UP-Tuks Mens Football are gunning for glory as they return to top flight university football competition. The Pretoria outfit makes a return in the 2024 Varsity Football after failing to qualify for the 2023 edition. Nicholas Stothard’s troops are prepared to put aside last season’s absence and chase their fourth title and equal their rivals TUT who are the defending champions. “Obviously we missed last year’s Varsity Football and that was due to a number of reasons. The qualification is quite a gruelling process, the USSA we attended in Secunda in 2022 there were a number of issues the tournament wasn’t really completed,” said Stothard. “Unfortunately, we found ourselves out of the top eight that qualified in the 2023 edition, also the seeding was unheard of as there were four Varsity Football teams in one group. “Not qualifying affected us deeply because it was the first time we held a record of a team that always qualified. It gave us added motivation to come out stronger.” AmaTuks are set to return armed with experienced players like Tshepiso Mahlangu who won the competition with NWU. “With regards to returning players, we’ve got a number of players we have the likes of Atlegang Masemola, our captain Tshiamo Mokoena, Edward Rankwe and Raymond Matlamela,” he said. Tuks will begin their campaign with a tricky fixture as they will play hosts to VUT. “We have five home games as DUT do not have a host venue, we need to be comfortable playing at home in front of our fans and create a fortress. VUT are a tough opponent the last time we played them we won 2-0 but we scored late. They are a ball-playing team and I think with their experience in Varsity Football they are aiming for top four but we are looking forward to the clash. “We don’t usually start against them so we need to make sure we are prepared for it and start the season with three points.” concluded Stothard.   UP-Tuks Provisional squad:   Goalkeepers:  Koketso Mokou, Jayden Van Der Walt.   Defenders:  Atlegang Masemola, Khothatso Balepile, Goitseone Phasha, Edward Rankwe, Tshepiso Mahlangu, Nkosana Shabalala.   Midfielders:  Languta Mavunda, Paballo Mamabolo, Camagu Mdevulana, Tshiamo Mokoena, Joshua Wood, Quintin Stokes-Waller, Sthembiso Mzila, Raymond Matlamela, Reagile Langa, Lindokuhle Mthimkhulu, Matome Rangata, Njabulo Dlamini, Samkelo Ngodela.   Forwards:  Ntokozo Madela, Mnqobi Mkhize, Ofentse Mosupi.   UP-Tuks kick off their campaign against VUT on Thursday 25 July at TUT Stadium (18:30).   Full Fixtures: HERE . Tickets HERE . By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

South Africa’s premier university football competition is back, bigger and better with the 2024 Varsity Football tournament set to kick-off on 25 July. Brace yourself for the hottest diski action featuring the top varsity stars and the iyachesa fans will once again enjoy fierce live football on the edge of their seats. Lisa Roux, head of Varsity Sports, highlights the incredible opportunities and life-changing impact of the men's and women's football tournaments.   “Varsity Football is the birthplace of future football stars and the stage where their talents shine. It’s a place where dreams take flight, and lives are transformed. This season will not just be another competition; it will be a celebration you can’t afford to miss! The #iyachesa atmosphere, the community spirit, and the limitless potential that defines Varsity Football.”   In the men’s tournament, TUT, UWC, DUT, CUT, UP Tuks, UFS, NWU Mafikeng and VUT will take on each other over seven rounds between 25 July and 26 September. The semi-finals against the top four teams are scheduled for 12 September while the final will be contested on 26 September. All matches take place on Thursdays with featured games broadcast live on SuperSport. All non-televised games will be live streamed on the SuperSport Schools App.   Men's defending champions TUT will be looking to continue where they left off last season as they open the campaign against UWC at home. The Tshwane based side defeated the relegated UJ in a penalty shootout (5-4) in the 2023 Varsity Football final at the UJ Soweto Stadium. Head coach Bushy Moloi believes this will be the season to give back to their students.    "Over the years we have made sure that we create a solid foundation and well-rounded atmosphere as Home of Champions, development as the key point," he said. "So, this year's championship is all about giving back to our students and our Head of Department, Mr Kgomo [Kegoikantse] for all the support given. We expect everyone to come at us and so we will respect that.”"Different from all other seasons, we have more for the first time, and we want to restart the cycle. We are working more on the system and finding new combinations."   In the women's tournament, CPUT, CUT, NWU Potchefstroom, Wits, UWC, UJ, TUT and UP-Tuks will battle it out in a firecracker four days with the showpiece set to start on the 26 July to 29 July, with the final showdown will take place on 9 August. All games are to be played at TUT. UWC will be eager to come out guns blazing and look to defend their trophy after the Cape based outfit defeated UJ 2-0 in the final at the TUT Stadium. Goals from Lonathemba Mhlongo and Katlego Mabuza saw Thinasonke Mbuli's charges lift the trophy in Pretoria.   Mbuli says the side will look into reinforcing the squad this season as they look to defend their title. "New Year means new players. We will go into this tournament with some new players that have joined us in 2024, you expect one or two promising young players - a new talent that we have recruited," she said. "Yes, new faces and 50% from last year's team. We have played in the finals many times, and we would love to win it back-to-back, I know it will be very difficult because we have a new team, but that’s the dream."    Apart from the football action, fans can once again look forward to the #IyachesaFAN  challenge at games and on social media, as well as some great exciting promotions from sponsors FNB, Suzuki and Cashbuild who have thrown their weight behind the foremost university football competition in South Africa.     The opening round of the 2024 Varsity Football tournament on 25 July will see the following action:   NWU vs UFS (17:00) - NWU Mafikeng Stadium DUT vs CUT (19:15) - CUT Stadium UP Tuks vs VUT (18:30) - Tuks Stadium TUT vs UWC (19:15) - TUT Stadium   For all the 2024 fixtures click HERE   Get your TICKETS HERE .

With the 2024 Varsity Football tournaments fast approaching, fans can look forward to the hotly anticipated start of the season beginning with campuses launches at host universities across the country.  Brace yourself for the #iyachesa action as we head to your campus to introduce the teams, mascots, cheerleaders and sponsor activations. Save the dates and make sure you make your way there to meet the players and win some cool sponsor prizes from  FNB, Suzuki and Cashbuild who have thrown their weight behind the foremost university football competition in South Africa ! Fans can once again look forward to the #IyachesaFAN  challenge at the launches and on game day to win weekly cash prizes for sharing your best pictures and selfies on social media.   South Africa’s premier university football competition is set to kick-off with the men's edition on 25 July while the women's edition starts on 26 July where the hottest diski action featuring the top varsity stars will once again enjoy fierce live football on the edge of their seats. This year's edition will keep fans on top of their seats week in and week out with blockbuster performances, shibobo and flair of style that has everyone's eyes dropping. Campus Launch Dates: CUT: 19 July , 12 - 1pm n ear the Lapeng Student Center UP Tuks: 22 July, 12pm -1pm at the Hatfield Piazza UWC: 22 July, 1-2pm in front of the Jakes Gerwell Hall TUT: 23 July, 11am to 12pm at TUT bus terminal NWU: 24 July, 12pm at the Amphitheatre ​/Student center UFS: 31 July, 1-2pm at the Thakaneng Bridge With DUT and VUT having no games there will be no campus launches taking place at those universities.

With the 2024 edition of Varsity Football starting on 25 July we take a look back to how last year's tournament played out, which players made the biggest impression and which teams brought the heat. The 2023 Men’s Varsity Football tournament kicked off with defending champions TUT and UFS sharing the spoils in Bloemfontein while VUT started off with a bang as they brushed aside UFH thanks to Mavuti talisman Ntokozo Mgidi’s tremendous strike that echoed his goal of the season effort the year before. Round 2 saw the TUT red army dominate CUT as Ronaldo Mabaso bagged an incredible 4 goal haul in their 6-2 victory. The NWU Eagles looked impressive shutting out VUT 3-0 with Heaven Sereetsi banging in this goal from an impossible angle. The UJ Orange Army finally found their form in round 3 registering their first win of the tournament against VUT as Sanele Ndlalane scored a brace including this top bins effort from his own rebound. Drama ensued in round 4 as UWC toppled defending champs TUT while UJ claimed the top of the table spot after beating a struggling UFH. Ntokozo Mgidi continued to impress as VUT scored the fastest goal of the tournament 20 seconds after kick-off. Rounds 5 and 6 saw UWC gain more momentum as the Cape side beat UFH 4-0 and then NWU to move up into 3rd spot on the log with Leandro De Sousa capping of this superb team effort. With the business end of the tournament approaching it was UJ, UWC, TUT and NWU who secured playoff spots and the semi-finals did not disappoint. Both semi’s were decided on penalties which saw TUT and UJ advance to the final as Ronald Mabaso scored the goal of the tournament. The 2023 final ended in a dramatic penalty shootout and TUT collected their 4th title after beating UJ to be crowned back to back champions. VUT’s Ntokozo Mgidi was named as the FNB Player Of The Tournament for his outstanding performances while TUT’s Ronald Mabaso collected the Suzuki Golden Boot award for his 7 goals as the season's top scorer. Despite losing in the final, UJ’s Lona Richard Banga picked up the Cashbuild Golden Glove award for keeping 6 clean sheets. The 2024 season kicks-off on 25 July and we can’t wait to see which team will lift the trophy this year and which players will emerge as the tournament's top stars. FIXTURES HERE.

Defending champions TUT collected their fourth title when they beat UJ in a dramatic penalty shootout (5-4) in the 2023 Varsity Football final at the UJ Soweto Stadium. The teams were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes of regulation play. The Orange Army started the game at a slow pace which worked in favour of TUT. The defending champions took the lead in the ninth-minute courtesy of Thuso Mlamla after a silly mistake from UJ defender Karabo Modisane. The home team then slowly started to gain momentum, having much of the possession and creating chances. One of these was a header from Ntokozo Mathobela in the 42nd t that saw a reflex save from the TUT goalkeeper. The Red Army went into half-time with a 1-0 lead. In the second half, with the support from an enthusiastic home crowd, UJ managed to get an equalizing goal. This was after great attacking play by Ntokozo Mathobela who delivered a cutback pass to Siphosihle Nkambule that put the ball in the back of the net. Towards the end of the game, both sides were looking for their second goal to put the game to rest and lift the trophy. TUT’s Ronald Mabaso, the 2023 Golden Boot winner, missed from 10 yards out. After the regulation 90 minutes, the scores were level at 1-1. In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Red Army held their nerve to outscore the Orange Army 5-4 and be crowned the 2023 Varsity Football champions for the second year running. Scorers: TUT – Thuso Mlamla UJ – Siphosihle Nkambule Player of the Match: Hendrick Mncedisi Xaba FNB Player of the Tournament: Ntokozo Mgidi Suzuki Golden Boot: Ronald Mabaso Cashbuild Golden Glove: Lona Richard Banga TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Ndumiso Kubheka, Tebogo Lekaba, Freddy Mahloana, Alan Moja, Anda Yamile, Hendrick Mncedisi Xaba, Lindokuhle Tumelo Motsamai, Thuso Mlamla, Tshiamo Mahome, Ronald Mabaso. UJ: Lona Richard Banga, Ngwako Ramaloko, Maselesele Makoti, Thabo Moshikere, Thanda Madiba, Advocate Mokwena, Tumelo Molubi, Karabo Modisane, Ntokozo Mathobela, Malik Mashinini, Siphosihle Nkambule.

UPDATE: Voting has closed as of 8am on 28 September. Any votes recieved after the deadline will be disregarded. The business end of Varsity Football is upon us with the final taking place on 28 September between log leaders UJ and defending champions TUT. In the run up to the final it's time to acknowledge the top performers during the season to see who will be crowned the FNB Player Of The Tournament 2023. The coaches have nominated three outstanding candidates and now the public get to vote for which player takes home the honours and a cheque for R10 000 from FNB. The voting process began with the head coaches of all eight teams nominating three players who they thought were the best this season and were not allowed to nominate a player from their own team. The nominees were weighted with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The total points were then calculated and the three players with the highest points are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winner. Here are the nominees: Ronald Mabaso: The tournament's leading goal scorer with 7 goals scored an absolute world class volley to open the scoring in the semi-final. Mabaso hails from Mothotlung on the outskirts of Brits and joined TUT in 2019 when he impressed coach Bushy Moloi while playing for Titans FC in the SAB Club Champions. It's his 3rd Varsity Football appearance and he is in his 4th year of Sports And Exercise Technology. His favourite player is Knoxmna Mutizwa. Ntokozo Mgidi: It's the second straight year that VUT midfielder Ntokozo Mgidi has been nominated by the head coaches for the FNB Player of the Tournament award. VUT didnt qualify for the playoffs, but Mgidi still managed to score 5 goals this season. It's his third Varsity Football season, his favourite player is Messi and he is currently in his 3rd year of Retail business management. Craig Joemath: The UWC captain was instrumental in the teams return to Varsity Football where they were the only team to beat defending champions TUT and finished second on the log to host a home semi-final. He has played in the Danish league and was previously at SuperSport United before joining UWC where he is currently in his final year of a BA Sports Recreation and Exercise Science degree. Vote for your favourite below! UPDATE: Voting has closed as of 8am on 28 September. Any votes recieved after the deadline will be disregarded. UPDATE: Voting has closed as of 8am on 28 September and screenshots of the vote counts were taken. No further votes will be considered. You can vote from Thursday, 21 September until Thursday, 28 September at 8am. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on the same day. For tickets to the final click HERE.

Even though UJ finished at the top of the log after a stellar season, the Orange Army still has a score to settle with defending champions TUT when the 2023 Varsity Football final takes place on Thursday at the UJ Soweto Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00. UJ started this year’s tournament with two draws but then kicked into high gear to collect four victories on the trot. They drew 0-0 against TUT in the last round-robin match before beating NWU on penalties in the semi-final. The Orange Army’s strikers were in top form, scoring ten goals with Sanele Ndlalane and Siphosihle Nkambule finding the back of the net six times between the two of them. The defensive effort was just as impressive, with only two goals conceded and six clean sheets. Competing in their eighth tournament since 2013, the 2021 champions will be keen to add another Varsity crown to their trophy cabinet. Their rivalry against the Red Army for top honours stretches back to 2016 when they lost 1-2 to TUT in the final. The same fate befell them last year in the final match of the 2022 tournament. Here’s a look at UJ’s participation in Varsity Football over the years: 2014 - Top of the log, lost 0-1 to UP-Tuks in the final 2016 – Third on the log, lost 1-2 to TUT in final 2017 – Sixth on the log 2018 – Top of the log, lost against Wits on penalties in the semi-final 2019 – Sixth on the log 2021 – Top of the log, beat UFS-Kovsies 4-1 in the final 2022 – Top of the log, lost 1-2 against TUT in the final

Defending champions TUT has a bit of a hill to climb when they take on in-form UJ on Thursday in the 2023 Varsity Football final. They will have to do it in front of a wave of orange in the UJ Soweto Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00. The Pretoria-based team were on the road throughout the competition and that led to a topsy-turvy season that started with a draw, two victories and a loss in round 4. They followed it up with back-to-back wins and a draw against their semi-final opponents at the same venue they are heading to on Thursday. A nervy penalty shoot-out against UWC, the team who beat them earlier, saw the Red Army reach the last two for the seventh time. While TUT conceded eight goals this season and only had two clean sheets, Ronald Mabaso, nominee for player of the tournament, scored seven of his team’s 16 goals. Competing in their ninth tournament since 2013, the 2016, 2018 and 2022 champions will be keen to add another Varsity crown to their trophy cabinet. Here’s a look at TUT’s participation in Varsity Football over the years: 2013 – Top of the log, lost 0-1 to Madibaz in the semi-final 2015 – Third on the log, lost 1-2 to UWC in the final 2016 – Top of the log, beat UJ 2-1 in the final 2017 – Top of the log, lost 0-2 to UP-Tuks in the final 2018 – Third on the log, beat Wits 2-1 in the final 2019 – Second on the log, lost 0-1 to NWU in the final 2021 – Fourth on the log, lost on penalties to UJ in the semi-final 2022 – Second on the log, beat UJ 2-1 in the final

When TUT take to the field at the UJ Soweto Stadium on Thursday 28 September for the 2023 Varsity Football final against UJ, the three-time defending champions are aiming for their fourth star against the season’s only undefeated team. TUT midfielder Anda Yamile says their principle mandate to play nine games continues. “About the back-to-back finals, at the beginning of the season, we were given a mandate that TUT play nine games year in and year out. Last year when I got here we were given the same mandate and we won the tournament. “Facing the same opponents, it will be a tough game as UJ always gives us a very tough challenge but we somehow manage to come out on top. It is possible again this season to win it because I believe we have the right men to do it.” TUT had a rollercoaster of a season with four wins, two defeats, one draw and conceding seven goals. Yamile, who captained UFH for three years before joining TUT, says he had a rollercoaster season. “It wasn’t an easy season for me, I think it was the toughest season more than my debut season. Coach Bushy Moloi called me last year to join TUT and we worked and prepared for Varsity Football, no one expected a lot from me, from the team, fans and everyone else but it was a good move for me to come this side. So this season it was hard, I had to work twice as hard as I did last year. “Game number three I got a red card and was also injured [in] the following game we lost to UWC. It might not be seen as influential but if you know and understand how TUT play you would realise how important it is. But I came out of it because I like challenges I had to push myself even more.” The Pretoria side will be boosted by the presence of leading goal scorer Ronald Mabaso, who is also nominated for player of the season (vote HERE). Bushy Moloi’s side only managed to keep two clean sheets this season while UJ did not concede in six games. However, Yamile is not too worried. “I am not worried, I trust our goalkeeper and defence, and we don’t want to concede in this final. I don’t think we will concede and that will give us a huge boost to score more goals.” Fixture HERE. by Lehlogonolo Ditshego

All roads lead to UJ Soweto Stadium on Thursday 28 September when UJ face defending champions TUT in the final of the 2023 Varsity Football tournament. This is the Red Army’s second consecutive appearance in the final while the Orange Army have marched into their third with crowning glory coming in 2021. Both teams come into the encounter following their dramatic victories in the semi-finals where both games were decided by penalty shootouts. Varsity Football asked UJ captain Makoti Maselesele about the mood in the camp. "I can tell you it is a mix of excitement, determination, and a bit of nervous energy as we have a lot of new players that will be playing their first final in Varsity Football. We've worked hard all season to reach this point, and there's a strong sense of belief and unity among the players.” Despite not winning their last three outings against TUT, Maselesele says these defeats serve as a powerful motivation and they are determined to prove they can overcome the defending champions. He says gaining the home final advantage will play a major role in the way they play as the energy and encouragement from their home crowd can boost the team's morale. "Being considered underdogs based on our recent performance against TUT in Varsity Football is a fair assessment, and we embrace that role. It's important to remember that in sports, every game is a new opportunity, and past results don't always predict the outcome." Maselesele adds that the Orange Army fans can expect an unwavering commitment and determination from him and the entire UJ team on Thursday. He vows that they will leave everything on the field, playing with heart and passion for the university and the supporters. "Being the captain of this group of players is an incredible honour. The dedication and talent within the team make it a privilege to lead them on and off the field. "The prospect of potentially lifting the trophy for UJ and securing the university's second championship is a dream come true. It will be a testament to the hard work and commitment of every player, coach, and supporter who has been a part of our journey." "To our incredible fans of the Orange Army, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout this journey. Your passion and dedication are the driving force behind our team's motivation and determination. "As we approach the final, we carry your hopes and cheers with us onto the field. Win or lose, we promise to give our all, playing with heart and soul to make you proud." Fixture HERE. by Gontse Hlophe

Undefeated throughout the tournament, UP-Tuks collected their third title when they beat UJ 63-61 in a pulsating final in a packed Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria to be crowned the 2023 Varsity Netball champions. Underdogs UJ drew the first blood against the home side in what was an intense opening five minutes. Tuks had to correct their sloppy defence and be clinical in the goal circle, as it took them over six minutes to go ahead and end the first quarter by getting on 14-11. The game remained closely contested in the second quarter with the Orange Army continuing their chase. Owethu Ngubane fed Muhluri Hlatshwayo dangerous balls in the goal circle to keep UJ in the contest. On the other side of the court, Alice Kennon made sure Tuks took a four-point lead at the halftime break, 26-22. In the third quarter, the Orange Army kept their hopes alive in search of their maiden silverware by limiting the Stripe Generation’s play in the middle of the court. Tuks captain Kamogelo Maseka remained the thread in Tuks attacks in the first power-play with deadly counterattacks, with her team collecting six goals to take their lead to 43-33. With the stakes high, UJ had a mountain to climb in the last quarter. The Johannesburg outfit was relentless in the last power-play as they managed to reduce a 12-point deficit. The match was pushed into extra time after both teams were locked on 51-all when the whistle went after the regular 60 minutes. It was UJ who stretched ahead first in extra time, building up a four-point cushion. Tuks however managed to pull things back and ended the first extra period just one point adrift, 57-56. The home team then put their foot on the pedal to snatch the victory away from their opponents. Quarter scores: 14-11 / 26-22 / 43-33 / 51-51 Player of the Match: Phophi Nematangari (UP-Tuks) FNB Player of the Tournament: Sanmarie Visser (NWU) Suzuki Players’ Player of the Tournament: Phophi Nematangari (UP-Tuks) UP-Tuks: Alice Kennon, Amber Marshall, Caroline Paul, Kamogelo Maseko, Kylie van Wyk, Luca Keun, Marichelle Visagie, Melissa van Zyl, Milla Coetzee, Nompha Raphalalani, Phophi Nematangari, Zionne Grobler. UJ: Muhluri Hlatshwayo, Henlize Basson, Zene de Waal, Zanell Blignaut, Owethu Ngubane, Londeka Buthelezi, Boitumelo Mahloko, Sanelisiwe Ntobela, Yanke Broodryk, Adivhaho Tshivhiahuvhi, Cornelia Mupenda, Mukhatshelwa Tshisikhawe.

UPDATE: Voting has closed as of 8am on Monday 18 September. With Varsity Netball reaching the playoff stages it's time to recognise the outstanding performers in this year's tournament and ask the public to vote for the player they think should be crowned the FNB Player Of The Tournament 2023. The head coaches of all eight teams were asked to nominate three players who made the biggest impression and were not allowed to nominate a player from their own team. The nominees were weighted with first position worth three points, second position two points and third position one point. The total points were then calculated and the three players with the highest points are now being put forward to the public, whose votes will determine the winner. Here are the nominees. Sanmarie Visser: The NWU goal defence has been a towering presence for the Eagles and her ability to intercept is one of the main reasons they have conceded the least amount of goals out of all the teams during the round robin stages. She represented the national team at u19 level, her favourite player is Karla Pretorius and she is in her second year of BCom Marketing. Alice Kennon: Tuks have scored the most goals in the tournament so far and goal shooter Alice Kennon has contributed 195 of them at an incredible 94% accuracy. She has picked up two FNB Player of the Match awards already and her highest achievement so far has been representing South Africa at u21 level. She is currently in her 3rd year of BEd Senior and FET. Danielle Van Niewenhuysen: The multi-talented Maties goal defence has been instrumental for the maroon machine often switching positions to play wing defence as well as centre. She is a former SA Schools netball captain (2019) and was part of the title winning Maties team that lifted the trophy in 2022. Her favourite player is Karla Pretorius and she is currently in her 4th year of Mechatronic Engineering. Vote for your favourite below! UPDATE: Voting has closed as of 8am on Monday 18 September. Screenshots of the result and total vote count have been captured. The public can cast their votes from Monday, 11 September until Monday, 18 September at 8am. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on the same day. The winner will receive a cheque from FNB for R10 000.