Written by: Kamogelo Mogale
VARSITY FOOTBALL
Wits suffered their first defeat of the 2025 Varsity Football campaign, going down 1-0 against arch rivals UJ at the UJ stadium in Soweto on Thursday. A decisive 12th-minute penalty proved to be the difference on the night, as UJ held their ground to hand Wits their first defeat of the season in front of a packed and vibrant crowd. Tumelo Machete was the hero for UJ, calmly converting a penalty after a handball by Wits’ Duane Bennett inside the box.
The result not only strengthened UJ’s push for a coveted top four spot in the Varsity Football standings but also brought an emphatic end to Wits’ impressive winning streak.
TRANSFER MARKET
Wydad have announced the signing of Thembinkosi Lorch from Mamelodi Sundowns on a permanent basis. Lorch spent the second round of the previous campaign on loan with the Moroccan giants after signing during the 2025 January transfer window from The Brazilians.
The skilful attacker made a huge impression at The Red Castle after displaying impressive abilities to eliminate defenders and scoring goals. The 32-year-old was one of the outstanding players at the FIFA Club World Cup, producing a top performance against English Premier League giants Manchester City and scored against Serie A outfit Juventus FC.
Tanzanian Premier League outfit Simba SC have announced the signing of Neo Maema from Mamelodi Sundowns. The Free State born player becames the club’s second acquisition from Sundowns, having also acquired the services of defender Rushing De Reuck.
Maema arrived in Egypt on Tuesday and has the club has since announced his arrival. Wekundu Wa Msimbazi are eager to end Young Africans’ four-year dominance. Coach Fadlu Davids will be relying on the experience of the former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder, who spent four seasons at the South African champions.
MTN8
Orlando Pirates is through to the final of the MTN8 after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 on penalties at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe stadium on Saturday. The Brazilians opened the scoring charts in the first half through a strike from Iqraam Rayners but Pirates found the equalizer in the second half through a goal from the in-form utility star and man of the match Kamogelo Sebelebele.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation time on Saturday afternoon, with the teams tied 2-2 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in the first leg last Saturday in Soweto. Pirates have made it to the final for the fourth season in a row after winning the MTN8 for three successive years.
Stellenbosch FC is also through to the final of the MTN8 after playing to a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba stadium, winning 3-1 on aggregate having won the 1st leg 2-0 at the Danie Craven stadium.
With Stellies having reached to the final, they have booked an appointment with the defending champions, Pirates, who reached the finals four times in a row. A date with destiny as this is a repeat of last year’s final. The big question is: Will Pirates make it 4 title out of 4 or will Stellies put the wine on ice, do the unthinkable and claim their first MTN8 title? Only time will tell how the finale will unfold.
