found an equaliser to earn Tuks a hard-fought point in a fiercely contested local rivalry.
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DUT 0-3 UP-Tuks
Tuks hit back with their best performance of the season so far, winning 3-0 away at DUT. Risen Albert played a central role, setting up Madela for the opener before Rangata added a spectacular long-range strike. Philasande Khuzwayo rounded off the scoring to complete a comfortable away win.
Wits 2-1 UP-Tuks
A narrow 2-1 defeat to Wits proved costly, leaving Tuks with work to do in their remaining two group matches if they wanted to keep their semi-final hopes alive heading into the closing stretch of the season.
UP-Tuks 3-0 UL
They answered the setback in emphatic fashion, beating UL 3-0 thanks to a sensational Rangata free-kick, with Albert and Raymond Matlamela also on the scoresheet to seal a much-needed response.
UP-Tuks 1-0 UJ
With everything on the line in the final round, Tuks faced log leaders UJ knowing only a win would do. Madela struck in the 17th minute, and Tuks held firm under heavy pressure to secure the three points and a semi-final spot.
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UJ 0-1 UP-Tuks
The semi-final brought a third meeting with UJ, this time with a final place at stake. In front of a packed UJ Soweto Stadium, the game went goalless until substitute Kholofelo Masenamela struck in the 86th minute. Tuks survived a nervy finish to complete a second straight 1-0 win over UJ and book their place in the final.
Tuks now turn their attention to an all-Tshwane showdown against TUT, with the match set for Tuks Stadium on 2 October at 19:00. After seven rounds and a dramatic run through the knockout stage, the 2026 Varsity Football title will be decided in one final match.
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Photo: Christiaan Kotze / Asem Engage
