UJ's Mupenda and Mahloko determined to lift Varsity Netball trophy

Every sporting legacy eventually reaches its final chapter. And this year the curtain falls for UJ Netball’s defence icons Boitumelo Mahloko and Cornelia Mupenda as Varsity Netball 2026 marks the end of their respective careers.

The dynamic pair enter their final campaign with one remaining goal – lifting the coveted trophy that has narrowly eluded them in two heartbreaking final appearances. The first one was against UP-Tuks in 2023 and a year later it was against UFS Kovsies.

For Polokwane-born Mahloko, the road to dominance in the Orange Army uniform was far from smooth. After an early-career injury derailed her stint at Kovsies, she arrived at UJ seeking a reset under the tutelage of head coach Bongiwe Msomi.

"When I joined UJ, the team was struggling at the bottom of the log," Mahloko reflects.

"To see us consistently fighting for the trophy now is an amazing achievement. After missing last season due to another major injury, returning to earn Player of the Match honours while surrounded by my teammates was heartwarming. Finishing my Varsity Netball career with the Orange Army means everything, and winning the title would be the ultimate reward."

Mahloko’s career has soared beyond the university courts, ultimately earning a call-up to the SPAR Proteas. Off the court, she has seamlessly bridged academics and netball, balancing top-tier sports with a career as a qualified accountant.

For captain Mupenda, reflecting on her six-year journey at UJ evokes deep gratitude. The Namibian international – who represents her country as a key member of the Desert Jewels – has grown into a formidable force both domestically and globally, following international playing stints in Malaysia and Singapore’s Deloitte Netball Super League.

"I was showing coach Bongi a video from my scholarship application – I was so young, tall, and skinny," Mupenda smiles.

"Not everyone gets this opportunity. Excelling academically has been just as vital as performing on the court."

Mupenda recently graduated with distinction in Business Management, sharing the graduation stage alongside Msomi, who completed the same qualification. Looking to the future, the skipper aims to depart UJ with a Master’s degree alongside her sporting honours.

As Varsity Netball 2026 unfolds, Mahloko and Mupenda carry the weight of experience, leadership and unfinished business. One final campaign remains to write the ultimate storybook ending for UJ’s golden defence duo.

Fixtures HERE.

Tickets HERE.