The North-West University (NWU) left it until the 89th minute to earn a valuable away draw against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the opening round of the 2025 Varsity Football season.

Playing under chilly skies in front of a packed UJ Stadium on 7 August 2025, the home side struck early. UJ’s Thabo Moshikere tapped in from close range after a well-placed free kick was headed into his path by Yasidu Lifa. The early goal gave UJ the momentum as they went into halftime leading 1-0.

Despite the early setback, the NWU remained composed and began to create pressure of their own. Their closest chance of scoring in the first half was denied by UJ goalkeeper Lungelo Sithole, who reacted well to a close-range header. The only booking of the match went to the NWU’s Thapelo Letsholonyane following a tough challenge in midfield.

The second half saw end-to-end action as both teams sought to take control. The NWU coaching staff made tactical substitutions, which brought renewed energy and purpose to their attack.

That persistence paid off just before the final whistle when substitute Molemo Kukama slotted in the equaliser, capitalising on a defensive lapse, to bring the match level at 1-1.

“We knew it would be tough away from home, but I am proud of how the boys kept believing,” said NWU head coach Nkululeko Malgas after the match. “The goal came late, but the work to earn it started from the first minute. It is an important point and a strong foundation for the rest of the campaign.”

The draw means the NWU starts the season with a point on the road and valuable momentum heading into their next fixture.

The NWU’s Xolani Masethi in action.