By: Mpho Sekharume

A late own goal in the 90th minute by the North West University was enough to hand the University of the Free State their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Varsity Football competition yesterday in Bloemfontein.

A spectacular freekick from Kovsies captain Iviwe Dyabuza saw the visitors succumb to pressure, leading to the costly own goal that granted the hosts all three points. This was Kovsies’ second win in four matches, having played to one low and a draw in their opening two fixtures.

This fourth round victory saw the boys from the City of Roses climb up to fourth on the log standings with seven points - tied with Wits University who are also on seven points.

Meanwhile, Central University of Technology (CUT) secured their first win of the competition at home with an all-important 2-1 win over Durban University of Technology (DUT). Although DUT started the match like a house on fire with great possession of the ball, it was CUT who managed to break the deadlock through a Nkosingiphile Lubisi strike that saw the Bloemfontein side go into the break with one goal lead.

With the first goal serving as morale boost, CUT returned from the break with great vigour, leading Lubisi to find the back of the net for a second time. DUT fought back and managed to pull one goal back through an on-target Manqoba Mlele header.

Mlele’s goal was, however, not enough as the visitors slumped to their fourth defeat in as many matches. DUT finds itself sitting right at the bottom of the log standings with no points to show.

Lubisi’s brace, on the other hand, saw the boys from the Free State capital claim their first three points and will be hoping to move further up the standings when they come up against Kovsies in a Bloemfontein derby scheduled to take place at Shimla Park on 4 September 2025.