Varsity Football stars making their mark in the pro ranks

With the 2025 edition of Varsity Football kicking-off on 7 August we take a look at some of the stars over the past few seasons whose outstanding efforts were rewarded by being scouted and signing contracts with professional teams.

Staying true to its legacy of nurturing talent from the ground up, the Varsity Football tournament continues to serve as a powerful launchpad for aspiring footballers. Over the years, the hottest university diski competition in South Africa has helped shape the journeys of numerous players who have gone on to shine at professional levels.

Aden McCarthy: Wits to Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana.

The former Wits defender made his senior Amakhosi debut in 2025 against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane following in the footsteps of his father, Fabian, who was also a Chiefs player between 2002 and 2008. He made his much-anticipated Bafana Bafana debut in a high-stakes clash against Egypt in 2025 captaining the COSAFA Cup squad.

Heaven Sereetsi: NWU Eagles to Cape Town City

After impressing in Varsity Football, the 21 year old North West University star signed for Cape Town City in 2024 and his first goal for the Citizens was an absolute scorcher. He has since made more than 30 appearances for the Cape side.

Thulani Zandamela: UJ to Mamelodi Sundowns

The 2022 FNB Player of The Tournament made such an impact for UJ that he was quickly snapped up by Mamelodi Sundowns. The Masandawana star is among the leading goal-scorers in the DStv Diski Challenge and pushing for a senior team appearance.

Nhlakanipho 'CR7' Ngwenya: DUT to Durban City FC

New kids on the block, DUT, did not have the 2024 campaign they were hoping in their debut season, but 21-year-old skillful winger Ngwenya made such an impact scoring one of the most memorable goals of the season that he was offered a contract with Durban City who will be taking part in the top flight PSL league this season.

Kgwadi Molepo: Wits to Orlando Pirates

The former Wits midfielder's promising talent didn't go unnoticed during Varsity Football and his efforts were rewarded with a contract at Orlando Pirates. The 23 year old captained the Pirates DDC team and was loaned out to Kruger United in the NFD, but returned to the Buccaneers in July.

Tshepiso Mahlangu: Tuks to AmaTuks FC

Defensive stalwart, Tshepiso Mahlangu, was instrumental at NWU before moving to Tuks University and competed in the 2024 Varsity Football tournament. His aerial dominance and commanding defensive work paid off and he signed a contract with AmaTuks playing in the in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Varsity Football 2025 kicks off on 7 August and no doubt a new crop of talented players will emerge and go on to sign professional contracts in the future.

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