A reinvigorated UJ team ready for Varsity Football Women 2025

Change is a constant phenomenon in university sports. As star players graduate or move on, new talent steps up to the challenge. That's the story for the UJ Womens Football as they head into this year's Varsity Football Women campaign starting this Friday. With some of their most experienced players gone, head coach Nthabeleng Modiko is embracing the chance to showcase a new generation of student-athletes.

The team will look different this year following the departure of key players, including Ayesha Moosa, who has started a new chapter in Spain, and Adrielle Mibe, who is now playing in the USA at the University of Arizona. Instead of focusing on who's left, Coach Modiko is excited about the fresh energy her first-year players bring to the squad.

While the team has a new look, UJ still boasts a formidable lineup of familiar faces. Experienced players like Nokuthula Sekhukhuni, Kabelo Mokoena, Shannon Macomo, Gugulethu Dhlamini, Thato Mofolo, and Sthembile Msomi are ready to lead the charge, combining their experience with the raw talent of the newcomers.

"We have players who have graduated, but that gives us the opportunity to give new players a chance to showcase their talent," Coach Modiko said.

"We're mixing our Hollywoodbets Super League players with our new players to test their readiness, and they are ready to play."

After two seasons of falling short, the UJ team is more motivated than ever to go all the way. According to Coach Modiko, winning the championship would be the perfect way to cap off the university's 20-year anniversary.

"It's always a wonderful gesture and a gift to the university to win the competition," Modiko shared.

"We always want to get to the final, but we understand that it’s a competition and anything could happen. We will do our best to win the tournament, and that’s where we are mentally."

This year, UJ will host the tournament at their home turf, the pristine UJ Soweto Stadium from 5 to 8 September 2025.

UJ Provisional Squad

Xaba Siphokazi, Myeki Manana, Macomo Shannon, Mogale Atlegang, Mokoena Kabelo, Masilela Portia, Ramotsee Faith, Sekhukhuni Nokuthula, Rhawana Uphile, Mohammed Sibiya, Mzobe Sbongakonke, Msomi Sthembile, Sandleni Sthembile, Moyo Nhlakanipho, Nhlapho Lesego, Dhlamini Gugulethu, Maponya Kamogelo, Mofolo Thato, Mphangale Surprise, Mosala Maletsatsi

(Players on Standby: Sibiya Minenhle, Khumalo Lungile, Mtshweni Tshiamo, Ndyulu Afika)

Fixtures: HERE

Tickets: HERE

By: Collen Maepa