UJ shot stopper aiming for historic Varsity Football campaign

No goalkeeper in the history of the Varsity Football tournament has ever completed a campaign with a flawless record of clean sheets. But for UJ star shot-stopper, Bayanda Mkhonza, 2026 is shaping up to be a historic exception.

Through six rounds of fierce competition, Mkhonza remains unbeaten from open play. The only blot on his record came from the penalty spot during a tense Round 5 clash against UFS at the UJ Soweto Stadium, where he also saved their first penalty kick.

While Mkhonza’s athletic saves have kept the Orange Army in contention, UJ’s defensive resilience relies on a formidable team effort. The solid backline trio of Ofentse Motlhabi, Yasidu Lifa, and Koketso Mathidza – fortified by midfield cover from Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza and Njabulo Jele – has effectively stifled opposing attacks.

A quiet presence off the pitch, the 22-year-old lets his football do the talking. Modeled after his idol, German legend Manuel Neuer, Mkhonza acts as a modern sweeper-keeper, using sharp ball distribution to initiate UJ’s build-up play from the back.

Mkhonza’s football journey began at age six on the dusty fields of Thandokukhanya in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga. Raised on a diet of local and global football – rooting for Kaizer Chiefs domestically and Barcelona abroad – the third-year Sports Management student has transformed childhood passion into a promising career path.

His journey to the UJ starting lineup required patience. After spending the previous edition of the tournament on the bench, Mkhonza used the setback as motivation.

"Having been part of the team and not playing in the previous edition pushed me to do more and grab this opportunity with both hands," Mkhonza said. "Playing Varsity Football has shown me that giving up is not an option. When you believe in yourself and work hard, things happen."

Mkhonza credits UJ's coaching staff for refining his game and keeping him grounded academically and athletically, while also praising the vocal home support at the Soweto Stadium.

With eyes set on the Varsity Football trophy and the individual Golden Glove award, Mkhonza’s long-term ambitions extend far beyond the university circuit: a professional contract in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) club and a call-up to the South African national team in the near future.

Fixtures: HERE

Tickets: HERE

By: Collen N Maepa