Vote for the FNB Player of the Tournament in Varsity Football 2025!

UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 1 October. Winner will be announced after the final on Thursday 2 October.

The 2025 Varsity Football season has been nothing short of dramatic with last-minute winners and top quality diski that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Now after weeks of intensity all eyes turn to the final where UFS and TUT will battle it out on Thursday, 2 October at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein where a new champion will be crowned.

But before we discover who lifts the trophy, it’s time to celebrate the stars who have stood out across the competition. Fans now have the chance to vote for the FNB Player of the Tournament 2025 with the winner taking home a big cash prize from FNB and driving away in a Hertz-sponsored car for a year.

 How the nominees were chosen

• Each of the eight head coaches across the competition nominated three players who impressed them the most.

• Coaches were not allowed to put forward players from their own squads.

• Nominations were weighted: 1st = 3 points, 2nd = 2 points, 3rd = 1 point.

• After tallying the totals, the three players with the highest scores made the final shortlist.

Here are the nominees for 2025 as chosen by the coaches:

UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 1 October. Winner will be announced after the final on Thursday 2 October.

Now it’s over to the public. Your votes will decide who earns the title of Varsity Football’s top performer for 2025.

The public can cast their votes until Wednesday, 1 October at 9am. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on Thursday 29 October.

Vote for your winner below.

UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 1 October. Winner will be announced after the final on Thursday 2 October.

FNB Player of the Tournament 2025

• Omphemetse Athibeng (UFS)
• Aphelele Sibisi (NWU)
• Jarome Jansen (UFS)

Omphemetse Athibeng (UFS):

A stalwart of the Kovsies side Omphemetse is definitely a player to keep an eye on. An unassuming figure on the field until he touches the ball and his talent becomes apparent. He has speed, he has skill, power, and the finesse of a quality player. His cracking goal was the difference against DUT and he was rightly named as the FNB Player of the Match. 

Aphelele Sibisi (NWU):

The Eagles captain had a brilliant season and picked up several FNB Player of the Match award. As a leader, Sibisi is known not only for his defensive skills but also for lifting the team’s morale. His teammates often rely on his drive to keep them motivated during tough phases of a match.

“I have a personal need to show how far I can go, that starts with giving everything for this team.”

Jarome Jansen (UFS):

The UFS star has played an instrumental role in helping the Kovsies securing their first ever Varsity Football final. His skill is undeniable and the Bachelor of Administration student has been playing football since childhood, excelling in attacking roles. Inspired by Themba Zwane’s humility, he dreams of turning professional while balancing his studies.

The final takes place on Thursday the 2 October.