It was the third-successive Women’s Varsity Football final that went into penalties, with tournament hosts UJ winning their second title after dethroning defending champions UWC. UWC entered the game unchanged, while UJ brought Nathi Njokweni for Sthembile Vesta Sandleni. UWC played in their sixth final, having won just one, while UJ were in their third final and won their second after lifting the trophy for the first time in 2013. The game was more of a stop-start affair in the opening 25 minutes, which were disrupted by small fouls and rushed opportunities. It remained low on highlights with both side’s attempting to score from longe-range free-kicks without really testing either goalkeeper, while Thubelihle Shamase saw a shot of hers fly over the bar. The final went into half-time without a goal, as neither side managed to break down the opposition's defence. The second half was more of the same, as both teams showed a lack of freshness, with the final being their fifth game in the last six days. Lindokuhle Gladlile almost broke the deadlock in the 68th minute, but her shot from outside only clipped the crossbar for UWC. Boitumelo Rasehlo had a late chance to win it for UJ but she couldn’t get enough power behind her header from close range. As the two side’s couldn’t be separated inside 90 minutes, UWC coach Thinasonke Mbuli rolled the dice again before the penalty shootout, substituting goalkeeper Siphesihle Dlamini for semi-final hero Kay-Dee Windvogel, who had saved two spot-kicks in the shootout win against Tuks. But it was UJ goalkeeper Elizabeth Mazivise who saved the first UWC penalty by Zikhona Nogqala. Mazivise even stepped up to score her side’s fourth penalty as they beat UWC 5-3 in the shootout to lift their second Women’s Varsity Football trophy - leading to wild celebrations of champion coach Nthabeleng Modiko and her team. Result: UJ 0-0 (5-3) UWC Scorers: none Woman of the Match: Boitumelo Rasehlo (UJ) Line-ups: UJ: Mazivise, Lefa, Rasehlo, Mokoena, Thubelihle Shamase, Maseko, Sphumelele Shamase, Munasi, Moosa, Macomo, Njokweni UWC: Dlamini, Gamede, Gladile, Nogqala, Simayile, Motau, Mngxunya, Matsotsi, Galant, Senanya, Magama  Player of the Tournament: Sphumelele Shamase (UJ) Top goalscorer of the Tournament: Sphumelele Shamase (UJ) - 7 goals

It was two contrasting semi-finals on Friday, as UJ and UWC booked their tickets for this year’s Women’s Varsity Football final. 2013 winners UJ trashed record champions TUT, while UWC beat Tuks in a replay of last year’s final on penalties. UJ hammer record champs TUT 2013 champions UJ booked their ticket for the third Women’s Varsity Football final and their first since 2017 after knocking out record winners TUT. UJ scored the opener from the penalty spot with tournament top goalscorer Sphumelele Shamase calmly converting to net her sixth goal of this year’s edition in the 16th minute. In the 24th minute, it was again Shamase from the penalty spot to give her side a two-goal lead, with her seventh goal of the tournament. TUT pulled one back through a penalty early in the second half, with Tshogofatso Motlogelwa converting the spot-kick after she was fouled in the box in the 41st minute. However, UJ quickly recovered from this setback as Thubelihle Shamase scored her side’s third goal just three minutes later. Lerato Lefa made it 4-1 for UJ after beating TUT keeper Thando Sitole from a tight angle in the 53rd minute and just a minute later, Refilwe Maseko added the fifth as TUT was slowly falling apart. In the end, UJ coach Nthabeleng Modiko and her side celebrated one of the biggest wins at the semi-final stage and set out a marker ahead of Sunday’s final. Result: UJ 5-1 TUT Scorers: 16’ 1-0 Sphumelele Shamase, 24’ 2-0 Sphumelele Shamase, 41’ 2-1 Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, 44’ 3-1 Thubelihle Shamase, 53’ 4-1 Lerato Lefa, 55’ 5-1 Refiloe Maseko Woman of the Match: Ayesha Moosa (UJ) Line-ups: TUT: Sithole, Ramaoka, Ntsabo, Motlegelwa, Chuma, Mohlouao, Ramanna, Mafinkeng, Khumalo, Dzivhani, Mohlala UJ: Mazivise, Lefa, Rasehlo, Mokoena, Sandleni, Thubelihle Shamase, Maseko, Sphumelele Shamase, Munasi, Moosa, Macomo UWC beat Tuks on penalties The replay of last year’s final was another tight affair, and just like in that final the game could only be decided on penalties. The first half was disrupted by injuries and low on real highlights. However, defending champions UWC were well on top, while Tuks mainly focussed on defending. The best chance of the first stanza came in injury time when Slindile Duma denied Nabeelah Galant with a superb save after the UWC forward had pounced on a cross and the ball looked destined for the back of the net. Galant had another massive opportunity to score just after the break, but her shot from close range missed the target. Just a minute later, UWC had the ball in the back of the net through Tshegofatso Senanya but it was ruled out due to offside. The game remained tight, with UWC looking slightly better on the eye but neither side managed to find a breakthrough. Lindokuhle Gladile almost stole it at the death for UWC but her shot missed the target by the slightest of margins. In the end, the match went into penalties, with UWC making an interesting switch of goalkeepers just before the final whistle, with Kay-Dee Windvogel replacing Siphesihle Dlamini. And Windvogel immediately saved the first Tuks penalty in the shootout. However, Banyana star Bongeka Gamede also missed a penalty for UWC to equal out the advantage. But Windvogel made up for the miss of her captain by saving Tuks fourth attempt. Unathi Simayile gave UWC reason to celebrate after slotting home the final spot-kick – much to the celebrations of her teammates. Result: UWC 0-0 (4-3) Tuks Scorers: none Woman of the Match: Nabeelah Galant (UWC) Line-ups: UWC: Dlamini, Gamede, Gladile, Nogqala, Simayile, Motau, Mngxunya, Matsotsi, Galant, Senanya, Magama Tuks: Duma, Phala, Mallela, Mashishi, Manamela, Msindo, Mkhwanazi, Ledwaba, Shongwe, Tshuku, Petlane OTHER RESULTS OF THE DAY: 7th/8th playoff: DUT 3-0 UL | Woman of the Match: Ntombifikile Ndlovu (DUT) 5th/6th playoff: Wits 2-2 (3-1) NWU | Woman of the Match: Erin Herz (Wits)

Round 3 of Women’s Varsity Football produced the most goals of the three group-stage days, with 18 scored between the four matches. Before we move on to Friday’s knockout clashes, here are the players who impressed the Varsity Football scouts. = Shakeerah Jacobs (Wits) Jacobs had a great game and deserved to win the Woman of the Match award. She netted a brace, one via a stunning free-kick, and the other with a long-range shot, showcasing her incredible shooting skills. But it wasn’t only the two goals that impressed the scouts, also her ability to beat her opponents was incredible. Bongeka Gamede (UWC) The Banyana Banyana international showed her leadership on the field and at the same time did her job efficiently. She even stepped up when it was needed the most to score the winning goal for UWC against TUT in injury time. Her all-around performance earned her a mention by our scouts. Wendy Shongwe (Tuks) The UP Tuks star earned herself back-to-back Woman of the Match awards and her brace on Thursday saw Tuks book their spot in the semi-finals. Shongwe seemed everywhere on the pitch and showed her brilliance via dribbles, two goals and one assist – one of the best individual performances at this year’s tournament so far. Ayesha Moosa (UJ) Moosa was involved in three goals as her side thrashed UL 5-0. She netted a brace herself and assisted Sphumelele Shamase, forming a brilliant partnership with the current leading goal scorer of the tournament. Moosa proved to be the standout player on the day, having several shots, and dribbling and deservedly earned the Women of the Match award.

The third round of the Women’s Varsity Football group stages brought the most goals so far, with as many as 18 scored between the four games this afternoon. UWC cemented their favourites tag by beating record champions TUT in one of the early kick-offs, while Tuks became the fourth side to book their semi-final ticket and UJ ran riot once more. GROUP A UWC with a statement win over TUT In the much-anticipated clash between the defending champions and the record champions, both sides were expected to put on a show after already qualifying for the semi-finals. UWC scored the opener through Tshegofatso Senanya after she had been played through for a one-on-one with TUT keeper Thando Sitole in the 17th minute. The 2021 winners carried their slender lead into the break, but six-time champions TUT were awarded a penalty in the 58th minute and Tshogofatso Motlogelwa calmly slotted it away to equalise. However, it was UWC who had the last laugh and stole it at the death, when captain Bongeka Gamede unleashed a shot from range to win the game in injury time. Result: UWC 2-1 TUT Scorers: 17’ 1-0 Tshegofatso Senanya, 58’ 1-1 Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, 70+1’ 2-1 Bongeka Gamede FNB Player of the Match: Fikile Magama (UWC) Wits hammer DUT Both teams only had their honour to play for after losing their opening-round clashes and it was Wits, who put on a show this afternoon. Ofentse Malape scored the first goal in the third minute after putting the ball over the line following a scramble in the box after a corner. In the 14th minute, Wits scored from another corner, this time it was Lesego Nkoane who found the back of the net. Wits continued their first-half rout in the 22nd minute when Lesego Nkoane completed her brace after being slipped through the DUT defence. Just five minutes later Shakeerah Jacobs made it 4-0 with a beautiful free-kick. But that was still not all of the action of the first half, with Jacobs grabbing a brace thanks to a magnificent shot from outside the box for Wits. The second half wasn’t able to live up to the heights of the first interval and DUT even managed to get on the score sheet after Nokwanda Xulu converted a penalty in the 60th minute. Result: Wits 5-1 DUT Scorers: 2’ 1-0 Ofentse Malape, 14’ 2-0 Lesego Nkoane, 22’ 3-0 Lesego Nkoane, 27’ 4-0 Shakeerah Jacobs, 29’ 5-0 Shakeerah Jacobs, 60’ 5-1 Nokwanda Xulu FNB Player of the Match: Shakeerah Jacobs (Wits) GROUP B Tuks vs NWU Tuks became the final side to book their semi-final ticket after beating NWU clearly in their final Group B fixture. Sinamile Mkhwanazi opened the scoring in the fourth minute already following a corner. In the 33rd minute, Wendy Shongwe made it 2-0 for Tuks after beating the NWU defenders to set up a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Tuks went into the break with a two-goal advantage but were not done for the day, Lethabo Ledwaba set up Wendy Shongwe for a brace in the 59th minute. Just three minutes later, Shongwe returned the favour and unselfishly put the ball on a platter for Ledwaba to score with a tap-in goal. The victory saw Tuks become the fourth side to book their semi-final ticket. Result: Tuks 4-0 NWU Scorers: 4’ 1-0 Sinamile Mkhwanazi, 33’ 2-0 Wendy Shongwe, 59’ 3-0 Wendy Shongwe, 62’ 4-0 Lethabo Ledwaba FNB Player of the Match: Wendy Shongwe (Tuks) UJ vs UL UJ proved to be too strong for UL and made it three wins out of three games in the group stages on Thursday. The first UJ goal already came after two minutes when Ayesha Moosa scored following a nice combination play with Sphumelele Shamase. In just three minutes, the Ayesha Moosa and Sphumelele Shamase partnership paid off again, leading to a brace for Moosa after a long-range shot. In the 39th minute, Sphumelele Shamase got her fifth goal of the tournament after capitalising on a mistake from a UL defender. Late in the game, Lerato Lefa scored a brace in the 64th and 65th minute to round up the score and take UJ’s goals tally to 12 goals in three matches. Result: UJ 5-0 UL Scorers: 2’ 1-0 Ayesha Moosa, 5’ 2-0 Ayesha Moosa, 39’ 3-0 Sphumelele Shamase, 64’ 4-0 Lerato Lefa, 65’ 5-0 Lerato Lefa FNB Player of the Match: Ayesha Moosa (UJ)

Round 2 of Women’s Varsity Football was another action-packed day with 14 goals between the four games on Wednesday. Before we move on to Thursday’s third-round clashes, here are the players who impressed the Varsity Football scouts. Amogelang Motau (UWC) The Banyana Banyana international is one of the players everyone has their eyes on in this year’s tournament after she was part of the team that won the Women’s African Cup of Nations. Photo by Christiaan Kotze/ C&C Photo Agency for Varsity/ AsemEngage After having a relatively quiet first-round match, Motau proved her qualities in UWC’s 5-0 win over DUT with a brace. Her goal-scoring ability was amazing to watch and she was very unfortunate not to grab a hat trick. Johanna Ramanna (TUT) Ramanna makes back-to-back appearances on this list, as she helped her side to book their semi-final ticket with one game to spare. Once again she delivered a quality performance, keeping it simple and working hard around the park. Her touches were quite impressive, earning her also the Woman of the Match award. Sphumelele Shamase (UJ) After netting a hat-trick in her side’s opening-round win over Tuks, Shamase was again on the scoresheet as UJ beat NWU 3-0, taking her tally to four for the tournament. But she didn’t only score, she was also impressed with her dribbles while setting up her side’s third goal as well. Her performances so far, surely make her one of the early contenders for the Player of the Tournament, as she also bagged the Woman of the Match award. Wendy Shongwe (Tuks) Shongwe scored the opening goal, as her side beat UL 4-0 to collect their first points of this year’s edition. But it wasn’t just her goal that impressed the scouts, as she opened a show just after the kick-off, beating two UL defenders to hit the side net in the first minute of the game already. Photo by: Catherine Kotze/ Varsity Sports She was most involved in many of the combination plays Tuks had, creating several chances for her teammates while remaining a cause of danger herself, which rightfully earned her the Woman of the Match award.

The 2022 Varsity Netball final will see Maties and NWU take to the court on Monday night in Stellenbosch. It is only fitting that these two teams will battle it out for bragging rights as they finished top of the log after the round-robin stage of this year’s tournament. For the second consecutive year, Maties have made it the only undefeated team while NWU’s only two losses came against Maties in round 5 (51-56) and Kovsies in round 7 (60-65). Warmups and prematch photos of the the Semi-Final of the Varsity Netball between the FNB UFS Kovsies and FNB NWU at Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. 10 October 2022, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude On Monday night, Maties won a titanic semi-final battle against UJ (43-35) in Stellenbosch and it was the same for NWU who edged out defending champions Kovsies (64-61) in the other semi-final in Bloemfontein. Looking at the Varsity Netball history between Maties and NWU, this year’s final is building up to be an epic affair. The two teams have clashed on 11 occasions since 2013, with the NWU slightly ahead, 6-5. The Potchefstroom team won their first Varsity Netball title in 2015 when they beat their opponents from Stellenbosch 50-37 in the final. In 2016, NWU were victorious in the teams’ semi-final clash (61-50) and went on to win their second title with a single-point victory over Tuks (56-55). While NWU has managed to grab two titles from their four previous final appearances, Maties have yet to be crowned the champions after making it to the final two in 2015, 2019 and 2021. The Maroon Machine have however managed to clip the Eagles’ wings in their last four Varsity Netball meetings (2018 – Maties 69 NWU 36; 2019 – Maties 54 NWU 38; 2021 – Maties 71 NWU 60; 2022 – Maties 56 NWU 51). This is what the respective coaches told Varsity Sports about their preparations for Monday’s final: NWU coach Elsunet du Plessis: “Everything has been going great. There are a couple of aspects of our play we have been working on and fine-tuning, especially on attack and defence.” Maties coach Zanele Mdodana: “Our preparations have been going well and we are focusing on the task at the moment. We are truly honoured to play in front of our home crowd, we have the best supporters.” Varsity Netball history: NWU 2013 – Undefeated in round-robin stages; lost in final against Kovsies 2014 – Lost in the semi-final against Kovsies 2015 – Beat Maties in the final 50-37 2016 – Beat Tuks in final 56-55 2017 – Lost against Tuks in final 2018 – Finished 5th on the log 2019 – Lost against Tuks in the semi-final 2021 – Lost against Kovsies in the semi-final; lost against Tuks in 3/4th playoff Elmere van den Berg of NWU during the Semi-Final of the Varsity Netball between the FNB UFS Kovsies and FNB NWU at Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. 10 October 2022, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude Varsity Netball history: Maties 2013 – Finished 6th on the log 2014 – Lost in the semi-final against Tuks 2015 – Lost against NWU in final 37-50 2016 – Lost in the semi-final against NWU 2017 – Lost in the semi-final against Tuks 2018 – Lost in the semi-final against Kovsies 2019 – Lost in final against Tuks 43-48 2021 – Lost in final against Kovsies 39-55 Nichole Taljaard of FNB Maties during round 6 of the Varsity Netball between the FNB Maties and FNB UWC at Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. 3 October 2022, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude FINAL – 17 October – Stellenbosch *Final will be broadcast live on SuperSport. By Liryn de Jager

It was again raining goals in Round 2 of the Varsity Women’s Football tournament as 14 were scored, while champions UWC, hosts UJ, and tournament giants TUT all secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition with a game to spare. GROUP A TUT too strong for Wits The youthful TUT were aiming to build on their opening day win while Wits were reeling from their lack of killer instinct against champions UWC and yearning to rectify the opening day loss. But it was TUT who opened the scoring as a goalkeeping error saw Yolisa Ntsabo finishing well at the back post. Nicole Mohlala, who has been influential in their opening game was at it again when she doubled the lead with a fine effort from outside the area. Result: TUT 2-0 Wits Scorers: 1-0 Yolisa Ntsabo 33′, 2-0 Nicole Mohlala 48′ Woman of the Match: Johanna Ramanna (TUT) Free-scoring UJ ease past NWU Lesego Nhlapho got UJ on the scoring train in the opening 15 minutes as the hosts looked to carry on where they left off in their opening thrashing over TUKS. The Orange army doubled their advantage after the breakthrough of Sphumelele Shamase as she prodded one home after a pinpoint long ball from Shannon Macomo. Ayesha Moosa made it seven goals in two games for the free-scoring UJ seven minutes from time to inflict further pain on NWU and book their place in the last four. Result: UJ 3-0 NWU Scorers: 1-0 Lesego Nhlapho 15′, 2-0 Sphumelele Shamase 50′, 3-0 Ayesha Moosa 63′ Woman of the Match: Sphumelele Shamase (UJ) GROUP B Banyana star nets brace in UWC victory Banyana Banyana midfielder Amogelang Motau netted stunning strikes in each half to hand the champions their place in the last four. Keylon Pietersen got the scoring underway in the 12th minute against a spirited DUT but the gulf in quality was evident with the likes of Motau pulling the strings in midfield After a subdued opener against Wits, they took things into another gear, Fikile Magama and Akholiwe Matsotsi also got in on the action scoring in the 38th and 49th minute respectively as they reaffirmed their favourites tag once more. Result: UWC 5-0 DUT Scorers: 1-0 Keylon Pietersen 12′, 2-0 Amogelang Motau 21′, 3-0 Fikile Magama 38′, 4-0 Akholiwe Matsotsi 49′, 5-0 Amogelang Motau 60′ Woman of the Match: Fikile Magama Tuks ran riot in the first half vs UL TUKS would have been reeling for their poor display against UJ and their star player Wendy Shongwe made sure they started positively after netting a simple tap-in from a routine corner kick in the opening six minutes. Lesedi Petlane, a Betty Mallela penalty and a header from Sinamila Mkhwanazi made it a resounding 4-0 at the break but UL – who secured their first-ever point in the competition on Tuesday somehow managed to stem the tide and hold Tuks from adding further misery in the second half. Result: Tuks 4-0 UL Scorers: 1-0 Wendy Shongwe 6′, 2-0 Lesedi Petlane 10′, 3-0 Betty Mallela 19′, 4-0 Sinamila Mkhwanazi 32′ Woman of the Match: Wendy Shongwe

Round 1 of Women’s varsity Football is done and dusted, kicking off with an impressive 16 goals in just four games on Tuesday. Before we move on to Wednesday’s second round clashes, here are the players who impressed the Varsity Football scouts. Shamase twins (UJ) Sphumelele Shamase scored a hat-trick and picked up the Woman of the Match award as UJ beat Tuks 4-0 in a convincing win. The UJ striker proved her clinical side and surely gave Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis something to think about. However, her twin sister Thubelihle Shamase was also equal to the task, setting up two of her siblings goals. Her dribbling skills and speed caused havoc in the Tuks defence. Princes Aphane (UL) Just as UL football manager had indicated before the tournament, Princes proved to be one of the key players for her side, who picked up their first point in the group stages. Her composure on the ball was a marvel to watch, and we definitely look forward to seeing more of her. Johanna Ramanna (TUT) The TUT striker found the back of the net once in Tuesday’s 5-0 humbling over DUT, She was able to create good space for herself off the ball, making incredible runs that tore the DUT defence apart, catching the eyes of our scouts. Siphesihle Dlamini (UWC) While scouts often pick attacking players or goal scorers, it was Dlamini who impressed us in the first game of the defending champions. The UWC goalkeeper made two crucial saves just minutes before her side scored the only goal of the net. If it wasn’t for her heroics in goal, UWC would not have collected the three points. Round 2 of the women’s varisty football tournament takes place today (12 Oct) and these are the fixtures. Wits vs TUT – 3pm at UJ Soweto Field A UJ vs NWU – 3pm at UJ Soweto Field B DUT vs UWC – 5pm at UJ Soweto Field A UL vs Tuks – 5p at UJ Soweto Field B

The 2022 Women’s Varsity Football campaign kicked off with a bang on Tuesday, with 16 goals scored between the four games. While defending champions University of the Western Cape started their title defence with a win over Wits University in a replay of last year’s semi-final, the Shamase-twins took the University of Pretoria to the sword in our feature match. GROUP B Shamase twins help UJ to trash Tuks UJ dominated proceedings for large parts of the first half and were unlucky in the 32nd minute when Refilwe Maseko only hit outside of the post. However, Sphumelele Shamase made it better in the fourth minute of injury time, scoring her side’s first goal of this year’s tournament after a fine combination play with her twin sister Thubelihle Shamase. Shamase completed her brace in the 49th minute after a nice counter-attack that started from a Tuks corner. Just two minutes later, Shamase completed her hat trick with a well-placed shot from inside the box after again being set up by her twin sister. UJ made it 4-0 in the 58th minute when Boitumelo Rasehlo beat the Tuks goalkeeper via a direct free-kick from long range. Result: UJ 4-0 Tuks Scorers: 35+4’ 1-0 Sphumelele Shamase, 49’ 2-0 Sphumelele Shamase, 51’ 3-0 Sphumelele Shamase, 58’ 4-0 Boitumelo Rasehlo Woman of the Match: Sphumelele Shamase (UJ) NWU & UL share spoils in 6-goal thriller NWU took an early lead, through Noluthando Mhlontlo, who easily tapped in from close range after 10 minutes. However, UL found the equalizer following a corner in the 26th minute, with Boniswa Makhale punishing the NWU defence for failing to clear the ball at the back post. After the match went level into the break, UL took the lead for the first time in the match through Sharon Matabathe in the 45th minute. But it didn’t last long, as NWU equalised almost instantly through a scorching effort from outside the box by Lerato Monate. UL regained the lead in the 62nd minute when Amukelani Kanyan put the ball away from inside the box. But again their lead didn’t last long before Vonisiwe Maswanganyi equalised with a header following a corner. Result: NWU 3-3 UL Scorers: 10’ 1-0 Noluthando Mohlontlo, 26’ 1-1 Boniswa Makhale, 45’ 1-2 Sharon Matabathe, 46’ 2-2 Lerato Monate, 62’ 2-3 Amukelani Kanyan, 68’ 3-3 Vonisiwe Maswanganyi Woman of the Match: Princes Aphane (UL) GROUP A TUT hammer DUT The record champions from TUT were the clear favourites going into the tie after beating their opponents 7-0 last year. However, it took them 24 minutes to open the score with a well-taken free-kick from Tshogofatso Motlogelwa. Just a minute later, TUT doubled their lead, with an own goal by DUT. In the 31st minute, Yolisa Ntsabo made it 3-0, pouncing on a fine cross. The second half was less action-packed but TUT eventually scored the fourth goal in the 59th minute when Nombulelo Khumalo calmly slotted the ball past the DUT keeper after some great interplay from the right. In the 67th minute, Johanna Ramanna found another one for TUT, after a good run on the right, eventually lobbing the ball inside the frame to increase their lead. Result: TUT 5-0 DUT Scorers: 24’ 1-0 Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, 25’ 2-0 OG, 31’ 3-0 Yolisa Ntsabo, 59’ 4-0 Nombulelo Khumalo, 67’ 5-0 Johanna Ramanna Woman of the Match: Nombulelo Khumalo (TUT) Defending champs start with a win The defending champions got off to a winning start after beating Wits by a solitary goal in a tightly-contested affair. There was nothing that separate the two side’s in the first half, which was low on highlights. However, things livened up in the second interval as Shakeerah Jacobs tested UWC keeper Siphesihle Dlamini for the first time in the 51st minute but the latter was up to the task. Dlamini was again called into action in the 56th minute denying Jacobs, who attempted a chip over the rushing keeper. Just a minute later UWC’s Lindokuhle Gladile punished the missed chances from Wits, by putting a powerful shot past Wits keeper Nthabiseng Ramaisa. UWC had a late chance to make it 2-0 but this time Gladile was denied her brace by Ramaisa. Result: UWC 1-0 Wits Scorers: 57’ 1-0 Lindokuhle Gladile Woman of the Match: Lindokuhle Gladile (UWC)

With the Women’s Varsity 7s tournament done and dusted, here is a look at our pick for player of the tournament and team of the tournament. The University of Johannesburg were crowned 2022 7s champions at the Tuks Stadium, and it was only right that UJ Women’s captain Masingita Simango be crowned player of the tournament. Not only did Simango walk away with a R2500.00 cheque, she lifted the trophy in front of the whole nation. Varsity sports spoke to Simango after the final and she shared what the tournament meant to her and how her father didn’t even want her to play rugby on the first place. On winning the Varsity 7s Trophy; “This pretty awesome because it is our first time ever. It is amazing because our hard work paid off. This is an amazing experience, I don’t know what to say.” Her journey to rugby and victory; “Sometimes parents can be the barrier between girls and sports. Don’t really listen to them, because my dad didn’t really want me to play rugby, but here I am today. I didn’t listen to him and now I’m holding the trophy on tv because I knew what I wanted. To all the girls if rugby is what you want, go for it!” Here are our picks for the Varsity 7s team of the tournament. Team of the Tournament: Player of the Tournament – Masingita Simango (UJ) Tanya Shava (UJ) Nobuhle Msomi (UFH) Miche Pretorius (UP-Tuks) Vainha Ubisi (TUT) Qogi Inga (UFH) Emihle Mtyali (WSU) Honorable mentions: Ferannah Burger (UP-Tuks), Msengi Ongeziwe (UFH), Karabo Mashego (TUT) & Precious Maduchem (UJ)

The University of Limpopo make their third appearance in the Women’s Varsity Football tournament, having finished in seventh place in 2021 and reached the semi-final in 2013. UL are in Group B alongside the host’s University of Johannesburg, defending champions University of the Western Cape and the North-West University, kicking off their tournament against the latter. UL football manager Danny Strada Dhlamini feels his side, who also competes in the Sasol league, got to be realistic in the tournament after ending the group stages with three defeats in 2021. “The preparations have been going fairly well,” he told Varsity Football. “Everyone wants to win the tournament but we’ve got to be realistic. Wishes cannot just be horses otherwise we’d all be riding.” They did beat the Durban University of Technology 2-1 in the seventh-place playoff in 2021 and Dhlamini hopes they can better that result this time around. “If we can get the position we achieved last year or at least go one better, that would be great for us.” Their opener against NWU Women will be shown live on SuperSport Variety (SS9) at 17:00 this evening. PLAYERS TO WATCH Princes Mokgaetsi Aphane — She is a very good option from the central attacking area. She is a deadfall specialist, with a very dangerous free-kick. Koketso Mantwa Majadibodu — She is the tower in UL’s defence, organising the back four. She is very vocal, very organisational and very courageous as well. DID YOU KNOW? — UL reached the Varsity Football semi-final in 2013 but lost 4-0 against TUT. TEAM FACT FILE Nickname: Smart Girls Province: Limpopo Appearances: Two (2013, 2021) 2022 SQUAD Goalkeepers: Palesa Mokgadi Mahloana, Nonkhululeko Predacious Evidence Nobela Defenders: Shadi Theodorah Seaneng, Melita Dikeledi Matsee, Josephine Galane, Kgabo Reabetswe Choshi, Koketso Mantwa Majadibodu, Dineho Vision Mamatepa, Kgothatso Francinah Segabetla, Kgalushi Ingeneeous Sethemane Midfielders: Sharon Mamoraka Mathebatha, Princes Mokgaetsi Aphane, Boniswa Michel Makhale, Nompumelelo Princess Mathabela, Kelebogile Radebe, Machuene Francinah Sebone, Karabo Youlanda Mochekgechekge Strikers: Morongwa Mmatsheko Mbulahene, Kanyane Jane Rachidi, Amukelani Adelate Kanyan TECHNICAL TEAM Head coach: Adolf Modiba Assistant coach: Ronald Molepo Goalkeeper coach: Elsie Sebolaishi Mabitsela Physiotherapist: Portia Sebola Strength & Conditioning coach: Sonica Fritz Team manager: Bethwell Makukuli Football manager: Danny Strada Dhlamini

Maties will get another crack at winning their first Varsity Netball title at home in Stellenbosch when they take on NWU in the 2022 final next week. It will be the Eagles’ fifth appearance in a final, they beat Maties in 2015 and scored a close victory over Tuks a year later to win their second successive title. While NWU already has two Varsity Netball titles, Maties are still looking for their first crown. As Maties coach Zanele Mdodana says “We just have to make sure to tick all the boxes next week.” Experience comes out tops as Maties beat UJ They left it till late in the fourth quarter, but for the second year running Maties have made it to the final of the Varsity Netball tournament as the only undefeated team after a hard-fought 43-35 victory over UJ in Stellenbosch. The Maroon Machine had to fight through four of the tightest quarters in this year’s competition, going into the half-time break two points behind the Orange Army who made their first appearance in the semi-finals of Varsity Netball. Sian Moore of Maties celebrates with teammates during the 2022 Varsity Netball Semi Final between Maties and UJ at the Coetzenburg Indoor Centre, Stellenbosch, SOUTH AFRICA Maties called their power play with 12 minutes to go, managing to grab a couple of goals and edge ahead ever so steadily. The UJ bench was out of their seats with a few close calls by the umpires going against them with even the normally cool, calm and collected Bongi Msomi not able to hide her frustration. In the end, it was experience that trumped youthful exuberance. Take nothing away though from what Msomi has managed to achieve at UJ in just a couple of years. Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen (Maties): “I just had to adapt to whatever position the coaches wanted me to play in. It was blood, sweat and tears but we did it!” Quarter scores: 9-8| 16-18 | 25-25 | 43-35 Player of the match: Danielle van Nieuwenhuizen (Maties) NWU edge out defending champions Kovsies After last week’s narrow loss in the last round-robin match at the same venue and against the same opponents, NWU is now through to their fifth Varsity Netball final after beating defending champions Kovsies 64-61 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Warmups and prematch photos of the the Semi-Final of the Varsity Netball between the FNB UFS Kovsies and FNB NWU at Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. 10 October 2022, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude Kovsies outplayed and outscored NWU for most of the match, thanks to the brilliant play of Rolene Streutker in the goal circle. She outwitted her defenders and sank goal after goal, and was deservedly named player of the match. The Eagles turned the Kovsies-tide in the all-important championship quarter (third quarter) and even though they were still three goals behind on the scoreboard, they could sense it wasn’t over by a long shot. And those shots belonged to Elmere van den Bergh. Switching from goal attack to goal shooter, the Protea star kept the scoreboard ticking over for NWU and edged her team ahead for the first time in the match with 10 minutes left on the clock. The change in pace from NWU caught Kovsies off guard and they stumbled at the last hurdle. Elsunet du Plessis (NWU coach): “It was an amazing game and I’m very proud of my players. Elmere played such a solid game in the circle tonight and that made the difference. We are just going to enjoy tonight and tomorrow we’ll start refocusing again.” Quarter scores: 14-15| 25-29 | 42-45 | 64-61 Player of the match: Rolene Streutker(Kovsies)