It was an amazing season for some of the stars of the Varsity Football 2023 season whose performances got the attention of Premier Soccer League (PSL) scouts and the women’s national team. In true grassroots to greatness fashion, the Varsity Football tournament prides itself as a dynamic breeding ground for future football stars and in the past has produced several big names that went on to become successful on the provincial and national stage. Last year's edition followed suit with several players kick-starting their professional careers.   Heaven Sereetsi (NWU Eagles to Cape Town City) The 21year old NWU winger had an outstanding season as the Eagles captain and his effort were duly rewarded with a PSL contract. He signed on the dotted line for the Citizens. Ronald Mabaso, Thite Mabilo and Tshiamo Mahome  (TUT to Pretoria Callies) Suzuki Golden Boot winner Ronald Mabaso and TUT stars Thite Mabilo and Tshiamo Mahome were instrumental to the Red Armies success and their efforts were rewarded with contracts at Motsepe Championship side Pretoria Callies FC. Leandro De Sousa (UWC to Pretoria Callies) In the UWC camp, striker Leandro De Sousa was approached by Motsepe Foundation Championship side Pretoria Callies and accepted the offer while goalkeeper Leathan Croats got approached by Mamelodi Sundowns to play for the club's Diski Challenge, but declined the offer. Medupi Thokolo (VUT to Casric Stars FC) VUT midfielder was a standout performer for the Mavuti family and joined NFD side Casric Stars.   The Varsity Football women’s tournament has in the past produced numerous stars who went onto represent Banyana Banyana and with national coach Desiree Ellis often coming out to watch the tournament it’s no surprise that the class of 2023 saw several stars making their debut for the national side. The class of 2023 saw Ayesha Moosa (UJ), Tshogofatso Motlogelwa (TUT) and Chelsea Daniels (UWC) all being scouted to represent Banyana Banyana at the COSAFA Women's Championships after the tournament ended. Chelsea and Tshogofatso were nominated for FNB Player of the Tournament. With the 2024 men’s tournament kicking off on 25 July and the women’s tournament on 26 July we can’t wait to see which players will emerge as the stars of the future. FIXTURES HERE . TICKETS HERE.

UWC Women Football will have their sights set on defending their Varsity Women Football title when the 2024 tournament kicks off on 26 July and they will go into the competition with the added motivation of being chosen to represent South Africa at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League later this year.   Head coach Thinasonke Mbuli has been in charge of matters in the UWC side since 2019 and is also the Banyana Banyana assistant coach for the past seven seasons, setting the UWC side apart from their peers across various tournaments and competitions.   The team from Bellville's success in delivering some top talent including Bongeka Gumede, Sibulele Holweni, Fikile Magama, Kholosa Biyana, Noxolo Cesane, Regirl Ngobeni, and Amogelang Motau. Mbuli, however, is not short on any achievements as a coach, she was awarded the coach of the year when UWC finished second in the Hollywoodbets Super League at the end of the 2023 season.   This achievement was recently buoyed when it was announced that UWC will be representing South Africa at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers scheduled to take place from 16 – 24 August in Malawi. This announcement came off the back of UWC having finished second to current CAF Women’s Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns for the past three seasons in the Hollywoodbets Super League.   UWC will represent SA along with seven other teams representing their respective countries including Gaborone United (Botswana), Young Buffaloes (Eswatini), Ascent Academy (Malawi), UD Lichinga (Mozambique), FC Ongos (Namibia), Green Buffaloes (Zambia), and Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe).   "This is the best news ever, we have always wanted to test ourselves at a higher level against teams on the continent and we are excited that the opportunity has come for us to first compete in the region," Mbuli told SABC Sport.   "We know it is not going to be easy, but we will go out there and give it our all,"   "I am very happy for the players; they have always wanted it more than anything. It gives us great pleasure that we are the first university team in South Africa to play in the tournament, but we also understand the pressure of representing the country, hence we say we will give it a good go."     Fixtures   HERE Tickets   HERE     By: Lyndon Julius

Hunger, desire, gut, grit, determination, perseverance and dominance – that is how one can describe the ladies’ team of TUT Women’s Football through the years. The Red Army have won the Varsity Women’s Football tournament a record six times, more than any other varsity – both on the females and males’ side. However, as in football, history counts for nothing, it's about the here and now, and that is what TUT will look to do in this year’s edition – blow everyone out of the water and lift another unprecedented seventh trophy to parade through the corridors of their proud university. Defending champions, UWC and last year’s losing finalists UJ will battle it out eye-ball-to-eye-ball, shoulder to shoulder with TUT, who, by their high standards, had a poor showing last summer, bowing out in the group stages. Captain, Tshogofatso Motlogelwe believes this is their year. “We love this competition, and we love this trophy.  Everyone knows we are the Queens of Women’s varsity football; we have won it a record six times. But we know we didn’t do well last year, and we want to rectify the mistakes and really make ourselves and families proud,” said Motlogelwe. “It's such an honor for me to lead this university and these players, the preparations have been very good; it’s such a happy camp and the girls are raring to go.  It would mean so much to me and the girls to win it for the seventh time, this university deserves it, so let’s enjoy this ride man.”   TUT Provisional Squad Goalkeepers:  Masande Zulu, Lerato Silinda, and Nelly Nhlapho.   Defenders ; Dineo Ramaoka (Vice-captain), Paballo Chela, Orapeleng Ndlovu, Lindiwe Nkambule, Tsholofelo Ngako, Lesedi Mokoena, Glanny Mafikeng, Nokothula Tshuma, Luyanda Mandlazi, Nomfundo Zwane.   Midflielders:  Asanda Msuthu, Tshegofatso Motlogelwa (Captain), Tracey Sibuyi, Sibongile Ntoane, Keabetswe Molekoa, Noluthando Hlatshwato, Bophelo Mmatli, Siphiwe Mbele, Valencia Ntwayagae and Lebogang Malepe.   Strikers: Johanna Ramanna, Thabiso Senyatsi, Naledi Thakanyane, Gift Makanya, Thandeka Mtswene, and Pascar Sithole.   Full Fixtures:   HERE Ticket information:   HERE     By: Selebalo Karabo Phasha

The UFS Men’s Football have set themselves big goals for the 2024 edition of the ever-popular Varsity Men’s Football, and they will settle for nothing less than a title in the upcoming campaign. In 2023 UFS narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals and this came down to a lack of consistency, albeit there were moments of absolute brilliance by the team from Bloemfontein. While there is a new-look squad for this campaign, they want to build on the foundation that was laid over the past two years and build on that. The message in the camp is one of winning silverware that this is the mentally they are approaching their campaign with according to their coach, Tebogo Motsamai. “The boys are ready and they are determined to win the Varsity Men’s Football this season after coming close in the past,” said Motsamai. “That's what we want this year, and this is actually the goal that we've set for ourselves. We are not worrying about anything else other than winning the trophy. We missed out on the semi-finals last year. We weren’t satisfied with that because we were good enough to reach the semi-finals. “The only thing that matters to us is winning, we are hungry for silverware.” Motsamai added that he has a new squad this season, where there is also some experience which can go along away, especially in a tough opening game against NWU in Mafikeng. “I have a good squad this year, and I’m happy about that. I have players from last year, as well as the previous year, and then there are new guys in the team as well.”   UFS Provisional Squad   Goalkeepers: Tisetso Seodinyane, Ntobeko Mhlongo, Dylin Davids.   Defenders: Iviwe Dyabuza, Ben Kraai, Obakeng Seekoei, Xolani Mqwathi, Sandile Mhlanga, Eagan Vollenhoven, Thandolwethu Khoza, Itumeleng Louw.   Midfielders: Stuart Singo, Jose Mondi, Arlonso Diedricks, Lesego Mafikeng, Moeti Mofokeng, Sabelo Mthembu.   Forwards: Boy Rantotsi, Omphemetse Athibeng, Thato Nkatho, Tlhalefo Sello, Jarome Jansen, Samkelo Nakedi, Daluthando Noah.   UFS kick off their campaign against NWU on Thursday 25 July at NWU Mafikeng Stadium (17:00).   Full Fixtures: HERE Ticket information:  HERE

With the 2024 Varsity Mens Football tournament fast approaching, the NWU Eagles are gearing up for a strong performance. The team, now in their eighth week of preparation, is showing promising signs of readiness and as coach Nkululeko Malgas shares insights into the team's progress and expectations for the upcoming competition which kicks-off on 25 July. "The team has been working hard and their application during our practice game against the Motsepe Foundation Championship`s Orbit F.C  in Rustenburg was impressive. However, there is still some work to be done to reach our peak performance,” said Malgas. As a new coach for NWU, Lindani Nkabinde, an assistant coach has been instrumental in integrating him into the team's culture."Lindani introduced me to the NWU football environment and recommended some talented players from the regional league," Malgas explained. Addressing the pressure of media attention during Varsity Football, Coach Malgas expressed confidence in the team's mental preparedness. "The boys look well mentally and are excited for the tournament. Coaching always comes with pressure, but the excitement and anticipation for the tournament are palpable," he said. The team's first game will be at home against the University of the Free State (UFS), a match they are eager to win. "The expectations from our fans are high. It's a must to win, especially with the great support we receive. The stadium in Mahikeng is always full of supporters," Malgas continues. One player to watch in the upcoming tournament is Lucky. "Lucky is the one to watch. He has great potential and should there be scouts, he is likely to get some opportunities," Malgas highlighted. With strong community support and dedicated preparation, the NWU is poised to make a significant impact in the 2024 Varsity Football tournament. The players are excited, focused, and ready to showcase their skills on the field.   NWU Provisional Squad   Goalkeepers: Reddel Precious Duh Ngulle, Lesedi Ethan Mokwena, Kamogelo Rrasebotso Matane.   Defenders: Khopotso Moshapo, Olebogeng Moeti, Sousa Mathe, Kopano Molefe, Kamogelo Lucas Seromo, Lucky Letwaba, Kopano Molefe, Olebogeng Phogojane. Midfielders: Pascual Tivane, Thabang Majoro, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Itumeleng Selemela, Kutloano Mphuthi.   Forwards: Lesego Motsepe, Xolani Masethi, Sibusiso Siphesihle Mahlangu, Momelezi Mngati, Molemo Kukama, Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo, Atlegang Ranonyane Mmutlane, Smanga Twala.   NWU kick off their campaign against UFS on Thursday 25 July at NWU Mafikeng Stadium (17:00).   Full Fixtures:   HERE Ticket information:   HERE   By: Phenyo Mokgothu

The 2024 Varsity Women’s Football edition once again heads to TUT with eight elite sides competing for the showpiece and UP-Tuks coach Maude Khumalo is confident that they can finally accomplish their biggest hurdle which is winning the title. The Pretoria based side have never won a women’s title since the tournament’s inception and last year they finished in the semi-finals. “Our preparations are going well looking at the group I have, the majority of the players I’m using for the Hollywoodbets Super League are also part of Varsity Football and there are players returning from last year’s edition,” said Khumalo. “The only box we haven’t ticked is winning the Varsity Football, we are currently the USSA champions. We lost in the semis last year and I think we are getting there. I am patient and trusting the process.” Khumalo added that their experience is rich enough for them to be labelled as contenders. “To overcome the hurdle of us losing to UWC, when I started coaching this side during the Covid-19 bubble we lost on penalties in the final and the following year we lost again to the same side in the semi-finals. We managed to pass that hurdle when we beat the USSA,” she said. Khumalo is confident that her troops will come out victorious. “Varsity is a different ball-game, you have a lot of new players, some do not have Varsity Football experience. The ones you hope to return might not do well in their academics and some because of age,” she adds. “We are gunning for the title like everyone else, we never won the title so it will be a good thing for us and the university at large. We are capable of winning the title but it is just a matter of time.” “It is always an interesting game to play TUT, but I believe they will not beat us. I observed the team while we were playing in the league and the mental strength of our team is good.”   Tuks Provisional squad:   Goalkeepers:  Kgothatso Manamela, Kgahlego Tobejane.   Defenders:  Ntando Phahla, Sphesihle Khubheka, Morongwa Manamela, Zikhona Ngenelelwa, Ndivhuwo Erin Nkgedi, Tiisang Leseyane, Nhlakanipho Finland, Zikhona Mgotywa.   Midfielders:  Thando Khubeka, Khunjulwa Mali, Sbahle Ndlovu, Thembelihle Malatjie, Tebogo Motale, Kwenadi Makhwela.   Forwards:  Tshwarelo Setlhafuno, Thembelihle Masibi, Inge Kaba, Mbali Kweyama, Ibanathi Msindo.   Tuks kick off their campaign against TUT on Friday 26 July at TUT Stadium (19:00).   Full Fixtures: HERE Ticket information: HERE   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The Wits women's football squad will be looking to take it a notch up after having suffered a semi final defeat at the hands of 2023 finalists and hosts, UJ in the Varsity Women’s Football campaign.   The Witsies get their 2024 campaign underway against the NWU at the TUT stadium in Pretoria, on Friday 26 July at 14h00.    Head coach, Siphesihle Ngalmane is excited to lead the ladies in the 2024 showpiece from the dugout, where he has expressed the expectation of the Witsie women’s outfit expressing their talents and having fun.    “We expect the girls to showcase their talent and have fun. The rest will then take care of itself,” said Ngalmane.   He shared how the team has looked to prepare ahead of the 2024 blockbuster.   “We unfortunately could not have continuous training sessions as the girls were not around due to them not being able to stay at their residences during the study break. However, we gave the girls individual programs so they can continue to exercise and work on fitness during the break. We have now started with our sessions to ensure the girls are ready.”   The Wits team will be looking to build on last year’s performances, with Ngalmane expressing his desire to see his troops employ a good balance between attack and defence in their playing style.   “We plan to showcase our talent and employ the strategy of defending and attacking,” he said.   The Witsies will see a number of exciting players joining the team in the tournament, which will bring valuable experience that could assist in taking the side forward.   “This is a tough one as we have a full team of talented players. However, I think we can look forward to Aliyaah Allie as she is coming with experience playing for JVW in the Hollywoodbets Super League. You could also mention Sizakele "Blackberry" Ndlovu because she was unable to play in the last tournament and she is very excited for the Varsity Football tournament,” concluded Ngalmane.   Wits Provisional squad:   Goalkeepers: Nthabiseng Ramaisa, Boitumelo Matau Vuyiswa Saba.   Defenders: Magogodi Lilthakanyane, Beyonce Van Wyk, Lisenathi Cetwayo, Mahlatse Matlala, Lusanda Nyathi, Thalente Ntamane, Bacebile Ngema.   Midfielders: Lianakoena Koali, Khaleila Flisher, Boitumelo Tebele, Sakhi Mnomiya, Sizakele Ndlovu, Lesego Masemola, Aliyaah Allie, Primrose Kopeka, Koena Maselesele.   Forwards: Imaan Parker, Anelisa Mbatha, Rolindela Makhumo, Ayanda Mnyembane (captain), Thato Machweu.   Full Fixtures: HERE Ticket information: HERE     By: S’fiso Nyawo

New doors have opened for DUT Men’s Football, and excitement is buzzing as the Durban based side are set to make their debut in their first ever Varsity Men’s Football competition. Dawning on the Varsity Diski stage for the first time, DUT co-coach Alex Zondi says the mood is jubilant in the camp as preparations pick up momentum ahead of their season opener against CUT.   “It feels great that the institution has qualified for Varsity Football and there is lots of excitement as we prepare from everyone involved,” said Zondi.   “We are putting in a lot of work on preparing the finer details to ensure we are ready for the competition. Valuable work is being done on all performance factors.”   It is no secret that KZN teams have in previous times, struggled to perform in the Varsity Football competition, but the men from the coast’s mentor have promised that his team is ready to put in a shift to be good representatives of their province.   “We will work hard as a unit to represent the aspirations of all stakeholders as well as our province and we respect all the teams we are going to play against. They have been here before us and we need to learn and grow strong,” he said.   “We play a passing game, and we want to dominate the ball and impose ourselves on opponents. I do not want to single out any players because as DUT we believe teamwork is key.”   DUT Provisional squad:   Goalkeepers: Philasande Mthembu, Thelumusa  Hlongwa, Sekwanele Mtolo.   Defenders: Xolani Mkhonza, Sfundo Ngema, Chad Desplace, Mxolisi Mkhwanazi, Lindelwa Dlamini, Manqoba Mlele, Theo Nzama, Manqoba Shange, Mlulamisi Khowa, Nkululeko Nkosi, Ntando Nduli.   Midfielders: Awande Ngidi, Lusiba Dlamini, Siboniso Ngidi, Phakamile Mbonwa, Khayelihle Ndlovu, Thalente Mkhize, Alibongwe Mthiyane, Khulekani Nxumalo, Thobani Jwara, Amahle Mkhize, Junior Mchunu.   Forwards: Mlamuli Hlongwa, Nhlakanipho Ngwenya, Likho James, Billy Sthole, Iviwe Sodidi, Samkelo Gwala, Lindokuhle Mtshali.     DUT kick off their campaign against CUT on Thursday 25 July at TUT Stadium (18:30).   Full Fixtures: HERE Ticket information: HERE     By: Mpendulo Letsoalo

It will be a whole new experience for the CPUT Women in Women’s Varsity Football.This year's tournament will see the Cape based side having their first taste of playing among the top universities in the country. With the tournament set to start on the 26 July, Kamvelihle Mdayi's charges will lock horns against CUT Women in the opening match. All this year's fixtures will take place at TUT Stadium. Speaking with an excited tone ahead of the tournament, head coach Mdayi says for them it's all out about learning things."First of all, from us we deem ourselves as a ball playing team, we like to entertain the fan base but also a result based team," said Mdayi. "Continuity from the USSA games, the majority of our players came to our previous tournament. And this being our first edition of Varsity Football we just want to learn as much as we can and be humble, hard-working, structured and disciplined as you don't know what tomorrow holds for you."Boasting with young talents, Mdayi says the team has been busy working to improve areas that need a thorough check before the season starts. He says the side doesn't have new players this season however, but knows the current squad will do the job required."Our build up play and the offensive strengths and discipline without the ball and the offensive and defensive transition phases, those are things we are working on." "We don't really have new players that are joining us, but a select few newcomers and old folks that have revived their passion for football but the majority it's the old team"   CPUT PROVISIONAL SQUAD Defenders: Zinhle Cindy Hlela, Boethatelo Moreki, Buhle Zamangethe Zwane, Mesuli Bhungalipheli, Sinothando Lirula, Fumane Rose Moeti, Lebogang Vinolia Mokgethi. Midfielders: Samkelisiwe Zakhona Truelove Madela, Truddy Mzinyathi, Asiphe Delekile, Uphile Ngqentsu, Mosetsanagape Theodorah Leepile, Thandiswa Gwenteshe.   Forwards: Pumelela Mtongana, Anathi Mpama, Sinelisiwe Phumlomo, Zimkhitha Bomsi.   Goalkeepers: Nonhle Nozipho Ngema, Nonhlanhla Patience Mahlangu. Katlego Mmola.   CPUT kick off their campaign against CUT on Friday 26 July at TUT Stadium (12:00).     Full fixture lists: HERE   For information on tickets, click HERE   By: Ayanda Frances Felem.

Following a rollercoaster season for VUT Men’s Football in last year’s Varsity Football campaign, the Mavuti are licking their wounds and are hoping to make amends on the lessons learnt. VUT coach Sibusiso Mokondo lamented that the team from the Vaal’s inability to make it through to the knockout phase last season was a big blow.   “It was a bittersweet season indeed (last season) because the aim was to reach the semifinals, but unfortunately we couldn’t,” said Mokondo.   “I think our biggest lesson is to try, this time around, to unite the team and to play as a collective because last season we relied heavily on individuals so we’ve changed that this season.”   VUT is forced to construct in the new life without their talisman Ntokozo Mgidi who was last season’s tournament sensation, awarded for his efforts as he claimed the FNB player of the tournament accolade, and a key player for Mavuti in recent years.   “Unfortunately Ntokozo Mgidi won’t be part of this season’s team due to the age requirement but we have a lot of good players,” adds Mokondo.   Having the status of “good but not good enough” hanging over them for a while now in the Varsity Diski competition, the objective for VUT this season is clear, a semifinal spot, and it is what the men from the Vaal believe they can attain.   “It’s yet another chance and opportunity to showcase what VUT is really made of and the objective this season is to reach the semi final. We are coming back stronger and better than before” concluded Mokondo.   VUT Provisional squad:   Goalkeepers:  Sibusiso Mira, Tebogo Mosia.   Defenders:  Kgotso Nhlapo, Perseverance Mashabane, Kenneth Mokoena, Tokollo Mokoena, Desire Ndhlovu, Gontse Kole, Kamohelo Ramalefane.   Midfielders:  Lucky Raphala, Siyabonga Nombewu, Kgahlisho Kgomeswana, Tshiamo Seshabela, Morena Lekhetho, Lehlohonolo Ncambe, Sibusiso Motsepa, Thabiso Singo, Marumo Lekoloane, Siyabong Shabangu, Bongumusa Zwane, Rekebert Nape.   Forwards:  Katlego Chiloane, Roger Modiba, Sibusiso Baloyi.   VUT kick off their campaign against UP-Tuks on Thursday 25 July at TUT Stadium (18:30).   Full Fixtures: HERE Ticket information: HERE     By: Mpendulo Letsoalo

The 2024 edition of Women's Varsity Football kicks-off earlier this year on 26 July and in the build-up we revisit last year's tournament to see how it unfolded and how UWC had an unforgettable season to be crowned champions. The opening round saw defending champions UJ come back from 0-1 down at halftime to move past UWC. A fiercely contested battle that saw Boipelo Tladinyana  score a brace and collect the FNB Player of Match award. There were also runaway victories for UP-Tuks over Wits and TUT over DUT. UFH and UKZN played to a goalless draw. In round 2 the UJ Orange Army continued their winning ways when they beat TUT on the second day of competition in the 2023 Women’s Varsity Football tournament with Lusanda Mavundla  punishing the red army with a brace including a great free kick. UP-Tuks and UWC also moved past UKZN and DUT without any trouble. UJ maintained their unbeaten record in round 3 with a 4-0 victory over DUT. In a do-or-die group clash, UWC delivered a dazzling performance when they beat TUT 5-1 as Nabeelah Galant scored a brace while UP-Tuks secured their semi-final spot with a 2-0 win over a struggling UFH. The play-offs saw UWC maneuvere passed UP-Tuks to advance and set up a repeat of the 2022 final while the Orange Army comprehensively beat Wits as the tournament’s top scorer Lusanda Mavundla added to her tally with another brace. In the final, UWC drew first blood inside the opening 10 minutes courtesy of a Lonthemba Mhlongo goal and the star-studded UWC team remained in control throughout most of the game with the combination of Banyana Banyana’s Bongeka Gamede and Snegugu Zondi keeping things solid at the middle of the park. The Cape side doubled their lead 13 minutes after the break and held onto the lead to be crowned 2023 champions.   Lusanda Mavundla's outstanding perfromances for UJ were rewarded as she won both the FNB Player of the Tournament award as well as the Suzuki Golden Boot award for the scoring the most goals in the competition. UWC keeper Siphesihle Dlamini as well as UJ shotstopper Matshidiso Masebe both won the Cashbuild  Golden Glove award for their efforts in goal. The women's tournament continues to grow rapidly and several players were scouted to represent the national team. Ayesha Moosa (UJ), Tshogofatso Motlogelwa (TUT) and Chelsea Daniels (UWC) were all selected to represent Banyana Banyana after the Varsity Football season ended. 2024 FIXTURES HERE.

Falling just short of qualifying for the final in the 2023 Men's Varsity Football edition, UWC head coach, Lwando Mdleleni assures the expectation remains the same. The men from Bellville returned to Varsity Football last year following a two-year break - in 2021 and 2022 - for failing to qualify. Mdleleni backs his charges to go one better in this year's instalment after narrowingly losing to eventual winners, TUT, in a dramatic penalty shootout (10-9).   "The expectations remain the same, we have an objective which we fell short of achieving last year, so we are looking forward to fighting for that second star [on the jersey for the number of Varsity Football trophies won]," Mdleleni told Varsity Football.   2023 was a true testing season for UWC when they strong-armed their way into the final four but this confidence, according to Mdleleni, is what hampered them.   "I think last year we were very naive in some instances both from a coaching and players perspective. We have gathered the much-needed experience and depth in knowledge to better propel us. Moreover, this year we have 5 home games which gives us a competitive edge.   "In terms of how far we can go this year. I always say that we compete in every competition to win it. We fell short last year in the penalty shootout, and we will take that experience to better the previous year’s results.   "We have some exciting players that we have brought in to bolster the squad.   Mdleleni is grateful for the platform that Varsity Football offers to players and coaches alike.   "From the player's perspective, Varsity Football offers a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent on a national platform.   "For some of them, this is the closest that they will ever get to the elite football setup. From the coaching outlook, it is a great opportunity to showcase your understanding of the game and demonstrate your game model nationally."     UWC Men’s Football Provisional Squad:   Goalkeepers: Zubeir Mohamed, Thabang Maema, Leathan Croats.   Defenders: Emihle Arosi, Zamian Plaatjies, Mogammat Shakur Hector, Somila Kostile, Damian Overmeyer, Qhayisa Lekata, Imaan January, Asibonge Maphumulo, Jadan Zeeman, Malinga Mdodana.   Midfielders: Ranieri Salvini, Siphosethu Roto, Khanya Dyani, Shuaib Martin, Siyanda Mabadi, Arnold Dube.   Forwards: Vuyani Ncontsa, Leandro De Sousa, Mogamat Salie, Nkosingiphile Ncwane, Sinoyolo Kokwe.   UWC kick off their campaign against TUT on Thursday 25 July at TUT Stadium (19:15).   Full Fixtures: HERE Ticket information: HERE   By: Lyndon Julius