Newly shaped Tuks ready to challenge for Varsity Football Women's title

It has been a rollercoaster for the Tuks ladies in the Varsity Football Women's tournament in recent years. In all 11 campaigns Tuks are yet to clinch the coveted silverware, finishing as runners-up twice in 2014 and 2021. With the 2025 edition kicking-off on 5 Spetember, the Pretoria-based UP-Tuks team will get another chance to challenge for the title and prove themselves in university top-flight football.

Trusted coach at the helm Maud Khumalo is looking forward for the new season to commence.

“Preparations went well though time is never enough to cover what we needed as we have new players in a team. As coaches you cannot be satisfied if you still have some grey areas that still needs to be polished,” Khumalo.

“Balance is important, we do have a bit of balance as we still have experience players from last season. Going into this campaign we are looking to give our best, represent the institution with pride we are on a building phase now.”

Khumalo expects a balanced team as she managed to keep some of her experienced troops to compete. Desperate to get their name embedded on the coveted trophy, the Pretoria outfit remains humble ahead of the commencement of the season. They face newly promoted UNIVEN Womens Football in a tricky opening game encounter.

“Since it is called a competition, we must compete to our best ability and to our strength and you never know its football anything is possible. What is different this season, is the new young players coming to the team so as mentioned building for next year. First games of the tournament are very important, so we won’t take it for granted we going to give our all,” she says.

Tuks Provisional squad:

Kaydee Windvogel, Liyema Dyeli, Maria Manganas, Masindi Maselela, Mmakhgotso Mashishi, Ukho Zimbini Dalasile, Nhlakanipho Filand, Wendy Shongwe, Tshwarelo Setlhafuno, S'bahle Ndlovu, Tshepang Shepherd, Tebogo Motale, Kekgethegile Mohasoa, Nqobile Mahlobo, Tshepo Shepherd, Hope Diale, Rethabile Makhwela, Sivuyile Njobeni, Nkechi Hope Diale, Moeletsi Digoro, Mamie Remombo, Zikhona Mgotywa, Mia Beckmann, Nelisiwe Kubheka.

Fixtures: HERE

Tickets: HERE

By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego