Durban University of Technology Football Club (DUT FC) first ever home match in the 2025 Varsity Football against Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on Thursday, 7 August 2025 at Harry Gwala Stadium was a tremendous success and electrifying. The sold-out encounter’s atmosphere was unbelievable. Fans’ energetic support throughout the game was unmatched.
DUT FC excited before their first home game against TUT.
Despite a tough loss, the boys gave it their all. It was a tight battle, the team displayed impressive football. However, a single first-half strike from TUT proved decisive, sealing a narrow 1- 0 win despite DUT creating numerous chances. The home side fought fiercely, matching the visitor’s strength to strength, but luck was not on their side.
Ms Tumi Mgudu, Sport Officer at DUT praised both player’s and the organising team. She said as the Sports Administration unit they did exceptionally well, noting that they were hosting for the first time. She mentioned that they anticipated lot of challenges, and she believes that as a team they tried their best as a local organising committee to plan and meet the requirements of hosting Varsity Football match.
“One of the things that were important was to have our student population filling the stadium as best as they can. I think we managed to do that with the proper coordination from my team. Their contributions were very pivotal in making sure we as a team would deliver on the project not only for ourselves but for the DUT community. It was an exciting day for us.’’ said Mgudu.
In terms of the match outcomes Mgudu said although the boys lost but she thinks the experience gained from the lost will encourage them to do better in the upcoming games.
Head coach Zipho Dlangalala was proud with the performance of the team despite the disappointing results.
“We applied ourselves very well and I am pleased with how the players understood each other in the game. We would have loved to win the match, but unfortunately, we fell shot today. The performance was good, and we need to improve so that it will match the results.” said coach Dlangalala.
He added that there was never a time where they fell short or dominated. It was just one moment in the 15th minute of the first half and they capitialised on it.
“I am confident that as we progress, we be able to create more chances to score goals.” he said.
The team’s captain Xolani Mkhonza expressed his disappointment with the results. He said that the scoreline was not the true reflection of the game or how they played.
“We created chances but could not convert them. We are sorry to our fans who came in their numbers to support us. We promised them that we will make them proud in our next games. All we need is to take our chances and then I am sure we would get the good results.’’ said Mkhonza.
Goalkeeper Sekwanele Mtolo who kept the team in the game with a stunning penalty save remained optimistic despite the loss.
“We are still young, and we take this loss as a learning cave. Surely, we will work on ourselves to improve and get the results. Yes, I am happy that I saved the penalty, but still we lost the game. It would have meant something if we won.’’ he explained.
Fans were also appreciated during the game for their enthusiasm and energetic support. They won cash prizes and hampers thanks to the competition sponsors, Suzuki, First National Bank (FNB), SportPesa and Cashbuild.
Pictured: The DUT Varsity Football squad during their first match against Tshwane University of Technology.
Photographer: Sbonelo Dlamini.
Vukani Langa
