UJ ready to make history and lift first ever Varsity Netball trophy

Finally claiming the trophy as winners of Varsity Netball 2026 will mark a triumphant full-circle moment for UJ after four years of persistent pursuit. The Orange Army and defending champions NWU Eagles travel to Mahikeng where they will meet on Monday, 28 September in this year’s final.

For senior defender Boitumelo Mahloko and assistant coach Nkanyiso Yeni, claiming the crown wouldn't just be a victory – it would mark a triumphant full-circle moment after half a decade of persistent pursuit.

UJ has firmly established itself as a force in South African university netball circles, maintaining a spot among the tournament’s top four teams for the past four years. However, heartbreak has often accompanied their consistency.

After back-to-back final losses against UP-Tuks (2023) and UFS Kovsies (2024), and semi-final exits against Maties (2022) and NWU (2025), UJ have unmatched hunger to finally cross the finish line.

Assistant coach Nkanyiso Yeni says coming up against the Eagles again brings back memories.

“However, we do not want to dwell on past events because we have built our team, worked hard, and grown over the past year. Playing them on their home turf makes this challenge even bigger, but we are ready.”

The Orange Army’s path to the 2026 final was tested in a thrilling semi-final clash against five-time champions Kovsies, a match Yeni credits as the ultimate trial by fire.

“The tough semi-final against Kovsies was the best preparation for the team going into the final. It gave us the intensity and the right pressure. Our new players have exceeded expectations, and as coaches, our job is to allow them to play their game and experience the final in the best possible way.

“The senior players have given UJ their all, and it would be incredible for them to leave with the sweetest memory of winning the tournament.”

For senior standout Boitumelo Mahloko, Monday’s clash carries deep personal significance. Mahloko’s journey has been defined by resilience, including a gruelling recovery from an injury that could have ended her Varsity Netball career a year early.

“When I decided to come to UJ, I wanted to be part of the culture that built the team to what it is today. The journey with UJ has been one of the biggest life-shaping experiences,” says Mahloko.

She says that having already contributed to UJ’s USSA Championship victory in July, capping 2026 off with the Varsity Netball crown would complete an unprecedented double.

“Winning this tournament would be a full-circle moment. I could have stopped playing in 2025 due to my injury, but the coach and I had a plan to wrap up this tournament this year after my rehabilitation. It would be amazing to lift that trophy after such a rollercoaster. I want to look back with pride and say we wrote the history books for UJ.”

Facing the defending champions on their home court offers little room for error, a reality Mahloko and her teammates fully embrace.

“We can’t relax, we know NWU is tricky and very good. My family is coming to support me and the team at the final, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win this one!”

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets HERE.