Search this site

UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 25 September. Winner will be announced after the final on Monday 28 September. With the Varsity Netball 2026 season reaching the business end and the playoffs now looming, it’s time to recognise the standout players who have made their mark on the courts and delivered consistently impressive performances throughout the tournament. From dominant shooting displays and crucial defensive interventions to creative playmaking and the ability to produce when the pressure is at its highest, these players have played a pivotal role in their teams’ campaigns. The head coaches have nominated their top choices and now the public can have their say in deciding who deserves the title of FNB Player of the Tournament How the nominees were chosen The head coaches from all eight participating universities each nominated three players who impressed them most throughout the tournament. Coaches were not allowed to put forward players from their own squad. Votes were weighted: 1st place = 3 points, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 1 point. The three players with the highest overall scores are now up for the public vote. Your vote will decide who claims this prestigious award. Here are the nominees for 2026 as chosen by the coaches: The public can cast their votes until Friday, 25 September at 9am. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on Monday 28 September. UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 25 September. Winner will be announced after the final on Monday 28 September. The winner will take home an award and cheque for R10 000. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

TUT captain Lucky Raphala believes unity will be crucial when the Red Army face Wits in the Varsity Football semi-final at Wits Stadium. TUT secured their place in the last four after a challenging campaign that went down to the final round of fixtures. Raphala reflected on the team’s journey and the importance of reaching the knockout stage. "It wasn't an easy season - We had to wait for the last game for us to qualify. Theoretically, we managed to qualify and go to the last round." With Wits having already defeated TUT during the round-robin stage, Raphala knows his side will need to learn from that result and remain focused. "We've been preaching unity. Us losing in the round-robin made us a little bit distracted. But if we can be united in this coming game, I think we can win the game." The Red Army will now look to produce a strong performance and book their place in the final. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

Wits camp is filled with excitement and rightful nerves as their semi final against TUT approaches in the penultimate quest for glory in this year’s Varsity Football tournament. The Educated Footballers took a 2-1 win over DUT in the last robin-robin clash to solidify a home semifinal against TUT this Friday. It will be the second time they have faced the Tshwane side in two weeks, where they took a gritty 2-0 win at Wits Stadium and it could help massively. Captain Kgwadi Molepo said there is elation between the players, coaching staff and fans at the semi-final progress. Though, he acknowledges the job is not done yet. “We have two phases in the tournament: the round-robin and the knockout phase. Our focus has shifted towards the knockouts. Us being first and securing the home semifinal gives us the motivation and encouragement to show that our hard work is paying off,” he said. “We need to shift our focus to the knockouts and make sure that we apply ourselves the same way. The worst thing we can do now is complacent. We celebrated over the weekend, but now our next goal is winning, and making the finals.” History shows TUT coming out on top in the knockout stages against Wits, when the Red Army clinched the title in 2018. This will also be the first time Wits has qualified for a semifinal since. Though there is a slight history between the sides, Molepo believes there is no place for focusing on the past. “For us, it’s mainly focusing on our story. You can’t neglect the past; however we need to respect what happened before and write our own story. For now, it’s a new campaign with new possibilities and experiences. We want to focus on what’s happening now, and write our own story for the Wits books,” said the skipper. Wits will face TUT at Wits Stadium on 25 September at 17:00. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Khomotso Makgabutlane

UP-Tuks captain Paballo Mamabolo was delighted after his side secured their place in the Varsity Football semi-finals, praising the team’s fighting spirit and the support from the home crowd. Tuks produced a disciplined performance to beat log leaders UJ in round 7 and book their place in the last four, with Mamabolo highlighting the importance of competing and giving everything on the pitch. They will face UJ again in the semi-final on Friday 25 September at 7.15pm, but this time it will be on enemy territory in Soweto. "You know, objective number one, complete. I'm just over the moon, the boys really came here, they fought, they gave everything. The fans came in numbers, we can't do this without the fans, especially at Tuks Stadium." "They know the slaughterhouse, it's difficult for teams to come here and get a result. But I'm proud of the boys, objective one is completed, now we want to go all the way and lift the trophy." With their semi-final place secured, Mamabolo and his teammates will now turn their attention to the next challenge as they chase Varsity Football glory. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The Varsity Football semi-finalists have been confirmed, with Wits, TUT, UJ and UP-Tuks securing their places in the last four. Wits defeated DUT 2-1 in Durban to finish top of the log, while UP-Tuks ended UJ’s winning streak with a 1-0 victory in the Gauteng derby. Defending champions UFS and UWC missed out on the semi-final places. UFS claimed a 2-1 victory at Shimla Park, but TUT’s 4-0 win over UL saw them advance on goal difference. The stage is now set for an exciting semi-final showdown, with the four remaining teams battling for a place in the 2026 Varsity Football final. Here are the players who made the biggest impact in their respective matches. Koketso Mokou (UP-Tuks) Called up to his biggest test in Tuks’ must win against UJ, Koketso Mokou lived up to the task keeping a clean sheet against log leaders to secure Stripe Generation their first semi-final spot. Filling in the big boots of newly roped in former Cape Town City shot-stopper Gennaro Johnson, Mokou made crucial saves including a one-on-one block to deny UJ an equalizer. The debutant’s player of the match performance delivered Nicholas Stothard’s troops a much-needed victory to stay in contention for the coveted silverware. Sachile Nyathi (UFS) Sachile Nyathi stood out with a moment of individual brilliance, scoring a spectacular bicycle kick to give UFS the lead. His technique, timing and composure produced one of the standout moments of the match, particularly in the difficult wet conditions. Tebogo Masemola (Wits) Masemola was influential for Wits, producing a brilliant run down the left flank before delivering a quality cross that allowed Thato Putswane to score the second goal. His pace, movement and creativity helped Wits take control of the match and ultimately secure the 2-1 victory. Maano Phaswana (UL) Maano Phaswana stood out for UL with a determined performance capped by a powerful header in the 71st minute to score his side’s only goal. With UL trailing 4-0, his fearless finish captured the team’s resilience and never-say-die spirit, refusing to give up despite the difficult circumstances. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE

The NWU Eagles will defend their title against UJ in next week’s Varsity Netball 2026 final (Monday, 28 September). The Eagles beat UP-Tuks in a tightly contested semi-final in Pretoria while UJ were victorious over UFS Kovsies in an equally pulsating semi-final that went into extra time in Bloemfontein. UP-TUKS 50 – 52 NWU EAGLES Defending champions NWU Eagles had to dig deep to beat UP-Tuks 52-50 to seal a second consecutive final spot. The opening 15 minutes of the first semi-final at the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria produced end-to-end action with the home team starting like a house on fire, building up a six-goal lead. The defending champions, however, overcame a hesitant start and took the game to their opponents. They forced a narrow 13-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Stripe Generation returned high in energy in the second quarter, regaining their lead. It remained a closely contested affair and a battle of the goal shooters with Sunel Smit and Skyla Eley making no mistakes. It was a tug of war for the rest of the quarter, with the scoreboard reading 23-all at the half-time interval. In the third quarter, the Eagles seemed to be in the driving seat with limited mistakes. Both sides could not capitalise on the first power play, with NWU only scoring two goals. The home side, backed by their fans, managed to take a narrow 36-35 lead heading into the last quarter. It was all up to the last 15 minutes to determine who was going to take one of the spots in next week’s final. The Stripe Generation narrowly stretched their lead with a single goal in the last power play. The Eagles kept pushing, however, until the final whistle to earn a hard-fought 52-50 victory. Quarter scores: 12-13|23-23|36-35|50-52 Player of the match: Vivian Venancio (NWU Eagles) UP-Tuks: Anke van Rensburg, Kathleen Taljaard, Kayla Venancio, Khanya Ngema, Kiara van Eeden, Kimberly Amiras, Kristi Koekemoer, Lente Kroukamp, Nonkcubeko Mjaliswa, Skyla Eley, Phophi Nematangari, Rochelle Maree. NWU Eagles: Christi-Marie Coetzee, Reze Coetzer, Njabulo Hlophe, Andrya Joubert, Lethabo Komane, Rayvoné Leander, Jaime Matfield, Amori Matthee, Amia Roux, Sunel Smith, Liané van Lochem, Vivian Venancio. UJ 57 – 54 UFS KOVSIES It took an extra 14 minutes of playing time in the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein before UJ managed to beat UFS Kovsies 57-54 and advance to next week’s final. The Johannesburg side got their revenge after the match ended 47-47 following four thrilling quarters. The hosts managed to hold on to the lead after the first quarter on their home court, despite a nervy start. UJ were out of the blocks much quicker, but the five-time champions fought their way back to take a narrow 10-9 lead after the first 15 minutes. The Orange Army moved into the lead by half-time after being more clinical in the goal circle. The Kovsies had their chances but were unable to convert as consistently as the visitors. The introduction of goal shooter Mari du Raan injected some energy, but UJ managed to keep their noses in front to lead 22-18 at half-time. UJ continued to hold a slender advantage after the third quarter. Very little separated the two sides, as expected in such a high-stakes knockout match. Despite the Free Staters being more accurate in the shooting circle UJ still managed to hold a narrow 34-32 lead heading into the final quarter. After four quarters, the scores were locked at 47-47, meaning extra time was required to determine who would go on to face defending champions NWU Eagles in the final. In the end it was the Orange Army who showed greater composure when it mattered most. UJ edged ahead in extra time to secure a 57-54 victory and book their place in the Varsity Netball 2026final. Quarter scores: 9-10|22-18|34-32|47-47 / 57-54 (extra time) Player of the match: Kadijat Abubakar (UJ) UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Amara Agbai, Boitumelo Mahloko, Georgia Leppan, Neo Mosweu, Kadijat Abubakar, Kamogelo Motsepe, Tshepiso Mokoena, Shiloh Berardelli, Suné Barnard, Tarle Mathe. UFS Kovsies: Liame de Lange, Mari Du Raan, Megan Erasmus, Keevy-Ann Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Marianne Louw, Bianca Lubbe, Thandolwethu Mokoena, Siyamthanda Sambo, Janie Visser, Elene Vosloo.

UJ are looking to turn the tables against UFS Kovsies when the two sides meet in the semi-final of Varsity Netball 2026 on Monday, 21 September at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein (19:00). Although the team from Johannesburg beat their Free State counterparts 50-40 in round 5 of the competition, they want to avenge their 2024 final defeat to the five-time champions. Coach Bongi Msomi says the Orange Army have high expectations going into their semi-final match. “We know that Kovsies will play hard, which is something they always do. We played them several times in the tournament and we know what to expect. We are excited and ready for this challenge. We have prepared well for it and we know the venue, their home crowd and also them playing at home will give them the advantage.” According to Msomi they expect a fired-up Kovsies team as both teams would want to secure a spot in the final. “It is definitely going to be an entertaining playoff. We are not shying away from the challenge that is coming and we have also prepared to deal with what’s thrown at us on court.” UJ vice-captain Alexandra Meimaris says despite their loss against UP-Tuks during the competition, finishing at the top of the log shows the team’s consistency and growth. “One of the biggest takes was progressing through the tournament game by game and continuing to build as a team. Each weekend has given us something to learn from and improve our game from when we started the tournament. “Going into the semi-finals, the team is excited and has shown a lot of energy and confidence. At the same time, we know that what we have done in the round-robin games doesn’t guarantee us anything now going forward, as this is a completely new challenge. “Preparations have been going very well. We’re working hard for each other in making sure that we’re as well prepared as possible. We look forward to the semi-final and are hoping to put out a performance that we can all be proud of, as well as ending the season on a high note!” Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

After a slow start to the competition, UP-Tuks are determined to turn things up when they take on defending champions NWU Eagles in the first semi-final of Varsity Netball 2026 on Monday 21 September at the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria (17:00). Coach Amanda Mynhardt says they are looking forward to the opportunity, especially after going down by a single goal (59-60) in round 2 of this year’s competition. “We always knew it was going to be tough playing against the top teams, and with NWU having the title, it adds to the pressure. We want to use the opportunity, play a good game and be clinical. We also want to be solid in our structures and see if we can combine it all for this game. I think we are gaining momentum at the right time.” The Stripe Generation are without a couple of their key players who are on national duty at the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya. “We always had it in the back of our minds that we would lose national players. Fortunately, when you build a team, you also build depth and not in the competition, but months before that. We had to be creative and build player versatility,” says Mynhardt. Phophi Nematangari has taken over the leadership role and the seasoned wing defender says their preparations are going according to plan. “The mood is positive for this new challenge we are about to face, knowing that the knockouts are a different ball game. Everyone becomes better because we’ve grown through the tournament. I am excited to see how everything will pan out. “The last time we played NWU, we lost by just one goal, this after we had to close a nine-goal difference. It gives us confidence that we can do it, being able to close the gap and with the stakes given, I am excited to see how we can challenge the Eagles, so let’s go. “We worked so hard throughout the year to play in this tournament, we need to enjoy it and play for each other.” Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. By Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The Varsity Football semi-finalists have been confirmed, with Wits and TUT securing their places in the last four along with UJ and UP-Tuks. Wits defeated DUT 2-1 in Durban to secure top spot on the log after UP-Tuks ended UJ’s winning streak with a 1-0 victory in the Gauteng derby. Defending champions UFS and UWC missed out on the semi-final spots, despite UFS claiming a 2-1 win at Shimla Park as TUT scored 4 goals to beat UL and advance with a better goal difference. The semi-finals will see Wits take on TUT and UJ face off against Tuks on Friday 25 September in an all Gauteng derby. DUT 1-2 Wits It was Wits who came out on top by 2-1 in a story of two teams on different sides of the table looking for different rewards in their last game of the round-robin stage. The visitors didn’t waste any moment as they took the lead just after five minutes, following some moments of errors from the home teams’ back-line. A shot from outside the box, which was spilled by DUT goalie, Sekwanele Mtolo, the spilled ball falling over to a lurking Moila Matswiki who slotted the ball into the back of the net. The home side tried to manage the game back to normalcy, but the weather played against them as the heavy downpour forced a couple of slips on the wet surface from the DUT players. Just after the half hour mark, the men from Joburg bagged their second goal of the match following a beautiful run from Tebogo Masemola down the left flank who whipped a beautiful cross allowing Thato Putswane to slot in a beautiful second for WITS. Wits went into the break ahead by two goals to no response from the home team, who struggled immensely in the half. The second half began quite differently for the home team who looked more aware and desperate for something as they showed positive signs from very first go in the half. A moment and a lifeline finally came in the 70th minute when the home team’s striker, Bonga Mthembu, was brought down in the box by the Wits goalkeeper, Lwando Mvinjana. Sandiso Xaba stepped up and made no mistake from the spot as he slotted his kick into the back of the net, much to the delight from the home fans. 2-1 to Wits. The moment was high in favour of the home team, as their supporters believed and cheered them on under heavy rains adding to the tension of the visitors. Wits were however able to hold on and take away maximum points to seal their home semi-final position and a possible home final. 2-1 was the final score in the last Friday Night lights action for 2026 for DUT as they bowed out of the tournament with just four points. SCORERS DUT: (0) 1 Sandiso Xaba Wits: (2) 2 Moila Matswiki, Thato Putswane Player of the Match: Kaihil Cloete (Wits) TEAMS DUT: Sekwanele Mtolo, Luyanda Ntuli, Alwande Mjilo, Nkululeko Nkosi, Bandile Asande Dube, Amahle Maduma, Ntando Mavuso, Fanele Ndwandwe, Sandiso Xaba, Nkosiyezwe Buthelezi, Awande Buthelezi. Wits: Simangaliso Dlamini, Thato Putswane, Tebogo Masemola, Kamogelo Monyetswhale, Kaihil Cloete, Moila Matswiki, Miss Njemla, Tshimologo Mokae, Karabo Tsoane, Lwando Mvinjana. UP-Tuks 1-0 UJ UP-Tuks clinch a narrow 1-0 victory over log leaders UJ to secure a semi-final spot. UP-Tuks locked horns with high flying UJ with the semi-finals spot at stake. The Pretoria outfit started with the intention to get on the scoresheet immediately taking UJ head on however it was the visitors who made early threats coming close to scoring in the opening five-minutes. The home side remained compact at the back and lethal upfront as they found the back of the net first to open the scorings. Ntokozo Madela’s 17th minute goal got Tuks an early advantage in the clash. UJ fought to get an equalizer before the break however Tuks remained intact and took a slim 1-0 advantage at the halftime break. The Stripe Generation returned from the break high in spirit and nearly doubled their lead. Sinalo Nyawose fed an inviting cross inside the box Sibusiso Tolomane saw his header going wide. UJ made early substitutes and nearly reaped the rewards as Tuks looked shaky at the back. Tebogo Motshelanoka coming close to pulling one back for UJ on two successive occasions. First a receives a cut-back cross and takes a shot only for Tuks goalkeeper remain up to the task makes a crucial save, before firing another strike on the edge of box but Madoche Tamba cleared the ball on the line with keeper out of his line. The Orange Army kept posing threats to Stripe Generation looking to maintain their unbeaten run, but Tuks held on firm relying on the save hands of substitute goalkeeper Koketso Mokou. SCORERS UP-Tuks: (0) 1 Ntokozo Madela UJ: (0) 0 Player of the Match: Koketso Mokou (UP-Tuks) TEAMS: UP-Tuks: Koketso Mokou, Matome Rangata, Madoche Tamba, Lebogang Mswane, Euan Jenneker, Samukelo Ngodela, Philasande Khuzwayo, Edward Kolokoto, Sibusiso Tolomane, Sinalo Nyawose, Ntokozo Madela. UJ: Bayanda Mkhonza, Yasidu Lifa, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Njabulo Jele, Moraka Mathidza, Phadishi Kaka, Ofentse Motlhabi, Elijah Banda, Mfundi Ngema, Sandile Nkosi, Keletso Sekhwela. UL 1-4 TUT The University of Limpopo (UL) historic Varsity Football campaign came to an end with a 4-1 defeat to TUT, but the final score did not reflect the determination, resilience, and fighting spirit that defined UL's remarkable return to the competition. This season marked a significant milestone for UL, who qualified for Varsity Football for the first time in eight years. Although their campaign ended with one draw and six defeats in seven matches, their commitment and perseverance remained unwavering throughout the tournament. Playing in front of their home supporters, UL suffered an early setback when TUT's Likho James opened the scoring in the very first minute to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Just seven minutes later, Akani Rathokoa doubled TUT's advantage with a well-taken header inside the penalty area. Despite facing an uphill battle, UL refused to let their heads drop. They continued to press forward and compete bravely, even after Rathokoa grabbed his second goal of the match in the 28th minute to extend the score to 3-0. The second half showcased the true character of the UL side. Facing a formidable TUT team that had enjoyed a strong season, UL continued to battle for every ball and challenge every attack with determination and pride. TUT added a fourth goal in the 64th minute when Kearabilwe Mphahlele converted a free kick to make it 4-0. However, UL's defining moment arrived seven minutes later. In the 71st minute, Maano Phaswana rose above the defence and powered a brilliant header into the net from inside the 16-yard area to make it 4-1. More than just a consolation goal, Phaswana's strike symbolised the resilience, courage, and fighting spirit that UL displayed throughout their Varsity Football journey. Even with the game seemingly out of reach, they never stopped believing and continued to fight until the final whistle. Although the campaign ended in defeat, UL can leave the competition with immense pride. After an eight-year absence, they returned to the Varsity Football stage, competed with heart, and demonstrated that they belong among the country's top university football teams. Their determination and never-say-die attitude have laid a strong foundation for future success. My favourite player was Maano Phaswana. When UL found themselves 4-0 down and the match appeared all but over, he embodied the spirit of a true leader and warrior. Rising fearlessly inside the 16-yard area, he powered home a courageous header to score UL's only goal of the match. That goal was far more than a consolation. It became a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and pride for a University of Limpopo team that had fought its way back to Varsity Football after eight years away. Phaswana's determination captured the spirit of a side that never gave up and continued battling until the very last whistle. SCORERS UL: (0) 1 Maano Phaswana TUT: (3) 4 Likho James, Akani Rathokoa X2, Kearabilwe Mphahlele. Player of the Match: Akani Rathokoa (TUT) TEAMS UL: Wisani Sibuyi, Fesbon Ngobeni, Phuti Selemela, Reggy Kabelo Masebe, Phala Mabitsela, Mohlatlego Sekole, Tebogo Setlhako, Michael Mase, Lesedi Kgadima, Maano Phaswana, Phemelo Sebothoma, Junior Khuliso Matambele, Kganyela Mogashoa, Theto Mohale, Kagiso Shokane, Lethabo Baloyi, Kgomotso Madiba, Rethabile Mongwe, Xola Nava, Happyboy Mogomotsi. TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Oreratile Mapudi, Ntshuxeko Mkhabela, Tshiamo Rantho, Lehlomo Tolo, Thobani Ngwenya, Likho James, Lucky Raphala, Kearabilwe Mphahlele, Akani Rathokoa, Menzukuthula Ntshangase, Khalefo Debeshe, Bhekumuzi Mahlasela, Dean Kruger, Iviwe Sodidi, Karabo Rangata, Mahlatsi Baloyi, Neo Sello, Thandolwethu Masondo, Matsobane Chipana. UFS 2-1 UWC A new Varsity Football champion will be crowned in 2026 after defending champions, the University of the Free State, failed to qualify for the semi-finals despite beating the University of the Western Cape 2-1 in testing conditions on Friday evening. The wet and bitterly cold conditions in Bloemfontein were always going to make for a tricky affair, with the slippery surface making life particularly difficult for the players and taking some of the sting out of the attacking play. There was a feeling that it would take something special to get the scoreboard ticking - and that is exactly what happened in the 40th minute. Sachile Nyathi produced a moment of magic, finding the back of the net with a spectacular bicycle kick to put the defending champions in front and send the home crowd into raptures. However, the joy was short-lived. The visitors from the Mother City hit back on the stroke of half-time, with Zamian Plaatjies finding the equaliser for UWC to send the teams into the break locked at 1-1. Just minutes into the second half, UFS regained the lead. Ivence Mbhele, who scored a brace last week, found himself one-on-one with UWC goalkeeper Zubeir Mohamed and kept his cool to beat the keeper and restore the home side’s advantage. UFS held on for the victory despite the miserable conditions, but their title defence ultimately came to an end as results elsewhere failed to go their way. Goal difference proved to be their undoing, bringing the defending champions’ campaign to a frustrating conclusion despite finishing with a hard-fought victory. For UWC, it was also the end of the road after a determined effort in the Free State. They may not be heading into the semi-finals, but they certainly made the defending champions work for every inch on a cold and wet night in Bloemfontein. SCORERS UFS: (1) 2 Sachile Nyathi, Ivence Mbhele UWC: (1) 1 Zamian Plaatjies Player of the Match: Zamian Plaatjies (UWC) TEAMS: UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Paballo Makgaretse, Sandile Mhlanga, Philani Zondi, Itumeleng Louw, Sachile Eusil Nyathi, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jarome Jansen, Keabetswe Mofokeng, Samkelo Nakeedi, Ivence Mbhele. UWC: Zubeir Mohamed, Zukhanye Qaba, Imaan January, Zamian Plaatjies, Iviwe Dyabzuza,Malinga Mdodana, Asakhe George, Mesuli Manzi, Relebohile Matima, Sesethu Ntuku-Ntuku, Luphulo Zini. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE

UFS striker Adolph Radingoana says the University of the Free State is ready to work hard and remain committed as they prepare for their Varsity Football clash against UWC on Friday. With the race for the final four places remaining competitive, Radingoana knows the team will need to maintain its focus and produce another strong performance as the tournament reaches a crucial stage. "Like the one who works the most definitely is the one who will get to the last four because the three teams are kind of conflicting,” he said. The striker says UFS will approach Friday’s encounter with determination, while also highlighting the importance of converting their opportunities in front of goal. "We are not sure who's going to be there, but then, like, we are looking forward to working hard and being committed towards the game and then, like, make sure that we grab the three points, and then we're going to need more goals just like the previous game, but then we couldn't manage to get more, but then we're still looking up to getting more." With three points the target, Radingoana and his UFS teammates will be looking to make their chances count when they take on UWC on Friday. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE

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

Wits forward Mxolisi Mthiya is delighted to have helped his side secure a place in the Varsity Football semi-finals, but the team has bigger ambitions as they approach the final stages of the competition. After missing out at the group-stage hurdle last season, Wits have responded strongly this year and currently sit second on the log with 13 points from six matches. "I'm really happy to have qualified for the semi-finals, especially having fallen out in the group stages last season," he said. "The aim now is to bring the cup here at home; we don't want just the home semi-final." Wits face DUT at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday in their final league fixture, with the Johannesburg side looking to finish top of the standings and potentially secure home advantage for the final. "Going into the last match against DUT, we want to steal the number one spot and possibly clinch the home final." Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Khomotso Makgabutlane