NWU gears up for Varsity Football 2025 with core squad and renewed focus

As the Varsity Football 2025 tournament approaches on August 7, the NWU Eagles team stands ready both mentally and physically for another challenging season. Head coach, Nkululeko Malgas, says the team is entering the season with a solid foundation and the benefit of experience.

“They are in the right mental space, having retained almost 70% of those players. They know exactly what is at stake,” he says.

As part of their preparations, the team competed in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Football Club Championships, where they reached the quarterfinals.

“I think we did well play USSA Football Club Champs and losing in the quarterfinals against UP Tuks on penalties,” says Malgas.

“We came back to host the North West USSA Inter-Varsity Cup, and by winning it, that served as a good morale booster. But nothing comes closer to Varsity Football because you can’t rehearse that crowd atmosphere and Varsity Football fever buzz.”

NWU finished as runners-up in the 2024 tournament, and Malgas believes last years’ experience has shaped the team’s approach for the new season.

“We treated each game as if it was a final. It will be more difficult this year with a complete Gauteng big four, Wits, UJ, TUT, and UP Tuks, as we welcome back UJ and Wits.”

When asked about standout players to watch this season, Malgas emphasised the team’s unity over individual brilliance. “It’s very difficult to single out any particular player, as we believe in collective effort.”

With the return of strong competition and the high expectations that follow last year’s campaign, NWU will be looking to build on their consistency and cohesion as they aim to go one step further in 2025.

NWU Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Ethan Mokwena, Lesego Matemane.

Defenders: Mlamleli Kokela, Lucas Seromo, Mpho Mokoena, Lucky Letwaba, Aphelele Sibisi, Resego Kukama.

Midfielders: Bokamoso Ramoshoane, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Pascual Tivane, Itumeleng Selemela, Momelezi Mngati, Siphesihle Mahlangu, Khumoetsile van Schalkwyk, Smanga Twala, Ranonyane Mmutlane, Xolani Masethi.

Strikers: Keorapetse Galehose, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Molemo Kukama, Ditlhobolo Oatlhotse, Knowledge Muleya, Thabang Majoro, Sousa Mathe.

Full Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE.

By: Phenyo Mokgothu