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There is no lack of confidence in the NWU-Mafikeng camp ahead of the 2023 Varsity Football tournament as the team is ready to leave it all out on the field in their quest for glory in the country’s premier student football competition. In their bid to gauge their readiness, the team has engaged in a series of friendly matches against tough opponents over the past month or so. This includes outings against Tuks FC, SuperSport United FC as well as the Bafana Bafana team that recently won the bronze medal at the Cosafa Cup. When asked about the objectives of these friendly fixtures, caretaker coach Amos Xabanisa says the primary goal was to assess the team's overall preparedness for the Varsity Football tournament. "I can confirm that we are ready. We are now working on fine-tuning the technical aspects of our game and ensuring that our players are in good physical condition." Xabanisa says the team’s opening fixture against UJ at home at the NWU-Mafikeng Stadium provides his players with a significant advantage, both in terms of the passionate supporters filling the stands and the players’ familiarity with the field. This is despite UJ boasting an impressive record in Varsity Football, having been crowned champions in 2021 and finalists in 2022. "In our stadium, we have the unwavering support of our fans, and the players feel at home, which boosts their confidence. Furthermore, playing home games has a positive psychological impact on the team, giving us an extra edge. “The encounter is poised to be an intense battle of skills and determination. My players have been honing their abilities and working tirelessly to ensure that they can go toe-to-toe with UJ, and most importantly secure a home win in our first game.” NWU-Mafikeng 24-man squad: Goalkeepers: Lesedi Mokwena, Kamogelo Matane, Reddel Precious Duh Ngulle. Defenders: Kgopotso Mashapo, Aphelele Sibisi, Pascal Tivhane, Lucas Seromo, Lesego Motsepe, Kananelo Motsoeneng, Tumelo Mokgeseng, Sousa Mathe. Midfielders: Lesiba Mahlong, Lesedi Bakai, Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo, Kopano Molefe, Gqokonqna Ntobeko, Itumeleng Mokgeseng, Thabang Majoro. Forwards: Tshepang Matshediso, Heaven Sereetsi, Thato Ndela, Sibusiso Mahlangu, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Itumeleng Selemela. NWU-Mafikeng kick off their campaign against UJ on Thursday 27 July at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium (17:00).

UWC are ready and fired up to get the ball rolling in the 2023 Varsity Football tournament. The Cape Town-based team did not feature in the last two instalments (2021, 2022) and according to head coach Dr Lwando Mdleleni the squad has a clear goal – to tackle their challenges head-on. The pedigree of Mdleleni as a footballer within the UWC ranks spans nearly two decades. The former captain led the side for seven years after joining the team in 2006. Upon retirement, he transitioned into an assistant coach role in 2015 and six seasons later, in 2021, was handed the head coaching role. Despite the high confidence levels, Mdleleni strongly believes the competition will not be easy as he hopes to restore the team to its former glory when they lifted the trophy in 2015. "It is important to note that we are not oblivious to the challenges that lie ahead. We acknowledge the fact that we have been absent from the Varsity Football competition for the last two years, and this presents us with a substantial hurdle to overcome. However, we are prepared to confront this daunting task head-on." Cape Town is a region known for producing some of the world's finest footballers. UWC has tapped into this and recruited some of Cape Town's finest talent, something which Mdleleni hopes to use to his full advantage. "We have a good cohort of players who have done very well in the junior tournaments. We have Shuaib Martin from Cape Town Spurs, who won Bayhill Player of the Tournament in 2022. We also have Shakur Hector and Imaan January who won the Bayhill tournament in 2023. Then there is Sabelo Msimango who is also a great talent, as well as Lisa Nogcinisa a former Cape Umoya Junior." UWC 24-man squad: Goalkeepers: Nyiko Khoza, Leathan Croats, Asanele Nqevu. Defenders: Siyabulela Mcimeli, Riyaad Prout, Damian Overmeyer, Jadan Zeeman, Shakur Hector, Craig Joemath, Qhayisa Lekata, Mogammat Ridhaa Esack. Midfielders: Matthew Peterson, Khanya Dyani, Riyaaz Koopstadt, Sandile Nomjila, Shuaib Martin, Relebohile Matima, Arnold Bafana Dube. Forwards: Devon Nolan, Juanito Manuel, Luyolo Mpokotya, Leandro de Sousa, Nkosingiphile Ncwane, John Tambwe Kapita. UWC kick off their campaign against CUT away on Thursday 27 July at the CUT Stadium (18:30). For all the fixtures click HERE. by Lyndon Julius

TUT has dominated the Women’s Varsity Football tournament like no other, clinching six of the eight titles on offer, but had a disappointing campaign by their standards last year. The Tshwane University of Technology unveiled former SA U17 coach Simphiwe ‘Shorty’ Dludlu as their new coach ahead of last year’s campaign, taking over from former Banyana Banyana coach Anna Monate, who is now with UJ. However, things didn’t go according to plan and TUT only finished third in their group, missing out on the semi-finals for the first time. Following the disappointment from 2021, the team enters this year’s edition with a new technical team around head coach Christina Kutumela, who is eager to bring the trophy back to Tshwane. “We are looking forward to the tournament and want to bring the trophy back,” Kutumela told Varsity Football. “The preparations have gone well, we’ve had everyone available from the squad and came up with a strategy that we believe will do wonders for us.” TUT are again paired with the University of Pretoria Tuks, Wits University and the Durban University of Technology in Group A, kicking their campaign off against DUT, who they beat 7-0 in 2021. PLAYERS TO WATCH Yolisa Ntsabo – A dangerous striker, who is doing well tactically and also convinces with a strong shot. Tshegofatso Aphane – A brilliant midfielder, with good technique in her kicking game. She is also the captain of the team. DID YOU KNOW? TUT has played in seven of eight Varsity Football women’s cup finals, losing the first against UJ in 2013 before winning the next six. TUT play in the Hollywoodbets Super League and finished second behind Mamelodi Sundowns last season. TEAM FACT FILE Nickname: Red Army Province: Gauteng Appearances: Eight (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) Titles: Six (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Biggest win: 4-0 against UJ (2017) Biggest loss: 7-0 against DUB (2021) 2022 SQUAD Goalkeepers: Thando Sitole, Nelly Nhlapo, Valencia Ntwayagae Defenders: Dineo Sharol Ramaoka, Nokuthula Tshuma, Lebogang Chuma, Phumza Tshangisa, Kopano Mokwela Midfielders: Tshegofatso Aphane (captain), Tshegofatso Motlogelwa, Thandeka Wandile Maluleka, Reneilwe Mogale, Sarah-Jane Ndhlovu, Glenny Mafikeng, Botsiba Confidence Lebea, Ayanda Princess Masina, Tsholofelo Hope Ngako Strikers: Nombulelo Khumalo, Johanna Ramanna, Khothatso Lerooibaki, Yolisa Ntsabo, Rethabile Mohlouao TECHNICAL TEAM Head coach: Christina Kutumela First assistant coach: Vongani Shirinda Second assistant coach: Grace Somo Team manager: Mbali Jiyane Goalkeeper coach: Given Motsoeneng Physiotherapist: Leago Lethole Logistics manager/compliance officer: Khomotso Kganakga Technical Advisor: Sizwe Lucky Sibiya

The women’s Varsity 7s rugby tournament kick-off an epic day of rugby that saw UFH not concede a single point in four games while UJ crushed every opponent they faced. Here’s how it all went down. Women’s Match 1 (W): UFH vs TUT: 36-0 The first match of the Varsity 7’s tournament saw UFH ran riot as they dominated the TUT women’s side. With a 21-0 lead at halftime, it was clear that the University of Fort Hare were thirsty for a thrashing in the second half. Makhomazi Sivuyiseko & Siphesihle Hlangani bagged a brace of tries, while Msengi Ongeziwe and Nobuhle Msomi each got a single try. Match 2 (W): UL vs Madibaz 5-17 Madibaz and the University of Limpopo could not be separated in the first half with Miranda Ngqongwana scoring for Madibaz while Lettie Mahaole scored a sensational try for UL from the 55’ meter line to cut the deficit to 2 points. The second half was a different story as Hazel Madika scored a try and Mihlali Gaqa ran away with the result for Madibaz during the Varsity Festival 7s Rugby University of Limpopo W v Madibaz W on Friday 07 October 2022 at Tuks Astro Photo by Christiaan Kotze/ C&C Photo Agency for Varsity/ AsemEngage Match 3 (W): UJ vs Walter Sisulu 34 – 0 The Orange Army were quick out the blocks as speedster Tanya Shava opened the scoring. UJ were putting on a show with some scintillating passing which resulted in Mardiya Usman finishing off a good team play. Tanya Shava was proving too hot to handle as she bagged a brace taking the halftime score to 15:0. Shava got a hat trick in the second half and made an early contention for Women of the tournament. Akhona Nkosi & Aliyah Njamme me closed off the scoring to seal a dominant victory. Match 8 (W): UP-Tuks 22 – 0 Madibaz The women’s home team took on a spirited Madibaz side, but the home side was spurred by their partisan support as Ferannah Burger scored her team’s first try of the tournament. 5-0 going into halftime. The game was far from decided as Madibaz got half chances to equalize but to no avail. Sune Botha suffered a nasty head injury and that seemed to rally the team as Andiswa Masego scored a power play try. Miche Pretorius put the icing on top with the final try to win 22-0 to the home side Match 9 (W): UFH 0-53 WSU It was an Eastern Cape affair but it was Fort Hare that dominated as Touto Zanele, Siphesihle Hlangani and Nobuhle Msomi ran in three quick-fire tries for Fort Hare. UFH was putting on a rugby clinic as Vakalisa Lillitha scored and took a dominant 24-0 lead into halftime. Touto Zanele bagged her brace early in the second and it was clear that UFH were determined to humiliate their opponents. The score kept on increasing as Siphesihle Hlangani bagged a brace to make it 38:0. A brace turned into a hatrick as Hlangani scored a power-point try. Qogi Inga and the score saw UFH run rampant 53-0. Match 10 (W): UL 0-58 UJ Precious Maduchem got the Orange Army up and running early and it was clear they were going to make light work of the University of Limpopo. Nyasha Gonangombe grabbed the second and the UJ women’s side was proving to be favourites. Maduchem scored a power-point try and later made it a hattrick as the score was a mammoth 31-0 to the Orange Army. Gonangombe scored again before the brink of halftime and UJ went into the lead 36-0. Captain Masingita Simango got into the action herself as UJ were hunting for a half-century of points. Mpumelelo Dlamini scored again and the scorekeepers were losing track with the score sitting at 48-0. Tanya Shava scored a Power-Point try and UJ eclipsed half a century, with the score 58-0… Match 15 (W): WSU 22- 0 Madibaz The Eastern Cape Derby between Walter Sisulu And Madibaz saw the former get on the board first after an exhilarating counter-attack which led to WSU’s first try scored by Buyimpilo Bavu. That was the only meaningful action of the half and Madibaz were trailing 0-7. The power play was the defining factor between the two as WSU extended their lead to 12-0 and were on course for their first win. The team cruised to victory with their last try from Sinaye Mbolomopo winning 22-0. Match 16 (W): UJ 39-5 TUT The Orange Arny faced early sustained pressure from TUT and the underdogs were pushing, however, the front-runner for the player of the tournament Tanya Shava outpaced almost every defender from her half to the try and gave UJ the lead. Not to be discouraged TUT bounced back big forward Vainah Ubisi to make it 7-5. UJ caught TUT napping as Precious Madauchen scored at the end of the half to make it 14-5. The lead was further extended in the second half with Aaliyah Njamme and Akhona Nkosi and the Orange Army were running away with it 24:5. Another try was scored by Lethukthula Dlamini in the power play period which saw UJ win comfortably 39-5. Match 17 (W): UP-Tuks 0-33 UFH UFH scored a sensational try from inside their half as Vakalisa Lillitha put on the after-burners and stormed to the try line to give Fort Hare the lease. With the home crowd silenced, Tuks buckled under pressure and Msengi Ongeziwe Qogi Inga made it 19-0 going into halftime for UFH. Things got from bad to worse as Siphesihle Hlangani scored back-to-back tries and stamped her claim for player of the tournament. Fort Hare won their consecutive win and put on a rugby clinic to beat Tuks 33-0. Match 22 (W): TUT 24 – 5 Madibaz The side from Tshwane showed power and pace and duly took the lead courtesy of Tebogo Rakgatla who scored two consecutive tries. The side went in 10-0 ahead. In the second half, TUT suffered after receiving a yellow card as Madibaz scored a try and it was all to play for in the last few minutes with the score at 10:5. The big and towering Vainha Ubisi put the game out of reach for Madibaz as she scored twice as TUT won 24:5 Match 23 (W): UL vs UFH 0-22 The penultimate game of match day one saw Fort Hare make light work of the University of Limpopo as Makhomazi Sivuyiseko scored a try and Qogi Inga ran in two tries as the side went in 17-0 ahead. The second half was more of the same for Fort Hare as they continued scoring back-to-back tries at the helpless University of Limpopo. Qogi Inga was running the show and bagged herself a brace of tries. The game ended 34-0 to UFH after a power play try. Match 24(W) UJ 64 – 0 UP-Tuks The last match of Friday was another Gauteng derby, this time the ladies. The Orange Army was playing like title contenders as they made light work of Tuks courtesy of captain Masingita Simango, Akhona Nkosi and two tries for Tanya Shava in a dominant 28-0 halftime display. Captain Masingita Simango got her hat trick and was unplayable with UJ running try after try. There were chants of 50-0 from the UJ army after Aliyah Njamme added another try to make it 47-0. The Orange Army capitalized on the power play and annihilated Tuks 64-0 For all the results and fixtures click HERE. All games broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4.

Eight of South Africa’s top Varsity 7s teams will fight it out for the 2022 men’s Varsity 7s championship at the Tuks Stadium in Pretoria on 7 and 8 October. University of Johannesburg Nickname: Orange Army (UJ) Titles: 2017 & 2019 Star player to look out for: Mpho Khubeka The defending 2019 champions are coming into this year’s edition as favourites given their glory in the last competition. However, does this also mean they’re coming in with a target on their back? Varsity sports spoke to UJ coach Patrick Ross-Allen, who says the team come into the competition with pressure of being champions. “”Being the reigning champions, there is pressure because everyone wants to beat the champs. We’ve got a target on our backs; each team will play their best game against us.” Meanwhile captain Mpho Khubeka who has been touted as the star player set to sizzle the competition, says he and his team will give it 100% on the field. “We come in with clear heads, nothing that we won in 2019. We will take it one game at a time, not focusing on the cup, but on each game. As captain when I get on the field, I just aim to give it 100%” Fixtures: UJ vs NWU – Friday 10:43AM Madibaz vs UJ – Friday 13:17 PM UP-Tuks vs UJ – Friday 16: 35PM UWC vs UJ – Saturday 9:59 AM University of Stellenbosch Nickname: Maties Titles: 2012 (Plett leg), 2013 & 2016 Star player to look out for: Frederick van Zyl One cannot talk about university rugby without mentioning Maties. The university which has represents the culture and heritage of university rugby are always favourites coming into any form of rugby. The team however have not won a title in the last 5 years and will be looking to climb back to glory in Pretoria. Varsity sports spoke to captain and star player Frederick can Eeeden van Zyl who says his team are hungry for glory. He says his team will be bold and decisive. “Everyone knows the Maties brand and Maties rugby, the jersey won’t play for itself we won’t bargain for anything. We must do everything, and we are motivated as we have worked hard for the last 3 months.” Fixtures: Maties vs Madibaz – Friday 11:27 AM UWC vs Maties – Friday 13:39 PM NWU-Pukke vs Maties – Friday 16:13 PM UP-Tuks vs Maties – Saturday 9:37AM University of Pretoria Nickname: UP- Tuks Titles: 2018 Star player to look out for: Stephan Coetzee UP-Tuks come into the tournament as the hosts and will have home ground to their advantage. With the Varsity Sports festival taking place at the Tuks Stadium, the team can be spurred forward by its partisan support. Speaking to Varsity sports assistant coach Andre Kruger says playing at home does put pressure on the team. “Everybody expects us to do good on our home field, but sevens rugby does not really have the same home ground advantage as 15’s rugby. But I am confident that if students come through then the crowds will back us with that energy.” With the likes of alumni Impi Visser rising from Varsity 7’s rugby all the way to the Bliztboks, coach Kruger believes Stephan Coetzee could also go in the same direction. He says the full back has all the makings of an excellent sevens rugby player with the capability of moving up and playing in higher colours. Fixtures: UP-Tuks vs Wits – Friday 10:21 AM UP-Tuks vs Kosvies – Friday 12:55AM UP-Tuks vs UJ – Friday 16:35 PM UP-Tuks vs Maties – Saturday 9:37AM University of Free State Nickname: Kosvies Titles: 2012 (Margate Leg) & 2015 Star player to look out for: Chad Adams Kosvies which is coming into the tournament with one of the youngest sides says it wants to have fun and grow from the experience. The team have several exciting players including some that even played Varsity Cup rugby. Coach Andre Tredoux had this to say. “We always want to be competitive; we’ve got a younger side and we look forward to enjoy the tournament. It is important to enjoy the game and score some great tries.” Meanwhile captain Ethan Wentzel says the teams target is finishing in the top 2. “We are a young team, so we are looking forward to the tournament and try our best by finishing in the top 2. I personally want to lead by example and lead my team forward.” Fixtures: UWC vs Kosvies – Friday 11:05 AM UP-Tuks vs Kosvies – Friday 12:55 AM Madibaz vs Kosvies – Friday 15:29 PM NWU-Pukke vs Kosvies – Saturday 10:21 AM University of Witwatersrand Nickname: Wits Titles: N/A Star player to look out for: Keagan Lailvaux Several teams coming into the Varsity 7’s tournament have participated in the USSA (University Sport South Africa) 7’s rugby championships in September. Wits which were one of those teams are looking to build on the experience gained from the USSA tournament. Speaking to Varsity Sports, assistant coach of Wits rugby Kwanele Ngema says his team are hungry to get involved following the USSA games and the recent Rugby World Cup Sevens which was hosted in Cape Town. “We come in with a lot of confidence having learnt how to become a better team. Having hosted the Rugby World Cup Sevens, our players want to be in that environment with a vibrant, high intensity and high energy rugby. We couldn’t have asked for a better platform.” Fixtures: UP-Tuks vs Wits – Friday 10:21 AM NWU-Pukke vs Wits – Friday 14:01 PM UWC vs Wits – Friday 15:51 PM Madibaz vs Wits – Saturday 9:15 AM North-West University Nickname: Eagles Titles: N/A Star player to look out for: Kelvin Clark NWU-Pukke are coming into this tournament with a bounce in their step following victory at the USSA 7’s games. The University Sports of South Africa hosted a 7’s tournament in September and the team from the North West will be looking to build on that victory and surprise many in Pretoria. Varsity sports spoke to head coach Pieter van der Berg who says his team might be the dark horses. “”We just managed to win the USSA championships, some teams might consider us favourites, but 7’s is a brutal game and things can change quickly. But there is some form of confidence players will be coming in with in this competition.” Fixtures: UJ vs NWU-Pukke – Friday 10:43AM NWU-Pukke vs Wits – Friday 14:01 PM NWU-Pukke vs Maties – Friday 16:13 PM NWU-Pukke vs Kosvies – Saturday 10:21 AM University of Western Cape Nickname: UWC Titles: N/A Star player to look out for: Peter Williams © Another team looking to build from the USSA games is the University of Western Cape who came agonizingly close to glory when they lost the final against NWU-Pukke. With the valuable lessons and experience gained from last month’s tournament, coach Clement Trout believes they are equal to all the teams in the 7’s tournament. He says there are no clear favourites and that teams would be foolish to consider them as underdogs. “We lost in the final, so we’re hoping to be better and improve the best we can. We are excited to be participating and we will prepare the best we can and give it our all.” Fixtures: UWC vs Kosvies – Friday 11:05 AM UWC vs Maties – Saturday 13:39 PM UWC vs Wits – Friday 15:51 PM UWC vs UJ – Saturday 9:59 AM Nelson Mandela University Nickname: Madibaz Titles: N/A Star player to look out for;Kyle Cyster Finally, the Nelson Mandela University, also known as Madibaz says they come into the tournament as clear underdogs. Coach Zuko Ndlela says they will be coming in with a young team and new faces as several their experienced players are out on provincial duty. “We believe that we come as underdogs, we are always taken as such, but we are looking forward to showing our talents. Several our players are out due to provincial duties so we will be exposing new talent.” Meanwhile captain Kyle Cyster who will be the player to look out for says teams cannot take them lightly as they have nothing to lose as underdogs. “We have to stay in the fight and cannot give up, we are not scared of anyone.” Fixtures: Maties vs Madibaz – Friday 11:27 AM Maties vs Madibaz – Friday 13:17 PM Madibaz vs Kosvies – Friday 15:29 PM Madibaz vs Wits – Saturday 9:15 AM By: Nkosinathi Shazi

Undefeated throughout the tournament, Maties are the 2022 Varsity Netball champions after running out 68-55 victors over NWU in this year’s final in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Stellenbosch. It was a case of fourth time lucky for the Maroon Machine after making it to the final two on three previous occasions. The Eagles are returning to Potchefstroom without their third title, after winning the competition in 2015 and 2016. Maties have now managed to clip the Eagles’ wings in their last five Varsity Netball meetings. It was a tight defensive game with Maties’ Syntiche Kabuya making life very difficult for Elmeré van den Bergh in the Eagle’s goal circle. And to add insult to injury, Maties took their power play five minutes into the game and raced to a 10-2 lead, making it very clear they are here to win their first Varsity Netball title, and deny NWU their third crown. After a slow start, the Eagles got some wind underneath their wings to draw level 15-all as the first 15 minutes closed out. The Maroon Machine steam-rolled their opponents in the second quarter, with the dynamic duo of Kabuya and Nicola Smith not giving the Eagles shooters any breathing space. NWU also started making some errors on defence that the Maties capitalised on with centre Shanidine Bezuidenhout pouncing on every loose ball. The all-important championship quarter was ultimately where the Maties took the game away from their opponents. The introduction of Nichole Taljaard was key, with the Maties’ goal attack immediately making her presence known and stamping her authority with lighting fast feet and hands. Sian Moore kept on marshalling her troops from the back, continuously waving her finger for “one more, one more!” while she kept the scoreboard ticking over for Maties. Not even NWU’s power play with four minutes to go could prevent the inevitable and make the Maties the undisputed champions of the 2022 Varsity Netball tournament. Sian Moore (Maties captain): “Things started very fast and we got a little bit complacent towards the end of the first quarter. Then we switched it up in the second and third quarters, realising we worked too hard for this to not go all out. The girls did well and I’m so proud of them.” Zanele Mdodana (Maties coach): “I still can’t believe it, I’m at a loss for words. We’ve been building up to this moment, the hard work that’s gone in, year in, year out. We knew today was our day and I can’t thank my girls enough, they completely blew me away!” Nicolene van Heerden (NWU captain): “We made too many mistakes today, and things didn’t go our way. I learned so much from this team, and it was a privilege to play with them.” Quarter scores: 15-15| 33-22 | 53-35 | 68-54 Player of the match: Sian Moore (Maties) Player of the tournament: Elmeré van den Bergh (NWU)

Varsity Netball has provided life-changing opportunities for the top netball players at South African universities since 2013. Bringing the individual campuses and supporters along for the ride has been part of the excitement. And this the mighty Orange Army of UJ has certainly done in bucket loads! The enthusiastic courtside support of the singing, dancing and orange wig-wearing supporters have spurred Bongi Msomi’s team on to their best results in the history of the competition. Varsity Sports The meaning of off-court support was even more evident during the last round-robin action of the 2022 Varsity Netball tournament in Bloemfontein when a wave of orange swept the Callie Human Hall. UJ won a nailbiter against Tuks to advance to the semi-final of the competition for the first time and sent the former champions packing. Before the Johannesburg team take on the Maroon Machine of Maties in Monday’s second semi-final for that coveted spot in the final, Varsity Sports wanted to find out what is behind the dedication of the Orange Army. UJ senior manager (clubs) Nompilo Zondi “After Covid, we have been trying to create a sense of belonging and sport is a unique environment that engages our community, even when they’re not on the court themselves. “UJ wasn’t known for its netball, and since they have been doing so much for the university, we wanted to show our appreciation. They are only representing themselves but the entire university student community. You’re also representing Johannesburg, your families and the staff members working at the universities. FNB UJ during round 6 of the Varsity Netball between the FNB UJ and FNB UP TUKS at Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. 3 October 2022, Asem Engage – Hannes Naude “With all the support, when athletes step onto the court they wear their UJ badge with pride. They know that they are not alone. We want our team to know that whatever emotions they go through, we also go through them with them. Universities will testify about the mental challenges that students have to go through. And this way, supporters get a chance to be part of something they can be proud of. “It also fits into our strategy of enriching the student experience where students usually don’t feel part of the sports community unless they’re athletes. They create a unique experience for students as well as for players and staff. “Sport isn’t only about winning. It is about bringing people together.” Orange Army supporter Nkhanyiso Yeni “Our main goal is to go and support the girls. As an athlete, you can do the job on the court, but you also need the edge from the supporters whenever things aren’t going your way on the court. And that is where we come in as the Orange Army. “We’re not only there to watch netball but to support the players. It is part of our community culture where we support each other, no matter what the sports code. Depending on our schedules where students need to attend class or staff members need to perform their duties, we always try to be there for them. “We were raised to naturally support others with song and dance. Our goal is to be visible to the players when they step onto the court to know that we are there to support them. One of our most prominent group members is Super M, he is usually the big guy with the orange wig. “We go to these matches to keep the winning streak going, but we’re there for the mental support as well.” By Jürgen Smith

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.