The Durban University of Technology Football Club (DUT FC) is gearing up to participate in the upcoming 2025 Varsity Football men’s tournament for the second consecutive year. This marks a significant achievement for the institution and the KwaZulu-Natal region.
DUT FC is a sole representative from KZN and it has been given an opportunity to host three matches at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday, 07 August 2025 at 18h30, Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 18h30 and Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 17h00. The club aims to build upon the experience gained during their inaugural appearance last year, in 2024.
DUT is amongst the top eight universities who will be competing for the championship title in this year’s tournament, set to commence on Thursday, 07 August 2025 to 02 October 2025. The other seven universities are: University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks), University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), North-West University (NWU-Mahikeng), University of the Free State (UFS), Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Central University of Technology (CUT).
The DUT Men’s Football team is excited to make its second appearance in the Varsity Football which is a national platform for them to showcase their skills and talents. For some this might be a beginning of their soccer careers as most of today’s professional stars were first seen on the Varsity Football.
According to the DUT Sports Officer, Tumie Mgudu, DUT FC’s qualification for the 2025 Varsity Football Tournament follows a commendable performance at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) National Club Championships held at Sol Plaatje University in December 2024. She believes the team’s advancement to the Varsity Football competition underscores their growing stature in university football circles.
“After a season of playing all their matches away from home in 2024, the DUT FC is finally set to host games at the iconic Harry Gwala Stadium. This marks a significant milestone, as DUT Sport Administration has worked tirelessly to ensure that our community can experience the thrill of Varsity Football right in the heart of our province. This initiative brings the tournament atmosphere closer to our students, staff, and supporters,” added Mgudu.
The excited Mgudu indicated that this is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit, unity, and culture of DUT where student-athletes, staff, and fans will come together to support their team.
The team consisting of players from both Midlands and Durban campuses has commenced training at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre at Steve Biko campus in Durban, under the guidance of a new Head Coach, Ziphozonke “Zipho” Dlangalala. His extensive coaching journey includes serving as an assistant coach at Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United, as well as leading roles at Pretoria University (AmaTuks) and Royal Eagles. He has also contributed significantly to youth development through his work with the Orlando Pirates academy and the South African U-16 national team, which participated in the UEFA U16 Development Tournament in Poland in March 2023.
Building up to Varsity Football and throughout the tournament, DUT FC will be counting on the DUT community and fans across KwaZulu-Natal to rally behind them, by filling the stadium, chanting with pride, and showing support across all social media platforms. The team remains focused on representing DUT and province with excellence, aspiring to achieve greater success in the upcoming season.
The university is calling on the entire DUT community to stand with its team and help create an unforgettable home-ground atmosphere.
Pictured: Some of the DUT football players in action during one of their recent games.
Mncedisi Ndlovu/Simangele Zuma
