UL Women ready to embrace the Varsity Football challenge

The University of Limpopo (UL) Women Football are confident and upbeat heading into their 2026 Varsity Football Women campaign. This season, the team has a clear objective, which is to reach the semifinals and prove they belong among the country’s best after qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 2018.

The focus for UL this year is certainly on it being a team effort and they want to compete in every game as a collective, as opposed to banking on one or two star players.

UL coach Tlou Jomo Mabotja feels that leading into the tournament there is a positive vibe in the camp and their goal is to ensure the team learns and improves without undue pressure.

“We want to compete in every game and fight for a place in the semifinals. We’re not putting pressure on the players to win the tournament. We want them to learn, grow and enjoy the challenge. If we keep improving, the results will come,” said Mabotja.

Regarding preparation, Mabotja says the emphasis has been on physical conditioning, technical development, and tactical understanding.

“Physical conditioning is the foundation. We have been working on our technical ability and our tactical approach, which is to be aggressive from the start, maintain team discipline and create as many box entries as possible,” he said.

Mabotja stressed that preparations have not been easy, with academic schedules causing stop-start availability and requiring late evening training sessions to accommodate most players.

With a united squad, a clear game plan and the support of the university community behind them, the UL Ladies are determined to make this Varsity Football season one to remember.

UL will kick off their campaign against CPUT Women on Saturday, 1 August, at the Tuks B Field, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

UL Women Provisional Squad:

Duduzile Cynthia Mkhonto, Mmamonyana Selloe, Keletso Rakgate, Lungile Mlotshwa, Surprise Madigage, Pitsi Bochabelo Ramasenya, Lisbon Forgive Phakula, Tshepang Shalate Manganye, Kgothatso Segabetla, Bridgette Mahlare, Welcome Ngakwane Maphanga, Mahlatse Mafa, Queen Sithole, Melita Dikeledi Matsee, Mangoako Keetsi, Nicole Makhubela, Melida Sekuba, Fiona Namanyana, Refile Mphela, Boitswarelo Kgobe, Bonolo Mashego, Tebogo Patience Maluleke, Atlegang Sebothoma, Mokgoba Rameetse.

Fixtures: HERE

Tickets: HERE

By: Lebogang Mathaba