It is now a two-week wait before the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football final on Thursday 28 September between defending champions TUT and UJ in Soweto. The same two teams contested last year’s final. Both semi-finals were decided by penalty shoot-outs, with UJ victorious over NWU and TUT beating UWC. These are the players who impressed. Makoti Maselesele (UJ) Skipper Makoti Maselesele was exceptional in the Orange Army’s victory over NWU, leading by example from the back and marshalling the last line of defence. He completely outplayed NWU forward Reatlegile Kgosithebewho had zero shots on target in the first 45 minutes of the game and only one in the last 10 minutes of the game. Maselesele won 90% of the aerial balls, made six tackles, two dribbles, one shot at goal and scored a penalty. Lindokuhle Motsamai (TUT) Even though TUT never had a home game this season and had to travel to Cape Town to beat UWC in their semi-final encounter, the defending champions now have a chance for back-to-back titles. Lindokuhle Motsamai was the standout player in the semi-finals and after the game said he just did what he was asked to do: “We did what the coach asked us to do, we stuck to our game plan and we knew UWC will be hard as they have a strong side. I had a good game, pity I didn't score but I'm happy to [have] contributed.” Fixture HERE. Tickets HERE.

All roads lead to the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria on Monday 18 September when two-time champions UP-Tuks host UJ in the final of the 2023 Varsity Netball competition. It is the first time the Orange Army has reached the final two. The match starts at 19:00. Tuks are regarded as the favourites as they remain the only unbeaten team this year. They will also be looking to complete a double against their city neighbours, this time with much more at stake. A poor start by the Johannesburg outfit saw them loose to their final opponents and NWU, but they then bounced back to complete a six-match winning streak and reach their maiden final. The Stripe Generation and the Orange Army have played each other ten times in Varsity Netball. Tuks have won nine times and UJ once, in 2022. In what is set to be a story reminiscent of David and Goliath, Tuks captain Kamogelo Maseko says she will not allow her side to dwell on their sensational form. “For us, the focus is on achieving our goals and the standard that we set out for ourselves as a team. Keeping the error rate low and playing a clinical game, the win will come in trusting our plan and capabilities as a unit. “We will make mistakes and I guess it is part of the game, we aim for perfection in everything we do. It’s all about playing clinical and being disciplined in what we want to achieve.” Maseko admits that in UJ, they face tough opponents. “They want the win as much as we do but we go in every game respecting our opponents. We aim to maintain consistent performance regardless of the magnitude of the game. Our focus is not on them but we are excited to play such a passionate team and we are determined to get on the court and earn the win. “It feels good to reach the finals, hard work feels good when it is rewarded, but it will all come down to experience and who can handle the pressure moments.” UJ may be the underdogs going into the clash. They are however experiencing one of their best seasons ever in Varsity Netball following victories over defending champions Maties and former champions UFS-Kovsies and NWU. Captain Cornelia Mupenda has hailed her team for their endurance. “Reaching the final for the first time is an incredible achievement, and it’s hard to put [into] words how it feels. It’s a mix of excitement, and pride and overall, it’s an unforgettable moment for our team. What worked for us this season is us believing that we’re good enough.” The 22-year-old Namibian sees the final as just another hurdle to overcome. “We aim to give our best effort, stay focused and execute our game plan. Regardless of the outcome, we’re determined to enjoy the experience and continue to grow as a team.We aim to emphasize teamwork and capitalise on our strengths. Staying disciplined, maintaining composure under pressure and giving our outmost effort will be crucial to secure victory.” Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. by LehlogonoloDitshego

In a repeat of last year’s final, it is defending champions TUT and UJ again for the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football title on Thursday 28 September in Soweto. In the first semi-final, UJ survived a tense affair against NWU and had to rely on a penalty shoot-out to advance to their third successive final. TUT prevailed over UWC in the second semi-final which was also decided by a penalty shoot-out. UJ 0-0 NWU (UJ 6-5 on penalties) In a jam-packed UJ Soweto Stadium, UJ beat NWU 6-5 on penalties to secure their spot in the final. The match ended on nil-all after regular time. The Orange Army was the champion in 2021 and lost last year’s final against TUT. The first half wasn’t one of the most exciting for the spectators despite a handful of chances. Both the Orange Army and the Eagles had a tactical approach to the game and it lasted for the full first 45 minutes. UJ was a different team in the second half with forward Siphosihle Nkambule missing two chances that could have given the Orange Army the lead and a possible out-right victory. UJ kept creating chances, but the NWU goalkeeper Kamogelo Matane made a couple of great saves to keep things level. He deserved his Player of the Match award. "We started the game off very slow which was not in our game plan. We knew that NWU would come at us as it was our second game playing them, but we are glad that we didn't concede in both our clashes against them," said UJ skipper Makoti Maselesele. Player of the match: Kamogelo Matane (NWU) UJ: Lona Richard Banga, Maselesele Makoti, Thabo Moshikere, Karabo Modisane, Thanda Madiba, Advocate Mokwena, Tumelo Molubi, Mongezi Mncube, Malik Mashinini, Sanele Ndlalane, Siphosihle Nkambule NWU: Kamogelo Matane, Heaven Sereetsi, Kananelo Motsoeneng, Khopotso Moshapo, Lesego Motsepe, Lesiba Mahlong, Lucas Seromo, Pascual Tivane, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Thabang Majoro, Aphelele Sibisi. TUT 2-2 UWC (TUT 10-9 on penalties) Defending champions TUT won a thrilling clash against UWC at the UWC Sports Stadium 10-9 on penalties after the match ended 2-2 during the 90 minutes of play. In the first 15 minutes of the match, UWC had two goal-scoring chances, but Leandro de Sousa could not make something out of it as the score remained nil-all.At the 31-minute mark, the visitors broke the deadlock with a 25-metre volley from Ronald Mabaso and TUT went ahead 1-0. De Sousa found the back of the net 13 minutes later and UWC levelled matters 1-1 at the half-time break. The second half started o n a dramatic note as UWC were reduced to 10 men following Shuaib Martin’s red card after a terrible tackle. TUT didn’t waste any time to take advantage to go ahead 2-1 courtesy of a Tshiamo Mahome strike. The home side equalised through Lutando Mpokotya. The game continued at a high tempo with the wind inside the stadium dictating the fate of the two sides. The match ended 2-2 and in the ensuing penalty shoot-out, TUT came out on top. Scorers: TUT – Ronald Mabaso, Tshiamo Mahome UWC – Leandro de Sousa, Lutando Mpokotya Player of the match: Craig Joemath (UWC) UWC: Leathan Croats Jadan Zeeman, Craig Joemath, Damian Overmeyer, Siyabulela Mcimeli, Riyaaz Koopstadt, Khanya Alex Dyani, Leandro De Sousa, Relebohile Matima, Lutando Mpokotya, Shuaib Martin. TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Alan Moja, Freddy Mahloana, Mekdiwe Bongani Ncenya , Ndumiso Kubheka, Tebogo Lekaba, Anda Yamile, Tshiamo Mahome, Thuso Mlamla, Lindokuhle Tumelo Motsamai, Ronald Mabaso. Fixture HERE. Tickets HERE.

Round 4 of the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football competition delivered a handful of surprising results, most notably a defeat for defending champions TUT at the hands of UWC. There were also victories for UJ, who move to the top of the log, an epic away win for VUT while NWU snatch victory at the death. UWC 2 TUT 0 UWC put up a clinical performance in defeating defending champions TUT 2-0 at the UWC Sports Stadium. Both sides were still tasting the cold windy weather after 10 minutes, but TUT came close to breaking the deadlock following a long-range kick from Freddy Mahloana. However, UWC shot-stopper Leathan Croats was wide awake with a save to give the visitors the first corner kick of the game. Lwando Mdleleni’s charges applied the pressure on the TUT half as they managed to force the visitors to commit a foul 25 metres from the poles. A free kick from captain Craig Joemath went wide. At the end of the first stanza, UWC showed a few moves as they tried to find the back of the net. The score however remained at nil-all at half-time. The second half started with a bang as the home side took an early lead through Siyabulela Mcimeli when he broke the deadlock. UWC kept knocking at TUT’s territory and eventually, they extended the lead to make it 2-0 courtesy of midfielder Damian Overmeyer at 71 minutes. The hosts managed to hold onto the lead as they walked away with maximum points in a rainy and cold Bellville. Scorers: UWC - Siyabulela Mcimeli, Damian Overmeyer. Player of the match: Leathan Croats (UWC). UWC: Leathan Croats, Siyabulela Mcimeli, Damian Overmeyer, Craig Joemath, Jadan Zeeman, Riyaaz Koopstadt, Shuaib Martin, Khanya Alex Dyani, Relebohile Matima, Lutando Mpokotya, Leandro De Sousa. TUT: Luyanda Madindi, Alan Moja, Mekdiwe Bongani Ncenya, Tebogo Lekaba, Ndumiso Kubheka, Thuso Mlamla, Freddy Mahloana, Hendrick Mncedisi Xaba, Tshiamo Mahome, Ronald Mabaso, Tiego Mathebe. UJ 3 UFH 1 The UJ side welcomed UFH at a cool UJ Soweto Stadium and promptly handed them a 3-1 defeat. The game started off slowly in the first 30 minutes. That was until the visiting UFH struck first from a silly mistake by UJ defender Thabiso Mathambeka who played a pass back to the goalkeeper. It was easily snatched by Sinobom Kapase who dribbled passed the last man to score the opening goal. The Orange Army grabbed the equalizing goal through Siphosihle Nkambule who went on to score his first brace of the 2023 Varsity Football season. The momentum was set after UJ took the lead and they dominated the game for the majority of the second half. The introduction of forward Mongezi Mncube wrapped up the game as he scored UJ’s third goal from the bench to secure the home side a second straight win. Although UFH were able to create a few chances in the last minutes of the game, they couldn’t convert them into goals. Scorers: UJ – Siphosihle Nkambule (2), Mongezi Mncube. UFH – Sinobom Kapase. Player of the match: Maselesele Makoti (UJ). UJ: Lona Richard Banga, Maselesele Makoti, Thabiso Mathambeka , Thabo Moshikere, Advocate Mokwena, Tumelo Molubi, Karabo Modisane, Sanele Ndlalane, Philane Masondo, Ntokozo Mathobela, Siphosihle Nkambule. UFH: Nkosiyethu Ngobe, Someleze Kapteni, Bonke Nxiwa, Mbeko Bungane, Athenkosi Masiza, Athenkosi Dobe, Bubele Gcuku, Snethemba Sibeko, Thabani Mqambeli, Sinobom Kapase , Oko Filtane. NWU 2 CUT 1 NWU scored a hard-fought 2-1 victory over CUT in the dying minutes of the game at the NWU Mafikeng Stadium. It was a header by Kgopotso Moshapo in the 95th minute that sealed the deal. NWU exhibited early dominance, particularly in the initial 25 minutes. This pressure led to defensive lapses from CUT, creating opportunities for NWU to exploit. One such opportunity arose in the 25th minute when a misstep allowed Aphelele Sibisi to adeptly manoeuvre the ball past the opposing goalkeeper, earning NWU their opening goal. Swiftly responding to NWU's success, CUT found its own breakthrough merely two minutes later. Lehlohonolo Nkaekae took a corner kick with precision, converting it into a goal in the 27th minute of the first half. As the first half approached its conclusion, the scoreboard reflected the intensity of the battle, balanced at 1-1. The second half unfolded with NWU maintaining their offensive momentum, persistently launching attacks in pursuit of a decisive advantage. However, NWU's efforts were thwarted by struggles in their finishing, preventing them from converting their opportunities into goals. Ultimately, NWU's determination bore fruit. A pivotal moment arrived when a well-executed corner kick culminated in Moshapo's commanding header, handing his team an important victory. Scorers: NWU – Aphelele Sibisi, Kgopotso Moshapo. CUT – Lehlohonolo Nkaekae. Player of the match: Pascual Tivane (NWU) NWU: Kamogelo Matane, Aphelele Sibisi, Heaven Sereetsi, Kananelo Motsoeneng, Khopotso Moshapo, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Thabang Majoro, Lesiba Mahlong, Lesego Motsepe, Lucas Seromo, Pascual Tivane. CUT: Motlalentwa Jacob Mbolekwa, Lefa Matlase, Simo Ndlovu, Khotso Mphene, Tumelo Mothabeng, Oratile Mothibedi, Lehlohonolo Nkaekae, Mpho Bartman, Malefetsane Matale, Pule Macdonald Thekiso, Mbongiseni Ngwenya. VUT 2 UFS 0 VUT recorded their second win by stunning UFS with a 2-0 win at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein. The visitors from the Vaal started the match like a house on fire when they caught Kovsies napping to score a goal just 20 seconds into the game. Ntokozo Mgidi collected a neat pass to drill the ball into the back of the net. Right on the stroke of halftime, it was almost a matter of the déjà vu with Mgidi finding himself on the receiving end of another good cross to double the lead and record his brace. UFS came out in the second half with a lot more urgency and they managed to put themselves into good positions on the park and asked some serious questions of the VUT defence. The chances were there and the chances were fluffed. Reatlehile Meya came agonisingly close to scoring for the hosts, but unfortunately for him and his team he hit the woodwork. With minutes to play Mgidi was denied a hat-trick of goals when his strike hit the woodwork, but the score remained unchanged. Scorers: VUT – Ntokozo Mgidi (2). Player of the match: Ntokozo Mgidi. VUT: Thabiso Simon Moeketsi, Kgotso Nhlapo, Perceverance Mashabane, Medupi Thokolo, Simamkele Masiza, Sizwe Sibeko, Siyabonga Nombewu, Kgahlisho Kgomoeswana, Thabiso Singo, Lucky Raphala, Ntokozo Mgidi. UFS: Tisetso Seodinyane, Iviwe Dyabuza, Obakeng Seekoei, Aphiwe Zulu, Thandolwethu Khoza, Lizwi Kunene, Jarome Jansen, Reatlehile Meya, Arlonso Diedricks, Jermein Marou, Boy Rantsoti.

Defending champions TUT has a mountain to climb when they take on the in-form UWC in the second semi-final of the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football tournament at UWC Sports Stadium in Cape Town on Thursday. The Pretoria outfit is in search of the fourth star on their jerseys after finishing third in the overall standings. They go into the match against their opponents with one loss, two draws and four victories during the season. Striker Ronald Mabaso was their top goal scorer, getting six of his team’s 13 goals. Mabaso and midfielder Tshiamo Mahome however won’t be part of the Red Army’s game plan for Thursday due to injuries. Despite the huge dent left by their absence, head coach Bushy Moloi believes his side can still turn the fortunes around. “I wish a miracle could happen so that they can be part of the team. They worked hard and now when we need them the most they are not available but we have others who can carry the load. “We lost to the same team while having those experienced players, so maybe all the players will be hungry for success this time around.” TUT’s last trip to the Western Cape in August was fruitless as they lost 0-2 against UWC. Moloi says this time around TUT will have to be clinical in goal when they visit UWC. “We have to score goals and not concede to make the final and win the fourth star. UWC has been good opposition, we will respect them as usual and make use of the chances we create. “So far we have not been consistent but [we] are determined to reach the finals.” Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. by LehlogonoloDitshego

After UJ finished the round-robin stage in style drawing one-all against defending champions TUT, the log leaders now host NWU at the UJ Soweto Campus Stadium in Thursday’s first semi-final of the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football competition. The Orange Army should be regarded as the favourites following their great run in the tournament, which consisted of four victories and three draws. They have the best defence only conceding two goals and scoring ten, with Sanele Ndlalane and Siphosihle Nkambule contributing three each. UJ captain Makoti Maselesele says the aim is to play nine games in this year’s Varsity Football competition, It is everyone’s dream, and they are currently on the right foot to achieve that. He asserts the team is very grateful to have gained the home semi-final advantage as they have been getting maximum points at home. He hopes the momentum and belief continue. UJ has been one of the fortunate teams to not have specific goal scorers, which makes them more threatening as everyone is capable of putting the ball into the back of the net. Maselesele believes that their style of play and the philosophy of coach Karabo Mogudi allow the boys to be more involved in the build-up play. This is more likely to get anyone to the final third to have a chance to score or have an assist. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. by Gontse Hlophe

It will be a tough task for UWC when they face off against TUT on Thursday in the second semi-final of the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football tournament, but having already beaten the defending champions in the round robin stages the Cape side will no doubt feel they have more than just home ground advantage. The 2015 champions started with two draws and a loss before their campaign picked up momentum with four wins on the trot. In the process, they scored 12 goals while only conceding four. Riyaaz Koopstadt contributed three. Being tied with TUT on 14 points on the log, but finishing second thanks to a better goal difference, captain Craig Joemath knows what is expected from them and what they are facing. "The expectations haven't changed from us, we will tackle every game the same way we have been doing every week. We recover post every game, we take a day off and wait for the technical team to relay the plans for the next game. "We had our recovery and easing into preparations and we are now more focused on improving and correcting our wrongs as a team." Joemath praises his side's strength this season and believes that will help them this week. "We’re not a team of individuals, we play united and support each other in everything we do. As a team, we’ve had our ups and downs so the team as a whole has been outstanding in this campaign. "We will rely on each other this week to go above and win. We play at home in front of our supporters and that will motivate us to do better." Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. by Ayanda Frances Felem

NWU is gearing up for a crucial showdown on Thursday against log leaders UJ in the first semi-final of the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football competition at the UJ Soweto Stadium in Johannesburg. Lying fourth on the log, it’s been an up-and-down season for the Eagles who were the champions in 2019. Their seven matches this year produced two losses, two draws and three wins. Reatlegile Kgosithebe scored three of his team’s nine goals. Coach Amos Xabanisa says he has confidence in his team's readiness for this high-stakes encounter and that there have been no reported injuries affecting the squad. While acknowledging UJ's impeccable record as they remain undefeated this year, Xabanisa emphasised that past results won't have any bearing on this upcoming match. "We have our game plan already because we have been following UJ. We know their strengths and weaknesses, and now it’s all up to us in terms of the approach we take against them and then executing that plan.” Captain Kananelo Motsoeneng says NWU are determined to secure a victory as they aim to defend the NWU brand. He also stressed that the team is motivated and fully prepared to fight for a spot in the final. "With the next two games being knockout matches, anything is possible.” Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. by Phenyo Mokgothu

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Derrick Spencer believes PSL teams should not look far when they want players – scout the Men’s Varsity Football tournament. He shared his opinions on the work Varsity Football is doing in developing young talent. The 41-year-old says school development should be a priority where football is taught from an early age. "We argued about this when we were doing CAF Licence that we need to take football back to the schools and universities. "School was our development in South Africa and now Varsity Football is following those footsteps and produces quality players the PSL can benefit from. Even though Varsity Football is doing amazing work it is still too far, we need to go to the grassroots.” Spencer has played for a few big clubs in the PSL including Mamelodi Sundowns. He says qualified coaches need to be brought in to help at school and university level. "People who have coaching badges should be employed to be able to equip those Varsity Football players and give them as much exposure as they can. You can't just get any teacher to coach but get someone who understands and studies what they are doing. "We did this back in the day, we need to go back to basics." Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. by Ayanda Frances Felem

All the action will be in Pretoria next week when UP-Tuks meet UJ in the final of the 2023 Varsity Netball tournament. Tuks cemented their status as the team to beat this year when they defeated defending champions Maties in the first semi-final. In the second semi-final, UJ walked away victors following their clash against NWU. UP-TUKS 61-33 MATIES Two-time champions (2017, 2019) UP-Tuks cruised into the final for the sixth time since the competition started in 2013 after they thumped Maties 61-33 at the Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria. Jenny Van Dyk’s team took to the field against the defending champions on a quest to prove that their emphatic win in the round-robin stages was not a fluke. The home side, who remains unbeaten this year, dominated the early exchanges with minimal errors and clinical execution which saw them securing a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter (16-6). The relentless Stripe Generation continued their strident form in the second quarter. The Maroon Machine had chances to reduce the deficit during the power play. Their efforts however did not materialise as they managed to only add two points during this period of play. This left Tuks with a comfortable 26-12 lead at the halftime break. A fair restart from the break saw Maties getting back-to-back goals after their struggles in the first two quarters. But the combination of Alice Kennon and Milla Coetzee in the Tuks goal circle kept the home side one step ahead. Tuks made use of the last power play, netting six goals to secure a 28-point victory. Quarter scores: 16-6 / 26-12 / 41-22 / 61-33 Player of the match: Kamogelo Maseko (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. Maties: Lisa Ingwersen, Rochelle Maree, Chrisley Marshall, Renezia Andrews, Nerine Koopman, Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen, Entle Futshane, Miriam Ndjadi, Syntiche Kabuya, Zané Bodenstein, Hannah Olivier, Thabisa Yekani UJ 54-38 NWU UJ caused a major upset when they advanced to the final for the first time after beating former champions NWU (2015, 2016) 54-38 in the second semi-final, also at the Rembrandt Hall. The first quarter saw UJ looking unfazed not having all their fans in the arena, scoring points at free will. NWU struggled with the combinations UJ were able to put together and looked a little off the pace. This saw the Orange Army finish a dream opening 15 minutes to lead 15-8. The second quarter saw a bit more urgency from the Eagles who were trying to find a way back in the game. UJ’s Muhluri Hlatshwayo was once again on top of her game, combining well with her teammates. When the halftime whistle sounded, UJ were still in front, 29-20. The third quarter saw quite a defensive display. NWU tried to cut the deficit, but UJ looked resolute in defence. NWU were only able to add a further four goals to their tally while UJ powered on (38-24). The last 15 minutes of the match saw both teams go toe-to-toe, with UJ doing well to maintain their lead, keeping NWU at bay. Both power plays came into effect inside the last four minutes of the game, with NWU calling for theirs first. UJ’s power play then immediately kicked in and the Orange Army managed to clinch a stunning 54-38 victory. Quarter scores: 15-8 / 29-20 / 38-24 / 54-38 Player of the match: Cornelia Mupenda (UJ) 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. NWU: Elmeré van der Berg, Sunel Smit, Caitlin du Plessis, Jade Egwatu, Jomari Lübbe, Johanné Meyer, Tlotlang Mokomela, Michelle Geduld, Keke Molotsi, Favour Umeh, Sanmarie Visser, Martiné Jordaan. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

NWU and UJ are heading into Monday’s semi-final clash on pretty even terms if one looks at their performances in the 2023 Varsity Netball competition. The match will start at 17:00 at the UJ Imbizo Hall Soweto Campus. The students from Potchefstroom only lost to log leaders UP-Tuks in their last match (52-67) while UJ’s only defeats came against their semi-final opposition (43-47) and Tuks (53-58) at the start of the tournament. NWU won back-to-back Varsity Netball titles in 2015 and 2016 while the Orange Army’s best finish to date was their appearance in last year’s semi-final. NWU coach Elsunet du Plessis says she’s under no illusion about what waits for them against UJ. “We are very excited to play in the semi-final and know it will be a highly contested game. We will be working on a few things but mostly we will focus on attack and getting the ball safely to the circle. I think the main threat from UJ is their circle, especially on defence.” UJ is coached by Bongi Msomi who captained the Proteas at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town. At the start of the Varsity Netball tournament, she indicated that her team was ready for whatever the will competition would bring. “Our expectations for the tournament is to play and to use the opportunity to grow on and off the court as a group as well as compete against good teams. We want to play good netball.” She also alluded to the importance of Varsity Netball for the national system. “The high performance system at varsity level helps with the thorough preparations of athletes on and off the court which plays a huge role in developing elite athletes. Games are also broadcast which is similar to what happens at the national level. It also helps athletes to be part of continuous selections and trials.” Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

All eyes are on Thursday 14 September when the much-anticipated semi-finals of the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football tournaments take place. NWU travels to Johannesburg where they will face off against UJ while for defending champions TUT it’s a long journey to Cape Town for their encounter against UWC. Here are the players who impressed in round 7: Damian Overmeyer (UWC) Player of the match Damian Overmeyer opened the scoreboard for UWC and that set the tone for his team’s victory over VUT. Maybe it’s best to let him speak about another stellar performance: “I had a good performance [today] and this season. I enjoyed myself and I'm glad we gave it all. In my performance, I'm probably in six or seven, because there are games where I'm out of form and others like [today] where I did well. But every day I try to improve my game." Malik Mashinini (UJ) Malik Mashinini stole the spotlight in the absence of Tumelo Molubi in the middle of the park for the Orange Army’s match against defending champions TUT. His assist to Mongezi Mncube’s goal in the 46th minute was crucial in the Johannesburg team finishing top of the log and securing a home semi-final. He had the most touches in the opponent's half, made six dribbles, two recoveries and one tackle and was a serious contender for the Player of the Match award. Reatlegile Kgosithebe (NWU) NWU striker Reatlegile Kgosithebe had a brilliant game against UFH. He found the back of the net twice and made excellent half-moon runs around the UFH defence. Even though he only had a few touches of the ball in the first half his qualities as a striker can never be overlooked. Kgosithebe’s ball control and football brains as well as the hunger to score in the end made it possible to score his brace. Sambulo Sithole (UFS) There was nothing more than bragging rights on the table in the city match-up between UFS and CUT. This however didn’t stop UFS’ Sambulo Sithole from having a big outing, despite enjoying very limited game time this season. The young forward ran good lines to get into good field positions, and this showed by the two rebounds he collected to put into the back of the net for a brace of goals. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.