UP-Tuks captain Edward Rankwe aims to finish his Varsity Football journey on a high after representing the Stripe Generation for more than four seasons. With the 2025 season approaching, this campaign holds special significance for Rankwe, as he prepares to wear the Tuks red and white for the final time in the Varsity Football tournament. Rankwe believes his squad is not only strong on paper but can replicate that on the field of play. “We have one of the best teams, the quality is too much I think we are strong mentally. We can bounce back from anything and that for me plays a huge role,” said Rankwe.   “Hence, they say this tournament ‘Iyachesa’ it is exactly that, it is very hot. It does not only require quality but also the mental side of it plays a huge role.” The Tuks Sport High School graduate remembers his Tuks debut like it was yesterday, chuckles as he narrates it. “My debut was against UKZN in 2019, we won 3-0. What a nice way to start off your journey in this tournament,” he said. “I was in Tuks Sport High Sport, so it was easier for me to transition to the Varsity set up. I was spotted by the coaches and became part of this family. “Football gods need to be on our side this year, we need to take our chances and keep clean sheets. This was emphasized a lot in training.” Rankwe highlights a family support for his success in football and other aspects of life. “I was brought up by a family that was rooted in love and very supportive. Not judgemental and they supported me all the way, football played a huge role in my life. It has afforded me an opportunity to escape pressures that come with life,” he adds. “Engaging in peer pressure this, drugs and alcohol so because of football I was able to avoid a lot of things. Everything I know about football I applied in my life. Punctuality, respect and determination I was taught by football.”   Fixtures:  HERE   Tickets:  HERE.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The UFS squad are aiming for a more clinical performance when they face the UJ Men’s Football in Bloemfontein on Thursday in round two of Varsity Football. Last week, UFS kicked off their campaign with a goalless draw against UP-Tuks Football in Tshwane. This came after the team had very limited time on the training field with their new head coach, Mokete Tsotetsi. UJ will certainly be a tough challenge, and they go hunting for a first win as well, but Tsotetsi believes the squad and technical team will be more settled this week. The former Bloemfontein Celtic central defender credited the assistant coaches for doing a solid job in preparing the team before his appointment. “The team that started the pre-season did a marvellous job,” said Tsotetsi, who has also represented Bafana Bafana. “That’s why we managed to come away with a point on the road. It’s given us motivation going into our home game against the Orange Army, who also have a strong side.” While the Blues would have preferred to collect all three points away from home, they are satisfied with the draw, knowing it could prove valuable later in the competition. Round 1 HIGHLIGHTS: Tuks vs UFS - 7 Aug Tsotetsi feels the team is close to hitting its stride, with the main focus ahead of Thursday’s clash being to convert the chances they create. “Preparations are going well. We’ve had more time to work on certain things, especially our finishing, which let us down last week. We’re trying to fix that so we can put two or three goals into the back of the net. “So far, so good. I’m happy. Even the boys understand what we want from them. We’re at home, and we want to take all three points from this game. We’ll work hard, and we’ll work hard together as a team.”   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE.

Wits Men's Football captain Kgwadi Molepo, affectionately known as Principal, is leading his team into the Varsity Football 2025 campaign with confidence and determination. The 23-year-old central defensive midfielder, who is also a property development and management student at Wits University, brings a wealth of experience to the team. After showcasing his skills with notable sides such as Black Aces Academy, Bidvest Wits U17, Kruger United in the second division, and Wits University’s ABC Motsepe League team, Molepo’s standout performances in Varsity Football earned him a contract with the Orlando Pirates Diski Challenge squad. "It's more than just a tournament, it's a chance to represent our university, prove ourselves, and write our own piece of history for the institution,” said Molepo. “It feels incredible to be back in the Varsity Football tournament after such a long absence. There's a real sense of pride wearing the Wits badge again on this stage. The mood among the players is electric, the excitement, and the determination every time we train." With intense preparations focusing on structure, conditioning, and team chemistry, Molepo believes his team is mentally, physically, and tactically ready. "Our goal is to go all the way. We're building that day-by-day, and the energy in the camp is right. We definitely are going to show up, going to play purposeful football, make our fans happy again,” he said.   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE. By: Andisiwe Sigoxo

Football has the power to change lives for the better for some, it’s a tool to positively impact their communities, while for others, it’s a source of joy and unity. With the Varsity Football season kicking off, TUT Men’s Football captain Alan Moja sees the sport as an inspiration to strive for greatness and achieve remarkable things. “I’m looking forward for this season as we are strong enough to compete against all the universities. Football changed to lot of things I was that person who is selfish always want the best for me not to others, it just because football is a team sport it doesn’t need any individuals, so I had to change how I behave,” said Moja. “I aim to support youth programs that make football more accessible to kids in underserved communities. The future Bafana Bafana or Banyana Banyana stars might be kicking a ball barefoot right now they just need a chance. “Football has transformed millions of lives. For some, it’s an escape from poverty. For others, it’s a path to education, discipline, or even fame. A single opportunity a scholarship, a trial, a youth academy spot can shift a person’s entire future.” Despite failing to make the knockouts last season, the stalwart defender believes him, and his troops are ready to compete and win the title this year. “Well last year most of the players were first timers we lacked the experience as we had only 3 players who have the experience of this tournament and this year most of the players have the experience of this tournament, so things are going to be different as we’re looking for the fifth star,” he said. “As the defending champions are not competing it gives us the confidence to go, and win likes we used to this season is the season to redeem ourselves and remind other people that we still have that spark." “My first game was against UJ, ever since I was signed to represent the university and I really had a good half unfortunately I didn’t finish it because of concussion. Later TUT hosted the trials which I had to impress and luckily, I got to be selected.   Fixtures:  HERE   Tickets:  HERE.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The Eagles will play their first home fixture of the Varsity Football 2025 season on 14 August at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium, facing CUT. This clash follows NWU’s 1-1 away draw against UJ in the opening round. Reflecting on the game, NWU head coach Nkululeko Malgas highlighted the importance of the result. Malgas also pointed out the introduction of the new “Goal Rush” award this season, noting that it has the potential to shape tactical approaches for the rest of the campaign. “I heard that we haven’t won away to UJ in a while. Their 12th man is very provoking, and you could tell with how nervous we were, which led to us conceding from a set-play,” said Malgas. Round 1 HIGHLIGHTS: UJ vs NWU - 7 August “It’s going to be an interesting Varsity Football season, and we have to be accustomed to it. It’s going to be a very difficult match, especially at home for us. We started watching their past match immediately after our post-match analysis corrections. It’s always a very difficult task to play against a side that lost by such a marginal score. We must be at our best, especially in front of our supporters.” The coach is also mindful of the high expectations from the NWU faithful after last year’s heartbreak, when the team lost the final at home on penalties. “The boys know very well what to do to rectify that. We want nothing but the gold medal, because 2019 was a long time ago,” he said. Vice-captain Lucky Letwaba echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of the home fixture. “We know how much this game means to the fans and us as players. Last year’s final still hurts, and we want to use that as motivation. CUT will be looking to bounce back, so we have to be focused and give our best performance from the first whistle. Playing at home is special, and we want to make sure we give our supporters something to celebrate,” he said. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 at the NWU Mahikeng Stadium, where the home crowd will be hoping for a winning start to their side’s campaign on home turf.   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE.   By: Phenyo Mokgothu

The 2025 edition of Varsity Netball starts on Sunday 24 August and once again all eyes will be on the future stars of South African netball to see who will be crowned champions. Intense action can be expected over five weeks until the final is contested between the top two teams on Monday 29 September.   The eight teams that will be vying for bragging rights this year are defending champions UFS-Kovsies, 2024 runners-up UJ, Maties, NWU, UP-Tuks, Madibaz, Wits and Varsity College who replace TUT.   The venues where all the action will take place are the Coetzenburg Centre (Stellenbosch), the Callie Human Hall (Bloemfontein), NWU Mafikeng Great Hall (Mahikeng), Rembrandt Hall (Pretoria) and the Wits Multi-Purpose Sports Hall (Johannesburg).   With Varsity Netball playing such a huge role in developing players for the national team, the stage is set for a new wave of talent to make their impact.   “This competition is the perfect springboard for the future of netball in South Africa. The calibre of talent we’ve witnessed over the years is proof of that. I believe it will only grow from here, especially when you consider the strength of today’s national squad. Now, it’s up to the players to seize the chance before them” says Varsity Sports netball code manager Anouschka Swart.   Last year, Kovsies collected their fifth Varsity Netball title when they defeated UJ 58-55 in extra time in one of the most exciting finals the competition had seen. The team’s Refiloe Nketsa was named FNB Player of the Match while shooter Rolene Streutker walked away with the FNB Player of the Tournament accolade.   This year, Nketsa is back as team manager alongside head coach Burta de Kock and assistant coach Karla Pretorius. Streutker, meanwhile, will take her place under the posts again after a stellar season in the Super League in England, where she was named player of the season and best shooter.   De Kock says the Kovsies team have been working hard to get their bodies and minds ready for this year’s Varsity Netball.   “The commitment they have shown is simply unbelievable, they are fearless. They know something very special is on the way. The unity in the team is very good, and we are blessed with the quality of players we have gathered together."   “We have a certain expectation that we will play each game so solid as a unit that nobody will be able to disrupt us.  We also expect that we have developed so many holistic players that all our combinations that we practised can work to such an extent that they can put up their hands for the gold medal." Head coach, De Kock emphasised the importance of strong backing from the university in the team’s success and shed some light on the return of Streutker and squad depth. “We are incredibly grateful for the support from Kovsies Sport and Janine de Kock. The players relish the opportunity to represent the university because they know that off the court, the support is also there, and that makes things on the court so much easier.” “We have Rolene who played overseas the whole year and we are incredibly happy to have her back. Then there are the players who competed at the TNL, you can’t buy that kind of experience. The handful of first years that have come in are slotting in very nicely and not shying away from the competition.     Kovsies will start their title defence against Wits on 24 August (19:00) in the first bumper weekend at the Coetzenburg Centre. The rest of the first-round fixtures are:   Sunday 24 August:   Maties vs UJ - 13:00  NWU vs Varsity College - 15:00  UP-Tuks vs Madibaz - 17:00  UFS-Kovsies vs Wits – 19:00  Monday 25 August:   Kovsies vs UJ - 13:00  Varsity College vs UP-Tuks - 15:00  NWU vs Madibaz - 17:00  Maties vs Wits - 19:00  Catch all the action live on SuperSport. Whether you're in the stands or cheering from home, you won't miss a moment of the intense gameplay and thrilling moments that make Varsity Netball 2025 a must-watch event. For a full fixture list, click HERE .

The much-anticipated Varsity Football 2025 Round 1 has concluded with impressive results. Wits kicked off their campaign strongly, securing a 4-1 victory over CUT at Wits Stadium. TUT also started on a high note, edging out DUT 1-0. Meanwhile, two matches ended in draws, with UJ and NWU, as well as UP-Tuks and UFS, sharing the points.   Tebogo Masemola - (Wits Men’s Football) The most impactful player on the pitch was no doubt Tebogo Masemola. Masemola was influential in the game, winning the ball side-to-side and creating the scoring chances and ending up scoring the opening goal. His goal-scoring ability and vision on the field were key to Wits' success on the night.   Damian Overmeyer - (UP-Tuks Men’s Football) Varsity Football 2024 winner Damian Overmeyer produced an outstanding shift on his debut for Tuks. The centre-back was solid in defence and made sure nothing gets past his keeper. Overmeyer marshalled his defence managed to set up his team’s attack with deceiving passes. “Good performance but I must say we are disappointed with the results with the chances we got we felt we should’ve come out with the win. We keep the clean sheet at back to give the guys upfront more confidence to attack and score. We work on these drills in training and all I can do is to try my best to execute it on the pitch.”   Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza and Teboho Makhalanyane – (UJ Men’s Football) From his skilful manoeuvres to holding down the UJ midfield, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza gave UJ a boost in the middle of the park against NWU in the opening clash. Together with Teboho Makhalanyane, the two launched lethal attacks into the NWU half as Makhalanyane whipped good free kicks and crosses from the left wing into the opposition box in the two halves of the match. “I’m happy with my performance in the opening match and walking away with the FNB Player of the Match award, though we did not win the game. I pushed myself to do better for the most part of the game, but going forward I can do better than today,” said Mkhonza.   Sekwanele Mtolo – (DUT Men’s Football) The standout player was DUT goalkeeper Sekwanele Mtolo, who not only saved a penalty but also played a crucial role in organizing his team from the back. Despite his team's loss, Mtolo’s performance was exceptional and truly impressive.   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE.

The opening round of the Varsity Football 2025 campaign kicked off with a bang as returning giants Wits made a statement with a 4-1 thrashing of CUT in Johannesburg. TUT edged DUT 1-0 at the iconic Harry Gwala Stadium, while UJ and NWU couldn’t be separated in a tightly contested draw. At Tuks Stadium, UP-Tuks and UFS shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate.   UJ 1-1 NWU A chilly Johannesburg evening provided the perfect backdrop for a thrilling Varsity Football 2025 season opener as UJ Men Football faced off against NWU Men Football. With a packed stadium and buzzing crowd, the energy was electric from the first whistle. The home side, UJ, wasted no time in igniting the crowd, scoring in just the third minute. Thabo Moshikere slotted home a tap in after Yasidu Lifa headed down a pinpoint free kick from Teboho Makhalanyane. UJ held onto their 1-0 lead going into the break, though not without pressure from NWU. The visitors fought hard for an equalizer, with UJ goalkeeper Lungelo Sithole pulling off a crucial save from a close-range header. The game’s only caution went to NWU’s Thapelo Letsholonyane for a rough challenge. In the second half, both teams traded attacks in a tense battle. The substitutions made by both coaches proved impactful, especially for NWU. Their efforts paid off in the 89 th  minute when Molemo Kukama found the back of the net, levelling the score at 1-1. The referee's final whistle blew shortly after, with the two teams taking homa a point each.   SCORERS:     UJ: Thabo Moshikere NWU: Molemo Kukama    Player of the Match: Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza (UJ)    UJ: Lungelo Sithole, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Tumelo Machete, Yasidu Lifa, Thabo Moshikere, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Teboho Makhalanyane, Keletso Sekhwela, Karabo Modisane, and Tokoloho Modisane. NWU: Ethan Mokwena, Knowledge Muleya, Lucky Letwaba, Aphelele Wandile Sibisi, Lucas Seromo, Pascual Tivane, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Momelezi Mngati, Xalani Masethi, Ranonyane Mmutlane, and Reatlegile Kgosithebe.   Wits 4-1 CUT   Wits Men’s Football marked their return to the Varsity Football tournament in style, securing a dominant 4-1 victory over CUT Men’s Football at Wits Rugby Stadium. Back after a two-year absence in the campaign, Wits sent a clear message with a powerful performance. The match was intense from the start, with both teams creating clear scoring opportunities. Wits took the lead when Tebogo Masemola scored a brilliant goal, assisted by Simphiwe Mabena. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the home side, with CUT reduced to 10 men after Malefetsane Doctor Matale received a red card . Wits took full control in the second half, dictating the tempo and creating a host of scoring opportunities. Despite missing several early chances to extend their lead, they eventually found the back of the net three more times through Sfiso Mlondo, Mxolisi Mthiya, and Simphiwe Mabena. CUT pulled one back late in the match with a consolation goal from Nkosingiphile Lubisi, but it was not enough to change the outcome.   SCORERS:   Wits: Tebogo Masemola, Sfiso Mlondo, Mxolisi Mthiya, Simphiwe Mabena. CUT: Nkosingiphile Lubisi.    Player of the Match: Kgwadi Molepo  (Wits)    TEAMS: Wits: Lwando Mvinjana, Obakeng Leping, Kahil Cloete, Tshepo Mothiba,Reabetswe Modise, Kwadi Molepo,Tebogo Masemola, Prince Manku Simphiwe Mabena,Lesedi Thabo Mphaki, Sfiso Mlondo,Mxolisi Mthiya,Thato Puswane. CUT: Siseko Faku, Thabang Mokoena, Siyabonga Mzelem, Khotso Mphene, Alwande Sibiya, Polokelo Letlema, Tiisetso Mpholoane, Tshepo Lekoro, Boeletsang Restoration Rar,Mzwakhe Shabalala.   DUT 0-1 TUT   The iconic Harry Gwala Stadium set the stage for DUT Men’s Football official Varsity Football debut game, as they faced off against TUT Men’s Football in a highly anticipated clash. It didn’t take long for TUT to settle, as the Red Machine struck just seven minutes into the game. Precious Mohale tapped in from a well-placed six yard pass to put the visitors ahead, 1-0 to TUT. The match continued at a competitive pace, with DUT boosted by a packed stadium of home supporters. Both sides had opportunities, but none were converted before the break. TUT’s experience showed as they maintained their narrow lead through halftime, despite the chilly Pietermaritzburg weather. The second half kicked off with intensity. DUT came close to equalising through a powerful strike by Iviwe Sodidi, only to be denied by an outstanding save. A crucial moment followed when Lucky Raphala was brought down in the box, earning a penalty. Sekwanele Mtolo rose to the occasion, saving the spot-kick and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The battle remained fierce until the final whistle, but TUT held firm, using their composure to secure a hard-fought 1–0 victory in their season opener.   SCORERS:     TUT:  Precious Mohale    Player of the Match: Sphesihle Mazibuko  (TUT)   TEAMS: DUT: Kwanele Mtolo, Luyanda Ntuli, Nkululeko Nkosi, Xolani Mkhonza, Sifundo Ngema, Kwanele Vilakazi, Sbonelo Ngidi, Cebani Ngidi, Iviwe Sodidi, Ayanda Kunene. TUT: Luvanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Mekdiwe Ncenya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja, Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Sphamandla Motihale, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Lucky Raphala, Glen Mashimbye, Precious Radithomo Mohale.   UP-Tuks 0-0 UFS   UP-Tuks Men’s Football and UFS Men’s Football ended their opening Varsity Football clash in a goalless draw. Hosting the match at a packed Tuks Stadium, the home team felt the pressure to impress, while UFS came determined to prove a point. The first half was intense, with Tuks showing more hunger and creating the early chances to break the deadlock. The game was tightly contested with both teams evenly matched. Tuks had the first clear chance when Samukelo Ngodela’s shot hit the upright. UFS looked dangerous on counterattacks, but Tuks’ goalkeeper easily handled their back-to-back attempts. Despite controlling possession for most of the first half, the Pretoria side couldn’t break down UFS’s defense. A costly error by Tuks captain Edward Rankwe nearly gave UFS the lead, but they failed to capitalize. The teams went into halftime locked at 0-0 after a frustrating first half. Nicholas Stothard’s team came out strong after halftime, with Matome Rangata’s pace and Camagu Mdevulana’s precise passing threatening UFS. Debutant Risen Albert joined on the wing as Tuks pressed hard. Despite hitting the post twice, including a chance by Paballo Mamabolo, Tuks couldn’t break through. UFS’s solid defense held firm, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw in front of a packed Tuks Stadium.   Player Of the match : Damian Overmeyer ( UP-Tuks )   TEAMS: UP-Tuks:  Leathan Croats, Khotatso Balepile, Edward Rankwe, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Damian Overmeyer, Nkosana Shabalala, Camagu Mdevulana, Joshua Wood, Matome Rangata, Raymond Tshwane Matlamela, Samukelo Ngodela, Quintin Stokes-Waller. UFS : Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Philani Zondi, Samkelo Nakedi, Xolani Mqwathi, Iviwe Dyabuza, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jose Mondi, Jarome Jansen, Kagiso Semenya, Adolph Radingoana.   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE.

As the 2025 edition of Varsity Football kicks off, all eyes turn to the nation’s hottest diski competition, where talent, passion, and ambition take centre stage. This year’s tournament promises not only fierce competition between institutions, but also a showcase of the country’s brightest young footballing talent. From explosive forwards to rock solid defenders, these student athletes are not just playing for glory, they are gunning to be recognised and enter the professional ranks. Let's take a look at the players who we think tyou should be keeping an eye on. Omphemetse Athibeng (UFS): The talented Blues goalscorer was a force on attack last year so look out for him to feature heavily again this season bagging goals like this. Jarome Jansen (UFS): The dynamic young central mid for the Blues was instrumental for the Bloem side setting up goals with magic like this. Lesedi Thabo Mphaki (WITS): Wits return to Varsity Football after missing out for several seasons. They enter the 2025 edition with a fresh group of talented youngsters including the much talked about midfield teen sensation Thabo Mphaki. The young right footed winger nicknamed Nasri for his creativity and flair comes in on loan from Orlando Pirates. Nhlakanipho 'CR7' Ngwenya:    DUT 21-year-old winger Ngwenya made such an impact in Varsity Football 2024 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. It remains to be seen if he will be in the starting lineup for DUT, but if he is then keep a close eye on him. Samukelo Ngodela: (Tuks) Tuks top goalscorer in 2024 with 4 goals. He was the Stripe Generation creative spark in the front three last season so you can be sure he will be instrumental once again if the Pretoria side are to compete for the title. Notable mentions: Matome Rangata: had a good second half of the season with Amatuks NFD team being a regular and playing consistently well and was the Tuks USSA 2024 top goalscorer. Risen Albert: A natural goalscorer who comes in with CAF and PSL experience with Supersport United. Lucky Raphala: (TUT) Highly promising midfielder Lucky Raphala was a key player in the MaVUTi line-up last season scoring several goals. He has made the switch from the Vaal team to the Red Army so watch out for him to make an impression with the TUT side coming in with plenty of experience and talent. Reatlegile Kgosithebe (NWU): The 2025 FNB Player of the Tournament needs no introduction. He was deadly in front of goal for the Eagles scoring 5 goals and helping them reach the final. If they are going to lift the trophy this year then you can bet he will heavily involved in their wins. Notable mentions: Lucky Letwaba and Momelezi Mngati are also in the NWU squad this year and they were instrumental in last year's campaign. Pogisho Dikole (CUT) : Senior CUT midfielder Pogisho Dikole has several Varsity Football campiagns under his belt and scored twice last season so has the potential to once again find the net and lead the Bloem side to victory. Look out for Tiisetso Mpholoane and Poloko Letlema to also grab attention on the field for CUT. We can't wait to find out which players will stand up and be counted. Let us know in the comments if we left anyone out. FIXTURES and TICKETS HERE.

The Red Army is gunning for a record 5th title following a disappointing campaign in the previous season. The stakes are high for the Pretoria West side as need to turn their fortunes around and produce results after failing to make knock-out stages of the tournament in 2024. Head coach Bushy Moloi describes it as part of the football cycle and backs his team’s preparations as they gear up to compete in nine matches this season. “We are on the brink of our first, every player is well and prepared. We are looking forward to the games and come back to do what we do best. The previous years we were starting our cycle, meaning a new structure all together as other teams have been going through that,” said Moloi. “Although we did not reach the finals after so many years, but we hope this season we do not repeat that and do better than last season. We looking to a better Red Army. We anticipate preparing a well-balanced team and develop talent for the future.” Winning is the only option for the Red Army as they kick off their campaign away to DUT. Moloi and his troops urge fans to keep standing by them throughout the journey. “No home games, but I think we are doing well when we travel, we can be rest assured that from the first game to the ninth game we will do our best to redeem ourselves because of the previous season. We are looking forward as one of the components that builds us to be the home of champions by far. Also to be the best university to win four titles, we are looking forward to the fifth star,” he said. “It is a competition, and we base ourselves on winning. If winning is all that is important, we are up for the task, some teams have almost the same player for three years now. We are starting our cycle, but who says we cannot go through the paces. Ours is to win and redeem our pride as we failed last year.”   TUT Provisional Squad Lungelo Mthethwa, Tumelo Ncabe, Lindokuhle Mdlalose, Gift Nqwabe, Matome Sekgobela, Muziwethu Shabangu, Nkosinathi Ngiba, Appeal Mogakane, Xolani Zwane, Luyanda Mandindi, Andile Malaka, Alan Naphtany Moja, Bongani Mekdiwe Ncenya, Surprise Reckson Khoza, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Neo Ramaphisa, Katlego Motlhale, Madike Semosa, Precious Mohale, Karabo Rangata, Nare Mojapelo, Keletso Tseka, Menzukhuthula Ntshangase, Thobani Ngwenya, Glen Mashimye, Lucky Raphala, LehloMo Tolo, Siphesihle Mazibuko, Phenyo Hugo Makwaeba, Thabang Ndlovu, Junior Sekoba, Rorisang Mpoza, Andisani Malada, Zonkwaka Malada, Smangaliso Zulu, Tebatso Manyane.   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

UP-Tuks Men's Football team is fired up ahead of the FNB Varsity Football 2025 campaign. The Stripe Generation are determined to bounce back stronger as they chase a fourth title in the university showpiece. Last season, Nicholas Stothard’s men narrowly missed out after a 1-0 semi-final loss to eventual champions UWC. Spending over 10 weeks together preparing for the upcoming campaign, the Pretoria side is determined to take over the throne and eliminate the errors of the past season. “Last season is still a bitter pill for us to swallow, we managed to finish top of the log by a clear distance. We did not lose a game in the round robin stages but that just shows you that you need to be on top of your game to win all the nine games,” said coach Nicholas Stothard. “We cannot change too much because it was probably our best year in a number of years, the composition of players and the quality of players we have. We looking to evolve our game to try and create more goal scoring opportunities more than we did last year.” Stothard believes he managed to ruck up a solid squad despite losing a few senior players due to age restrictions of the competition. “We have not lost too many players. We lost our two captains Tshiamo Mokoena and Tshepiso Mahlangu due to age. We have exciting new additions as their replacements. We added more detail in terms of our coaching process. I think we need to convert our chances when during knock-out games only one or two chances is all you going to get,” he said. “Fans are thirsty for a silverware, the players are, and I am as well, I have no doubt that we have put in all the hard work and all the effort to give us every chance to lift the trophy this year.”   UP-Tuks Provisional Squad Koketso Mokou, Leathan Croets, Callum Thompson, Khotatso Balepile, Atlegang Masemola, Damian Overmeyer, Mpiana Kabuyi, Edward Rankwe, Deshaun Jafta, Nkosana Shabalala, Paballo Mamabolo, Camagu Mdevulana, Euan Jenneker, Joshua Wood, Languta Mavunda, Samukelo Ngodela, Raymond Matlamela, Mathuane Selotola, Risen Albert, Matome Rangata, Mnqobi Mkhize, Quintin Stokes-Waller, Ntokozo Madela, Kholofelo Masenamela, Madoche Tamba, Jason Cox, Karabo Poletsi, Mpho Khoarai, Zinedeen Cassim, Matlhogonolo Kotsokoane, Sifiso Masombuka, Menzi Mbatha, Simphiwe Nkosi.   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The UFS Blues are locked and loaded ahead of their Varsity Football 2025 campaign, which kicks off next week in the capital city, Tshwane. The Blues face a tough assignment in their opening fixture as they travel to take on the Tuks in their own backyard. They head into the season with a new technical team at the helm, while Iviwe Dyabuza will be wearing the captain’s armband for the first time. Dyabuza said there’s a great deal of excitement in the young and fresh-looking squad, and it’s just a matter of sticking to their identity. “We’re really excited for the tournament. The biggest change for us is, of course, the new technical team. But it’s not a train smash the new philosophy aligns closely with what we’re already used to,” he explained. Dyabuza added that the revamped squad brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm, and the players are thriving in the new setup. “We’ve got a young and exciting squad, full of players who are energetic and eager to work hard,” the seasoned campaigner said. While the age-old cliché in football, or sport for that matter, is to take things one game at a time, Dyabuza made it clear that the Blues are aiming for maximum points from every match. “We’re really looking forward to the experience this tournament will bring. As we prepare, we’re taking it one game at a time. “We’re not just focusing on home games we’re targeting every match and aiming to pick up points wherever we can.” The Blues will kick off their Varsity Football 2025 campaign at 19:15 on 7 August against Tuks at the Tuks Stadium. UFS provisional squad : Lethokuhle Makhaya, Sisanda Hadebe, Sandile Mhlanga, Hlalefang Sethunsa, Xolani Mqwathi, Sambulo Mthembu, Bongani Ndimande, Karabo Malatjie, Phikani Zondi, Iviwe Dyabuza, Theko Phimthi, Jose Mondi, Lesego Mafikeng, Ndumiso Kubheka, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jarome Jansen, Siyamthanda Ndaba, Kwethemba Ndlovu, Samkelo Nakedi, Kagiso Semenya, Sandiselwa Mbatha, Kamohelo Mohoje, Thato Nkatho, Sakhile Nyathi, Adolph Radinyona, Omphethemetse Athibeng, Thabang Molo, Tumelo Ndlovu, Jowan Janse, Paballo Makgareetse.   Fixtures:   HERE   Tickets:   HERE.