The battle for Varsity Football silverware has reached its decisive stage, with only four teams left standing. Record champions TUT will make the short trip to face city rivals UJ, eager to avenge past defeats while maintaining their impressive record of knocking UJ out in knockout stages. The highly anticipated clash will also serve as a repeat of the 2023 Varsity Football final, promising yet another fierce encounter as the Red Army and UJ collide once more with a spot in the final on the line. Red Army assistant coach Stuart Mhlongo believes his side’s preparations are in place although it took them the last game of round robin to qualify for the semis. “The team is in good spirit, and we are excited for Thursday’s game. Looking at the way we played this season I think we started well and along the way complacency kicked in. Against Wits we were supposed to collect maximum points we made an error by conceding a penalty and allowed Wits to come back into the game, we ended up getting a point,” said Mhlongo. “In Mafikeng it was a balanced game, looking how we conceded they scored a beautiful goal but looking at it in a different angle it looked offside. We all know playing in Mafikeng is not easy especially with the support they have. we lacked concentration as well without blaming the officials. Same with UJ we played well and anticipated that UJ will be dangerous on set-pieces that’s where they have been lethal. It gave us an opportunity to see how far we are in terms of mental strength.” TUT will travel to UJ Soweto Campus where they last won their trophy in 2023. The Red Army taunted UJ in their backyard in a number of times, they will look to put a stop on TUT’s dominance while TUT looks to continue to be a thorn to the Joburg side. “Playing UJ in their backyard is never easy, but we all know that when we lifted the cup in 2022 and 2023, we won against UJ in their backyard. They hate losing against us and they want to put a stop to that but for them to lift the trophy they have to win this game. We plan to play nine games and that is where our focus in at,” he adds “Every year when we start the tournament we prepare to play all nine games; we are confident that we have what it takes to get maximum results but is not going to be easy. We know our targets; we want to add the fifth star on our jerseys we are confident we can upset them in their backyard.”   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

For NWU head coach Nkululeko Malgas, history serves as both a reminder and a source of motivation. Last season, his team dominated UFS with a commanding 4-0 victory at home in the semifinals, only to stumble to a narrow 1-0 defeat away earlier this year. Now, with another home semifinal on Thursday, 25 September, Malgas is determined to ensure the focus remains on the present, insisting that the slate has been wiped clean and that his side is ready to rise to the occasion once again.  “It’s a new game, a new year, and even new match officials. They have a new coach, Mokete Tsotetsi, who has done extremely well in his first season at the university level. So, we cannot rely on the past; we must prepare for this match as its own battle,” said Malgas. “I call that a Championship Spell - they also collected seven points from nine away from home. To take four points off Wits and UP-Tuks on the road is not easy. They’ve been very good travellers.” For NWU, this semi-final is about more than just progress; it’s about redemption. Last year, they reached the home final only to lose to UWC on penalties, a result that still stings. “That one hurt,” Malgas reflected. “We had the opportunity in front of our fans and couldn’t take it. This year, we want to finish the job. The last time NWU won Varsity Football was in 2018. It’s time.” “We are where we wanted to be from the start of our Varsity Football technical strategy. We needed a bit of luck from TUT to secure a home semi, but the boys know the stage they are on and what is expected. They are a fully motivated group.” Malgas underlined the role of supporters as a crucial factor. “Our 12th man is something else,” he said. “They arrive two hours before kick-off. By the time we go out for warm-up, the stadium is already half full. They drive these boys to another level. They are just unbelievable.” “We owe it to ourselves and to our supporters. We have been close before, but now is the moment to bring the Varsity Football trophy back to NWU.”   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.   By: Phenyo Mokgothu

UJ Men’s Football has put together a near-perfect season, and now their championship dreams will be tested in a high-stakes semifinal against long-time rivals, TUT. The two Gauteng powerhouses will face off at UJ Soweto Stadium on Thursday night. UJ has dominated the 2025 group stages, finishing at the top of the log with an impressive undefeated record of five wins and two draws. Their disciplined play was on full display in their last match, a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CUT Football in Bloemfontein. The team’s confidence is high, but they’re not getting complacent. Assistant Coach Ntsikelelo Simon Tshowa says the team is as focused as ever. "The semi-final is a different animal, it's no longer about winning three points; it's a knockout. We hope the boys can rise to the occasion,” said Tshowa. “Winning the tournament would be a wonderful achievement. That's what we need to do for the institution – to make them proud, especially after such great recent performances." With both teams hungry for a spot in the final, this semi-final promises to be a thrilling encounter. The winner will go on to face either the UFS or NWU for the championship title on Thursday, 2 October 2025.   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.   By: Collen Maepa

First-year Sport Management student Tshepo Mosieleng is among twelve new players drafted into the UJ team this season as the Orange Army sit unbeaten at the top of the log ahead of the semi-final against TUT coming up on Thursday 25 Sept. With a promising history already in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League, Mosieleng's striking debut signals the start of a new chapter for the young footballer who has his sights set firmly on the pinnacle of the sport. Speaking to Varsity Sports, here he shares his journey as a young footballer aiming for the top. Where are you from and what are you studying at UJ? I was born and bred in Mahikeng, North-West Province, and I'm studying Sport Management. When did you realize that you could play better football? I was about seven or eight years old, playing for a team called Magra FC in Mahikeng. I was brave and confident with the ball, and that’s when my love for football really developed. Who inspired you to play football? My dad, Thato Mosieleng. He was a footballer in our community but had to stop playing because of a serious injury. He always encouraged me, though, and even bought me my first pair of soccer boots - Reebok - when I was in Grade 2 or 3. Not many first-year students excel in Varsity Football the way you have. You wear the coveted No. 10 jersey. How did you break into the team? Coach Karabo Mogudi brought me to UJ this year. I was playing at the SAFA Transnet Football School of Excellence in Elandsfontein, and he saw me at the Engen Knockout Challenge in 2024. He asked me to apply to study at UJ so I could play for his team, and now, here we are. Have you always wanted to study at UJ? I always wanted to pursue football as a career, but Coach Karabo encouraged me to continue my studies while playing. Do you feel intimidated by bigger, more senior opposition players, especially given your smaller stature? Not at all. Sometimes my size works to my advantage because I can make quick turns, and the taller, bigger players are a bit slower to keep up. UJ has a history of producing talented players who go on to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the National First Division. What are your personal goals for playing in the tournament this year? My first goal is to develop myself. I believe that my dream of playing in the PSL will come true later. This tournament and the UJ team have given me an incredible opportunity to showcase my talent for scouts to see my abilities. Growing up, which PSL team and player did you admire? I used to support Kaizer Chiefs, but now I’m leaning toward Orbit FC because they’re from my home province. I really liked how Siphelele Ntshangase played when he was with Chiefs. Besides being noticed by scouts, what do your family and friends say about seeing you play on national television? I think they’re all proud of me because I never stopped believing in my dream to play football. I had several rejections when I was trying out for other clubs, but I'm still standing tall.   Fixtures:  HERE     Tickets:  HERE.   By: Collen N. Maepa

For many years Varsity Football played a huge role in breeding South Africa’s next football stars. TUT Men’s Football has enjoyed the bragging rights having produced players like Cassius Mailula now plying his trade in Europe. As the 2025 season heads into the playoffs, for TUT debutant Glen Mashimbye it has been a season to remember. His journey with TUT began in the ABC Motsepe League where first donned the TUT jersey. The Red Army recruit in reminisces his debut in the Varsity Football. “My debut was unreal, for me it was a proud and an emotional moment running in the pitch wearing the TUT jersey for the first time. The weight of representing the institution, it was a dream come true,” said Mashimbye. “My goal is to help the team to as far as winning the tournament, personally I want to leave a mark in contributing with goals and assists and gain experience as much as I can to play in this level and higher.” The versatile midfielder used to watch his cousin play football in primary and that fuelled the hunger in wanting to make a career out of football. “I grew up in a very supportive family, they did not have much, but they gave all their support and everything they could. Football has always been around me, in the streets, at school and in the community, it taught me discipline and gave me a sense of direction early on,” he said. “I think I was five-years old, that’s when I fell in love with football. I used to watch my older cousin play and from there I never looked back it has always been more than just football for me.  “I want to make it professionally whether in locally or abroad. I work hard every day to develop my game and hopefully get an opportunity to play at the highest level. I look up to Thabiso Lebitso (Orlando Pirates defender), his work rate and humanity and work ethic inspire me.”   Fixtures:  HERE     Tickets:  HERE.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

Defending champions UFS Kovsies beat Maties while NWU brushed aside UJ in the semi-finals to set up an exciting showdown in the Varsity Netball 2025 final. It will take place on Monday 29 September in Bloemfontein (19:00). The last time the two sides met in the final was in 2013 when Kovsies beat the Eagles by four goals. NWU last won the title in 2016 while Kovsies will be looking to add a sixth trophy to their collection.     NWU 55 – UJ 28   NWU put any hopes of UJ for a third consecutive appearance in the final to rest with a commanding semi-final victory in the NWU Mafikeng Great Hall in Mahikeng.   From the first whistle, the Eagles asserted themselves with strong defence and quick transitions onto attack. Their intensity forced UJ to work hard for every opportunity, while the home team  converted their opportunities with ease. This took them to a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.   The second quarter followed a similar pattern. The Orange Army battled to turn their possession into goals, while NWU continued to punish mistakes. With their defensive unit closing down passing lanes and their shooters maintaining accuracy, the Eagles extended their advantage to 29-12 at half-time.   UJ made several changes in the third quarter in an attempt to close the gap, and the fresh legs initially brought renewed energy. They managed to find more scoring opportunities and put some pressure on their opponents. The Eagles however maintained their composure, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ending the quarter with a healthy 44-19 cushion.   The final 15 minutes produced a spirited contest. NWU kept control of the game with well-structured attacking moves. They adapted to any changes UJ made and absorbed the pressure until the final whistle, securing a convincing 58-28 victory to advance to next week’s final and the chance to add yet another trophy to their cabinet.   Quarter scores:  14-6 | 29-12 | 44-19 | 55-28 Player of the match:  Christi-Marie Coetzee (NWU)   NWU:  Sunel Smit, Jaime Matfield, Andrya Joubert, Jessica Matjiu,  Johanné Meyer, Amori Matthee, Christi-Mari Coetzee, Vivian Venancio, Jade Egwatu, Liane van Lochem, Casey Davids, Johanne Meyer.   UJ:  Alexandra Meimaris, Juanika Steinmann, Minette Erasmus, Luyanda Msomi, Yanke Broodryk, Kamogelo Motsepe, Cornelia Mupenda, Sli Ngcobo, Tassnique Norman, Jade Niemand, Kaneilwe Seopa, Makayla Edgecomb. UFS KOVSIES 46 – 35 MATIES   The Bloemfontein fortress that is the Callie Human Hall held strong as Kovsies had to dig deep to see off a determined Maties in their efforts of a successful title defence. The defending giants had history on their side, but Maties arrived with unfinished business, still stung from their round 7 collapse after leading by six at halftime.   From the first whistle, the Maroon Machine looked to control possession, but Liame de Lange struck early with two interceptions before Kovsies netted their opener. Maties quickly realised there was no room for error. Under pressure, Kovsies fed off the home crowd to edge the first quarter 11–9.   Maties slowed the tempo in the next 15 minutes and grew in confidence as Hanna Kriel stayed deadly accurate. Yet Kovsies’ experience shone through, their senior players keeping the scoreboard ticking. By halftime they had pulled clear, 24–16.   The third quarter swung Maties’ way, with Kriel repeatedly escaping De Lange and Reratilwe Letsoalo’s long reach. The Maroon Machine capitalised on the power play to narrow the gap, but Kovsies steadied to hold a 34–31 advantage heading into the final stretch.   The last quarter was a battle of basics, both teams disciplined under pressure. But when the power play arrived, Kovsies pounced, stretching their lead beyond reach. A late Maties goal proved only consolation as the Bloemfontein side sealed a commanding 46–35 victory and their place in the final.   Quarter scores:  11-9| 24-16 | 34-31 | 46-35 Player of the match:  Liame de Lange (UFS Kovsies)   UFS Kovsies:  Liame de Lange, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Elene Vosloo, Xandri Fourie, Charne van Vuuren, Chanique Eyberg, Mari du Raan, Thando Mokoena, Leane Otto, Megan Erasmus, Syamthandanda Sambo, Mienke Delport.   Maties:  Hannah Kriel, Michelle van der Merwe, Lara Ehlers, Lize Rossouw, Syntiche Kabuya, Juane Maass, Thabisa Yekani, Bianca Odendaal, Chloe Parsadh, Kristine McGregor, Lara Steenkamp, Jana Martin.   Full results, log and final fixture HERE .

UFS Kovsies are hard at work preparing for their high-stakes Varsity Netball 2025 semi-final clash against Maties on Monday 22 September (19:00) at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. It will be a rematch of the round 7 encounter in which the defending champions had to overcome a deficit to finally clinch a 55-47 victory over the Maroon Machine.   After a season of growth, resilience, and standout performances, the squad is now focused on turning their experience into success in the knockout stage. Coach Burta de Kock described the season as “truly incredible,” highlighting the contributions of seven first-year players who have quickly made their mark.   “We had an incredible SA Universities tournament … but we lost the final against UJ. At the end of the day, it’s experience that nobody can buy or take away. We are very proud of the girls,” she said, underlining the pride in her team’s journey.   Looking ahead to the semi-final, De Kock emphasised preparation and adaptability.   “It’s exciting for us to have a rematch because then you know what you can change, and you can anticipate that they will do the same. Our focus isn’t on the semi-final itself, our focus is on the team, and that is Maties. We look at where we can make our strengths even stronger, and where we can challenge them faster.”   Several standout performers have been central to Kovsies’ success. De Kock mentioned Xandri Fourie, who transitioned from a defensive role to a key playmaker, and captain Reratilwe Letsoalo, praising both as “incredible role models” for the younger players.   Letsoalo echoed her coach’s sentiments upon reflection on the season.   “We have established (ourselves) as a team that want to be dominant … approaching every game as it comes.”   On the upcoming match, she added, “It’s very important that we do the basics right. The lessons from the Maties game are positive – push until the last whistle, the score isn’t a decider if you keep doing your part.”   When it comes to motivation, Letsoalo emphasised leading by example. “The best way to keep the team motivated under pressure is to start with doing my own job … during tough moments, people look up to you for leadership.”   Full fixtures   HERE.   by Jürgen Smith

UWC has made history, clinching their third consecutive Varsity Football championship with a narrow 1-0 victory over the UJ Women’s Football on Monday night, 19 September 2025. Played in a packed UJ Soweto Stadium, the final was a tense affair. Both teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities in a goalless first half, although UWC maintained a persistent attack. The UJ defence, led by Shannon Macomo and Portia Masilela, put up a strong fight, successfully containing UWC's offensive threats like Chelsea Daniels and captain Tiffany Kortjie. Just as the second half began, UWC's Kortjie delivered the decisive blow. In the 46 th minute, she scored the only goal of the match, securing the treble championship for the Western Cape side. Despite the goal, UJ fought to get back into the game. Captain Sthembile Sandleni, Kabelo Mokoena, and substitute Gugulethu Dhlamini led the charge, but their efforts were ultimately fruitless. UJ's best chance came in the final moments of the game when Kamogelo Maponya had a one-on-one opportunity with the UWC goalkeeper, but her shot went wide. Following the victory, UWC coach Thinasonke Mbuli praised her team and the strategic preparation that led to the win. She highlighted the role of the team's video analyst, stating, "The credit for this victory must go to our video analyst. He knew the threat from the opposition... We knew that UJ striker Thato Mofolo would be lethal with her usual turns because she’s good at that.”   SCORERS:   UWC:  Tiffany Kortjie   Player of the Match:  Fikile Magama (UWC) TEAMS:   UJ: Manana Myeki, Shannon Macomo, Portia Masilela, Kabelo Mokoena, Nokuthula Sekhukhuni, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Sthembile Sandleni, Sthembile Msomi, Atlegang Mogale, Thato Mofolo, Kamogelo Maponya. UWC: Siphesihle Dlamini, Mmabatho Mogale, Unathi Simayile, Fikile Magama, Zikhona Nogqala, Vonisiwe Maswanganyi, Nwabisa Qoba, Akholiwe Matsotsi, Thembelihle Zulu, Tiffany Kortjie, Chelsea Daniels.   Player of the Tournament:  Thabiso Senyatsi (TUT Women’s Football) Cashbuild Golden Glove:  Manana Myeki (UJ Women’s Football) Suzuki Golden Boot:  Thato Mofolo (UJ Women’s Football).

UJ are aiming for a third consecutive spot in the final when they take on NWU on Monday 22 September (17:00) in the first semi-final of Varsity Netball 2025 at the NWU Mafikeng Great Hall in Mahikeng.   After an unbeaten run through the tournament, the Orange Army will hope to avenge their loss (42-50) against the Eagles in round 7. UJ stormed through the first six matches of the season, maintaining a perfect record against defending champions UFS Kovsies, Maties, Varsity College, Wits, Madibaz and UP-Tuks.   Captain Cornelia Mupenda said the impressive winning streak was a huge confidence booster.   "Being at the top of the log with six out of six wins was really special for us. It showed that all the hard work we put in was paying off and kept us motivated to push even harder."   Mupenda described the loss to NWU as a valuable lesson.   "It reminded us that we can’t afford to switch off at any point and that we need to stay sharp right until the end. It was a wake-up call to reset and refocus.”   UJ’s recent success is undeniable. They reached the final for two consecutive years, a first in the team's history. In both 2023 and 2024, they were runners-up after falling in close matches against UP-Tuks and Kovsies that went into extra time.   Mupenda, a senior player who was part of both finals, said she is determined to go all the way this year.   "Reaching back-to-back finals was a huge achievement, but it’s also shown us how much more we need to do to take that final step. Going into this semi-final, our focus is on executing our game plan with intensity and composure. We want to give ourselves the best chance to reach the final again and, this time, to make sure we finish the job and lift the trophy."   The team is currently facing a challenge with two of its senior players, Tarle Mathe and Owethu Ngubane, away on national duty with the SPAR Proteas against New Zealand and Australia.   "Having Tarle and Sammy away with the national team definitely has had an impact," Mupenda admitted, "because they’re important players for us on and off the court. We are really proud of them for representing us at a national level." Full fixtures   HERE.   by Collen Maepa

With the Varsity Football and Netball tournaments reaching the final stages of competition we are excited to announce that the standout players of this season will be hitting the road in style, thanks to Hertz Car Rental South Africa, who will be rewarding them with Suzuki Swift cars to drive for a full year. As the Official Car Rental Partner of Varsity Football and Netball, Hertz is once again backing our star players in a big way. This year, the Overall Players of the Tournament in both the Varsity Football Men and Women's competitions along with the Player of the Tournament in the Netball competition will each receive a Hertz-sponsored vehicle as part of their prize! The winners will be announced after the final of their respective tournaments. Varsity Football Women final – 19 September Netball final – 29 September Varsity Football Men final   - 2 October Each of the award winners will be granted use of a vehicle for a 12-month period or 25 000km which ever comes first. The winner must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and the vehicles must be insured comprehensively.

Forty minutes of nail-biting action stands between Maties and a place in the final of Varsity Netball 2025 when they take on UFS Kovsies on Monday 22 September (19:00) in their semi-final at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein.   With both teams eager to showcase their skills, Maties head coach Sasha-Lee Petersen said her side will need to be ruthless and play with intensity if they hope to overcome the defending champions.   “The mood in the camp is very positive and focused. The players are excited but at the same time, they know there’s still work to be done.”   The Maroon Machine had a six point lead at half-time in the teams’ round 7 encounter, before Kovsies came back to snatch the victory. Petersen has vowed it won’t happen again.   “Building on our previous encounter against them, which went really well, we’ll need to tighten up on staying clinical in our execution.”   Peterson admitted that she was proud of the team’s effort and determination in securing a spot in the semi-final.   “It’s a big milestone for us and a reflection of all the hard work and commitment throughout the season. We stuck to our processes, and we grew each week. We also built strong connections on and off the court which has been a big strength.”   Captain Syntiche Kabuya, player of the match against Kovsies, said the team has prepared well and now all that remains is execution, a task she is confident her side can handle.   “The team is very excited and focused and dedicated to win and show everyone what we’re capable of. ⁠I think we’ve done a million little things well and now is the time to tie it all together.   “We can work more on executing our game plan for longer and not getting involved or absorbed into outside things. Kovsies is a team that never gives up, so we have to keep grinding and going till the final whistle.”  Full fixtures   HERE.   Watch all the highlights of the season HERE . by Ayanda Frances Felem

NWU know that regular victories count for nothing when it comes to knockout netball. Having defeated UJ in round 7, they are now preparing for the rematch that will decide who advances to the final of Varsity Netball 2025. Their semi-final encounter takes place on Monday 22 September at 17:00 at the NWU Mafikeng Great Hall in Mahikeng.   Head coach Elsunet du Plessis made it clear that her side cannot rely on past results. “A semi-final is a completely different contest. Knockout matches demand a higher level of focus and intensity. We know UJ will come back stronger, so we cannot rely on what happened before. Our approach will be to tighten up our structures, stay disciplined, and make sure we adapt quickly to whatever they bring on the day.”   Du Plessis said her players will need to stay calm under pressure while maintaining their defensive and attacking systems.   “We will be emphasizing decision-making, sticking to our game plan, and controlling the tempo of the game. Our defensive intensity and attacking patience will be crucial, but most importantly, we want to stay calm, minimize errors, and capitalize on our opportunities.”   Captain Martine Jordaan echoed her coach’s words and stressed the importance of unity on the court. “As players, we know the margins are small in knockout matches. Our focus will be on backing each other, staying connected across all thirds, and making sure that every turnover and every centre pass counts. We have worked hard to get here, and now it’s about delivering as a team.”   The Eagles’ preparation has been built across the season through a mix of disciplined training and competitive match play. According to Du Plessis, the focus has been on keeping players fresh and mentally sharp. “Physically, it’s about smart recovery, managing loads, and ensuring the players are fresh. Mentally, we are encouraging them to trust the preparation they have done, to focus on their roles, and to enjoy the challenge.”   Full fixtures HERE.   For highlights of all the matches this season HERE. by Phenyo Mokgothu