Fresh talent to ignite UJ's Varsity Football 2025 campaign

After missing out on the 2024 season, the University of Johannesburg returns with a renewed sense of purpose, as a new generation of young players prepares to make their mark alongside experienced veterans. The Orange Army were crowned USSA champions and are set to make a much anticipated return to Varsity Football this year and unleash a wave of fresh talent.

“UJ is bringing a young team to the Varsity Football tournament this year. The 2024 break has brought the change we have new faces who bring fresh energy and are hungry for success,” says Head Coach, Karabo Mogudi.

“The youngest players are 19 years old, doing their first and second years of study at UJ.”

These players are no strangers to competitive football. They’ve already sharpened their skills in the demanding 2024/25 Gauteng ABC Motsepe League and made their mark in previous Engen Knockout Challenges as part of the UJ Men’s Second Team.

Their integration into the senior squad will be closely watched, as UJ has a rich history of producing top-tier talent.

One notable change sees young Lungelo Sithole stepping into the big shoes of goalkeeper Richard Banga Lona, who departs after two impressive Varsity Football seasons.

Sithole’s abilities came to the fore in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League, where he stepped up impressively in place of the injured Banga Lona. His standout performances earned him a spot among the Top 10 goalkeepers of the 2024/25 season, with an impressive 10 clean sheets in just 13 matches.

The fearless defensive midfielder, Ndabezinhle “Juice” Nkosi, will lead the young UJ team in this year’s Varsity Football campaign.

UJ's recent Varsity Football history is nothing short of spectacular. They clinched the 2021 Varsity Football tournament, displaying remarkable resilience in the "bubble games" at the University of Pretoria following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coach Mogudi added that the fans will be in for a treat.

“The UJ Community is a trusted ally. I know that the Soweto Stadium will be full to capacity during our home games. The current demand for match tickets shows that the Orange Wave is anticipating this varsity showdown. We will not disappoint them – the Orange Army is going to put on a show this this tournament,” he says.

The Orange Army will kick off their campaign on home soil in Soweto at 5:00 PM against last year's finalists NWU.

UJ Provisional Squad:

Lungelo Sithole, Karabo Modisane, Serero Mamatela, Njabulo Jele, Nhlanhla Sangweni, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Keletso Sekhwela, Sanele Mncube, Sandile Nkosi, Bayanda Mkhonza, Phadishi Kaka, Kamogelo Mogagabe, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Bhekimusi Nhlapho, Thabo Moshikere, Naphtally Mokoena, Bonolo Magoro, Ngwako Ramaloko, Mxolisi Msibi, Tumelo Machete, Yasidu Lifa, Tshepo Mosieleng, Kyle van Rensburg, Koketso Mathidza, Mthunzi Duze, Keabetswe Segaetsho, Reotshepile Makokwe, Tokoloho Vilakazi, Teboho Makhalanyane, Itumeleng Letwaba, Tshepang Ramafoko, Nhlanhla Vilakazi, Sarfaraz Moosa.

Full Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE.