Tuks gunning to end nine-year Varsity Football trophy drought

Nicholas Stothard and UP-Tuks embark on another quest for silverware. The Pretoria outfit are gunning to end a nine-year drought having last won the coveted Varsity Football trophy in 2017.

The Stripe Generation open their 2026 Varsity Football campaign with an away trip to Free State to take on defending champions UFS. With a new youthful squad after losing a group of senior players including long serving captain Edward Rankwe they will be led by newly appointed skipper Paballo Mamabolo.

“Our preparations have gone smoothly, we had an eight-week preseason into this new season and the players are fit and strong. We did not make the semi-finals last year, we had too many draws, lost one only game and won two, we had a good squad but struggled to get over the line,” said Stothard.

“We hoping things become different for us this season and have the cutting edge. We have a number of exciting players and a few seniors that left, Leathan Croats, Damian Overmeyer, our captain Edward Rankwe and striker Quinton Stokes-Waller but we have new exciting players in particular Sinalo Nyawose.”

The former Tuks goalkeeper highlighted their readiness to go over the edge this season, to uphold the honour it comes with representing an institute with rich history.

“We know the pressure it comes with it, not for football department but the university at large. We did well in our USSA competitions we hope to take that form into Varsity Football competition. Fans are thirsty for silverware but so are we as the staff,” he said.

“We urge our fans to come in numbers and we will do it for them and deliver on each day.”

UP-Tuks Provisional Squad: 

Koketso Mokou, Gennaro Johnson, Zakhele Shabangu, Mpho Letsapa, Cayden Sukraj, Valjean Malan, Khayelihle Ntuli, Nkosana Shabalala, DeShaun Jafta, Jason Cox, Paballo Mamabolo, Sibusiso Munyuku, Lebohang Mswane, Sibusiso Tolomane, Simphiwe Nkosi, Ahmad Karim, Simphiwe Nkosi, Omolemo Moabi, Tshiamo Masisi, Joshua Wood, Philisande Khuzwayo, Euan Jenneker, Moabelo Chuene, Raymond Matlamela, Samukelo Ngodela, Risen Albert, Phiwayinkhosi Dube, Matome Rangata, Edward kolokoto, Ethan Prins, Reitumetse Mothlasedi, Sinalo Nyawose, Ntokozo Madela, Mazithi Qasha, Sthembiso Mzila, Madoche Tamba, Kholofelo Masenamela.

Fixtures: HERE 

Tickets: HERE