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After eight rounds of thrilling football and plenty of drama, only two giants remain standing, set to face each other for the coveted Varsity Football trophy. TUT will travel to the City of Roses with ambitions of claiming a fifth Varsity Football title, eager to add another chapter to their storied history. The Red Army will clash with UFS Football contesting to embed a record fifth star on their jerseys. Coming into this battle having recorded four wins and two draws on their way to the final the Pretoria based side thumped UJ 1-0 in the semifinal to pave their way into the championship deciding match. Captain Alan Moja believes his team is high in confidence as they have won it four times already and know how to win it. “I am very confident in winning the fifth star, because we done it before. This is our year, we know the feeling of playing the final and we will do everything to prove that as we done it before. We were somewhat written off so right now is our chance to reclaim our title. This title belongs to TUT and no other institutions,” said Moja. “I believe teamwork, hard work and the motivations we depend on those so that we can be remembered in the history of Varsity Football. Working together will help us win the title. All the instructions and encouragements we will give each other will play a huge part.” In the final match of the round-robin stage, TUT defeated UFS to secure their place in the semifinals, setting up a high-stakes rematch between the two powerhouses when it matters most. Moja emphasized that his team has been focused primarily on achieving results, keeping their eyes firmly on the goal rather than distractions along the way. “When it comes to the final it's about the results, we will carry the memories and experiences we shared this campaign,” he said. “Some players really needed this experience so that we see where we lack. The most important thing is about results and teamwork and how we motivate each other on and off the field but at the end of the day is about the results.”   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

The Varsity Football 2025 semi-finals delivered drama and intensity on Thursday night, with both matches producing memorable results. At the UJ Soweto Stadium, TUT secured their place in the final after edging past UJ 1-0 in a tightly contested Gauteng derby. Meanwhile, at the NWU Mafikeng Stadium, UFS had to dig deep to earn their spot in the championship match, showing great composure as they triumphed 4-3 in a nail-biting penalty shootout against NWU.   Here are the players who made the biggest impact in their respective matches. Aphelele Sibisi (NWU)   In the semi-final clash between NWU and UFS, captain Aphelele Sibisi delivered another standout performance at right back. His defensive awareness was key in disrupting UFS attacks, with well-timed tackles and composed decision-making under pressure. Beyond his defensive duties, Sibisi added value in attack with overlapping runs and precise passes that helped stretch the opposition’s backline. Leading by example, he combined discipline with attacking intent, making him a pivotal presence for NWU throughout the match.   Lucky Raphala (TUT Football)   Lucky Raphala played an impressive role in leading TUT to the final. He was the playmaker for the Pretoria side, winning the majority of the free kicks in front of the UJ box. Though he was not on the scoresheet, he did well to give TUT the forward movements, thus earning the FNB Player of the Match award.   Kyle Van Rensburg (UJ Football)   UJ goalkeeper Kyle Van Rensburg played a crucial role to keep UJ in the game though conceding a single goal in the second half. He mace crucial saves to prevent TUT from scoring several goals. His efforts in goal put him in line as a contender for the Cashbuild Golden Glove award, having conceded just three goals in seven matches.   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.

The Varsity Netball 2025 final at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein delivered every ounce of drama fans could have hoped for. In front of a buzzing crowd, NWU overturned the odds to defeat defending champions UFS Kovsies 57–49.   It is the Eagles’ third Varsity Netball title, and their first since 2016. The last time they played in a final was in 2022 when they were beaten by Maties.   After the singing of the national anthem, the first quarter got underway with NWU striking first to put points on the board, while Kovsies took time to find their rhythm. That shifted when Liame de Lange intercepted a crucial NWU pass, allowing Kovsies to level the score moments later. The home side then pulled ahead, but NWU responded smartly by slowing down the tempo and executing precise passes to close the gap. Both teams made scoring difficult with strong defensive work and sharp attacking play, trading goals in a tightly contested opening period. Kovsies held a narrow 13–12 lead at the end of the first quarter.   In the second quarter, Kovsies realised that simply matching NWU goal for goal wouldn’t be enough. The defending champions attempted longer, riskier passes but their accuracy began to falter. Eagles defenders Jessica Matjiu and Martine Jordaan worked tirelessly to curb Mari du Raan’s goal-scoring rhythm. As a result, both sides only managed to double their tallies. At halftime, Kovsies maintained a narrow 26–24 lead.   The penultimate 15 minutes saw the Eagles’ Sunel Smit make full use of her height advantage to keep the scoreboard ticking. In midfield, Tandolwetho Mokoena disrupted several NWU attacking plays at crucial moments, lifting the home crowd, who cheered loudly with every Kovsies goal. With both teams still holding back their power plays, the stage was set for a tense final quarter. While Kovsies maintained their consistent strike rate of 13 goals per quarter, NWU slipped further behind, managing only 10 in the period and the scoreboard read 39–34.   In the final quarter, Du Raan and Xandri Fourie combined to dominate the Kovsies’ attacking circle, keeping their team in contention. After the first power play, the scores were level with six minutes remaining, setting up a thrilling finish. But as soon as NWU edged ahead, the Kovsies supporters were silenced for the first time all evening. During the second power play, Kovsies appeared deflated as NWU piled on unanswered goals, surging to a substantial lead. They sealed the victory with a final score of 57-49.     Quarter scores:  13-12 | 26-24 | 39-34 | 49-57 FNB Player of the Match:  Sunel Smith (NWU) FNB Player of the Tournament:  Reratilwe Letsoalo (UFS Kovsies) Suzuki Players’ Player of the Tournament: Cornelia Mupenda (UJ)   UFS Kovsies:  Liame de Lange, Reratilwe Letsoalo, Elene Vosloo, Xandri Fourie, Charne van Vuuren, Chanique Eyberg, Mari du Raan, Thando Mokoena, Leane Otto, Megan Erasmus, Siyamthandanda Sambo, Mienke Delport.   NWU:  Sunel Smit, Jaime Matfield, Andrya Joubert, Jessica Matjiu,  Johanné Meyer, Amori Matthee, Christi-Mari Coetzee, Vivian Venancio, Jade Egwatu, Liane van Lochem, Casey Davids, Johanne Meyer, Martiné Jordaan.   Results and news HERE .

The stage is set and for UFS Kovsies it is as big as it gets – the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein on Monday 29 September (19:00) when they take on NWU in the final of Varsity Netball 2025. And the players and coaches of the defending champions say they are ready.   Assistant coach and Protea star Karla Pretorius believes consistency will be key.   “We plan to focus on our game plan and execute it as consistently as possible. The fact that we were successful in a tough semi-final (against Maties, 46-35) give us confidence, and a home crowd feels like having an eighth player on court.”   Kovsies will need everything on their side to stop NWU, who swept aside UJ 58–28 in their semi-final. A record five titles and the advantage of yet another home final in a packed Callie Human Hall however count in their favour.   Kovsies’ only defeat this year was in the first bumper weekend, against UJ (50-53), something that goal shooter Mari du Raan acknowledges count in their favour.   “We’ve had a really good tournament, one of the few teams to stay consistent throughout, and that’s been a building block for us. Every moment at Callie Human is special, but when we won the semi-final and I saw what it meant to every player, that was unforgettable. Now we’re mentally ready for NWU’s defence, and we’ll make sure every shot sinks.”   Defensive star Liame de Lange, who has collected multiple player of the match awards, says the team’s growth has been “impeccable” over the season.   “The fourth quarter of the semi-final was huge for us, we tightened our defence and stayed composed under pressure. That composure will be vital on Monday against NWU. We want to disrupt their flow defensively and stay calm on attack. Most importantly, we trust in God for strength to play with our hearts.” Get tickets to the final HERE .   by Jürgen Smith

As the curtain comes down on Varsity Netball 2025, the NWU Eagles are ready to leave everything on court as they take on defending champions UFS Kovsies in the final on Monday 29 September (19:00) at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein.   The final offers the Eagles an opportunity to avenge their 59-83 defeat to Kovsies in round five, a result that has fuelled their determination and sharpened their focus, says captain Martine Jordaan.   “That match was a wake-up call for us. We know exactly where we fell short, and this time we are determined to execute our plan and show how much we have grown since then.”   Reflecting on the season, Jordaan said the team’s growth, both individually and collectively, has been central to their success.   “We have grown so much as individuals and as a team since the beginning of the tournament. There have been some tough moments, but we kept our spirits high and focused on our goals. The semi-final (against UJ) has been a stand-out for me in the way the team played and just the fun we had on court.”   Looking ahead to Monday night’s final against the five time champions, Jordaan emphasized that NWU’s focus remains on perfecting their own performance rather than being distracted by the opposition.   “We are focusing on the things we can control and really trying to approach it as we would any other game. Our approach is to sharpen up our own game and try to produce a finals-worthy performance.”   The final also marks an emotional milestone for Jordaan, who has captained the team through a season marked by determination and progress.   “This has been such a season of growth for both me and the NWU Eagles. I don’t know how to put into words what this team has done for me and the journey we have been on this season. It has truly been a special and memorable season. To lift the trophy on Monday night would mean the world to us after nearly 10 years,” Jordaan said. Get tickets HERE .   by Phenyo Mokgothu

UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 26 September. Winner will be announced after the final on Monday 29 September. The stage is set for the 2025 Varsity Netball final on Monday, 29 September as UFS and NWU will go head-to-head at the Callie Human Hall in Bloemfontein. While the spotlight will be on which team secures the championship trophy, it’s now time to honour the standout stars of the season and for the public to have their say in deciding who deserves the title of FNB Player of the Tournament with the winner walking away with a cash prize from FNB and a Hertz-sponsored vehicle for a year! How the nominees were chosen The head coaches from all eight participating universities each nominated three players who impressed them most throughout the tournament. Coaches were not allowed to put forward players from their own squad. Votes were weighted: 1st place = 3 points, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 1 point. The three players with the highest overall scores are now up for the public vote. Your vote will decide who claims this prestigious award. Here are the nominees for 2025 as chosen by the coaches:   The public can cast their votes until Friday, 26 September at 9am. The winner will be the player with the most votes at the deadline and will be announced after the final on Monday 29 September. Vote for your winner below. UPDATE: Voting for the FNB Player of the Tournament has closed as of 9am on 26 September. Winner will be announced after the final on Monday 29 September. Reratilwe Letsoalo (UFS) Captain of the defending champions and lead her team into the final once again where she will no doubt play an instrumental role if the Kovsies are going to lift the trophy once again. Her goal from the start was about more than just winning. She points to the team’s new motto for 2025 - All minus one is equal to nothing.  “If we’re not all in this together, we won’t achieve what we want to achieve. Despite wanting to win and defend our title, our main goal this season is to be consistent, not just one player standing out, but consistent as a team from the first game through to the playoffs.” Cornelia Mupenda   – UJ UJ’s last line of defence had an incredible season taking the Orange Army to the semi-finals with confidence. The Namibian international continues to thrive on the domestic and international stage. She joined the Singapore Super League earlier this year and won the TNL 2025 with the Golden Fireballs. She picked up numerous FNB Player of the Match awards during the tournament. Christi-Mari Coetzee - NWU Christi-Mari Coetzee quickly established herself as a player to watch in Varsity Netball 2025. Making an immediate impact with a player of the match award on her debut against Varsity College and earning national junior call-ups, she is building a reputation as one of South Africa’s emerging netball talents. She has been a cornerstone of the Eagles success and with no less than 4 FNB Player of the Match performance she is no doubt one for the future. The final takes place this coming Monday and you can get tickets HERE .

TUT secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over UJ in a tense Varsity Football semi-final, booking their place in the final. Meanwhile UFS advanced after holding their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout, edging NWU 4-3 to seal their spot in the championship clash.   UJ 0-1 TUT In a nail-biting Varsity Football semi-final showdown, TUT Football secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts UJ Football. The match, played at a hushed UJ Soweto Stadium, was a tense tactical battle that came down to a single moment of brilliance. The opening half was a cagey affair, with both teams prioritizing defence. TUT controlled possession, pushing UJ deep into their own territory, but neither side managed to create a clear-cut opportunity. The most notable action came in the 6 th minute when UJ's goalkeeper, Kyle Van Rensburg, was forced to make a save from a long-range shot. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0. After the break, the intensity ramped up significantly. The physical game led to a flurry of yellow cards, and the momentum shifted decisively in the 69 th  minute. UJ's Yasidu Lifa received his second yellow card, earning him a red card and an early exit. This left the home team to play the remainder of the match with just ten men, giving TUT the confidence to press their advantage. The decisive moment came shortly after. TUT's Lehlomo Tolo delivered the winning blow with a stunning strike, finding the back of the net and putting his team up 1-0. Having a man and a goal advantage, TUT continued to attack, but the score remained 1-0 at the final whistle. This win was sweet revenge for TUT, who had been defeated 1-0 by UJ in a previous match in Round 6 during the round-robin stage. After finishing the season at the top of the table with five wins and two draws, TUT's victory eliminated UJ from the title race and earned them a well-deserved place in the final.   SCORERS:   TUT: Lehlomo Tolo.                                                                         Player of the Match:  Lucky Raphala (TUT)   TEAMS:   UJ:  Kyle Van Rensburg, Ndabezinhle Nkosi, Sinenhlanhla Mkhonza, Tumelo Machete, Tumelo Machete, Karabo Modisane, Ngwako Ramaloko, Yasidu Lifa, Tokoloho Vilakazi, Thabo Moshikere, Tshepo Mosieleng, Keletso Sekhwela. TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Lehlomo Tolo, Mekdiwe Ncenya, Surprise Khoza, Alan Moja, Sphesihle Mazibuko, Katlego Motlhale, Menzukuthula Ntshangase, Lucky Raphala, Lindokuhle Nyandeni, Precious Mohale.   NWU 0 (3) - 0 (4) UFS NWU Football suffered a heartbreaking exit from the Varsity Football 2025 semi-finals after falling 4-3 to UFS Football in a tense penalty shootout at NWU Mafikeng Stadium on Thursday night. The much-anticipated clash lived up to expectations, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and determination from the opening whistle. NWU took the early initiative, controlling possession and registering two shots on target in the opening 20 minutes, while UFS managed one attempt as they looked to settle into the game. Despite NWU’s dominance in the first half, creating several promising chances and keeping UFS under pressure, neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval. The second half followed a similar pattern, with NWU continuing to push forward in search of a decisive goal. The best chance of the match arrived in the final minute of regulation time when NWU were awarded a penalty. However, the opportunity slipped away when Momelezi Mngati failed to convert, leaving the score at 0-0 after 90 minutes and forcing the match into a penalty shootout. In the shootout, both teams held their nerve initially, but two missed penalties from NWU proved costly. UFS capitalised on their chances, converting four of their spot-kicks to seal a 4-3 victory and book their place in the Varsity Football final. It was a bitter end to an otherwise dominant performance from NWU, who controlled much of the match but could not translate their superiority into goals. The result means their 2025 Varsity Football journey comes to an end, while UFS advances with momentum into the championship decider.   Player of the match: Lethokuhle Makhaya (UFS)   TEAMS:   NWU:  Ethan Mokwena, Lucky Letwaba, Lucas Seromo, Aphelele Wandile Sibisi, Knowledge Muleya, Thabang Majoro, Thapelo Letsholonyane, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Momelezi Mngati, Bokamoso Ramoshoane, Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk. UFS: Lethokuhle Makhaya, Ben Kraai, Philani Zondi, Xolani Mqwathi, Iviwe Dyabuza, Tshepo Ndlovu, Jose Mondi, Jarome Jansen, Omphemetse Matlhogonolo Athibeng, Kagisho Lekholoa, Adolph Radingoana.   HIGHLIGHTS: Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.

UFS Football are confident that they can book their place in the final of the Varsity Football 2025 competition on Thursday night, and they are more than prepared to fight tooth and nail to make it happen. Last week, the Blues missed out on a home semi-final when they went down 2-1 to the Tshwane University of Technology. While they are still in the playoffs, their path has become tougher as they now have to travel to Mahikeng to face NWU Football, a side they managed to beat 1-0 earlier in the campaign. One thing UFS have shown this season is their willingness to got to the trenches for each other. That fighting spirit and character has seen them punch well above their weight throughout the competition. Although the loss to TUT was a setback, captain Iviwe Dyabuza admitted his side didn’t show enough character in that match but believes it’s something they can put right. “I think one of the biggest factors in our loss last week was that we failed to show character during the game. That’s something we hold very close to our hearts to always display character. It was a problem for us, but it’s something we can fix as a team going into this game,” Dyabuza said. The speedy left-back also cautioned that NWU will be no pushovers in Mahikeng, but they will be prepared for what is to come. “Going to Mahikeng, we’re expecting a physical game, a game that will be fast and intense. But we’re preparing ourselves for anything that might come our way. We were there last season and it didn’t end well, so we know what to expect. “By God’s grace, we’re hoping for a positive result. Winning would mean a lot because it would be the first time our team reaches a Varsity Football final. “We’re approaching this game like a final because we want to get ourselves into the championship match to show what we can really do.” Thursday night’s semi-final between NWU-Mahikeng and UFS kicks off at 19:15.   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.

The battle for Varsity Football silverware has reached its decisive stage, with only four teams left standing. Record champions TUT will make the short trip to face city rivals UJ, eager to avenge past defeats while maintaining their impressive record of knocking UJ out in knockout stages. The highly anticipated clash will also serve as a repeat of the 2023 Varsity Football final, promising yet another fierce encounter as the Red Army and UJ collide once more with a spot in the final on the line. Red Army assistant coach Stuart Mhlongo believes his side’s preparations are in place although it took them the last game of round robin to qualify for the semis. “The team is in good spirit, and we are excited for Thursday’s game. Looking at the way we played this season I think we started well and along the way complacency kicked in. Against Wits we were supposed to collect maximum points we made an error by conceding a penalty and allowed Wits to come back into the game, we ended up getting a point,” said Mhlongo. “In Mafikeng it was a balanced game, looking how we conceded they scored a beautiful goal but looking at it in a different angle it looked offside. We all know playing in Mafikeng is not easy especially with the support they have. we lacked concentration as well without blaming the officials. Same with UJ we played well and anticipated that UJ will be dangerous on set-pieces that’s where they have been lethal. It gave us an opportunity to see how far we are in terms of mental strength.” TUT will travel to UJ Soweto Campus where they last won their trophy in 2023. The Red Army taunted UJ in their backyard in a number of times, they will look to put a stop on TUT’s dominance while TUT looks to continue to be a thorn to the Joburg side. “Playing UJ in their backyard is never easy, but we all know that when we lifted the cup in 2022 and 2023, we won against UJ in their backyard. They hate losing against us and they want to put a stop to that but for them to lift the trophy they have to win this game. We plan to play nine games and that is where our focus in at,” he adds “Every year when we start the tournament we prepare to play all nine games; we are confident that we have what it takes to get maximum results but is not going to be easy. We know our targets; we want to add the fifth star on our jerseys we are confident we can upset them in their backyard.”   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.   By: Lehlogonolo Ditshego

For NWU head coach Nkululeko Malgas, history serves as both a reminder and a source of motivation. Last season, his team dominated UFS with a commanding 4-0 victory at home in the semifinals, only to stumble to a narrow 1-0 defeat away earlier this year. Now, with another home semifinal on Thursday, 25 September, Malgas is determined to ensure the focus remains on the present, insisting that the slate has been wiped clean and that his side is ready to rise to the occasion once again.  “It’s a new game, a new year, and even new match officials. They have a new coach, Mokete Tsotetsi, who has done extremely well in his first season at the university level. So, we cannot rely on the past; we must prepare for this match as its own battle,” said Malgas. “I call that a Championship Spell - they also collected seven points from nine away from home. To take four points off Wits and UP-Tuks on the road is not easy. They’ve been very good travellers.” For NWU, this semi-final is about more than just progress; it’s about redemption. Last year, they reached the home final only to lose to UWC on penalties, a result that still stings. “That one hurt,” Malgas reflected. “We had the opportunity in front of our fans and couldn’t take it. This year, we want to finish the job. The last time NWU won Varsity Football was in 2018. It’s time.” “We are where we wanted to be from the start of our Varsity Football technical strategy. We needed a bit of luck from TUT to secure a home semi, but the boys know the stage they are on and what is expected. They are a fully motivated group.” Malgas underlined the role of supporters as a crucial factor. “Our 12th man is something else,” he said. “They arrive two hours before kick-off. By the time we go out for warm-up, the stadium is already half full. They drive these boys to another level. They are just unbelievable.” “We owe it to ourselves and to our supporters. We have been close before, but now is the moment to bring the Varsity Football trophy back to NWU.”   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.   By: Phenyo Mokgothu

UJ Men’s Football has put together a near-perfect season, and now their championship dreams will be tested in a high-stakes semifinal against long-time rivals, TUT. The two Gauteng powerhouses will face off at UJ Soweto Stadium on Thursday night. UJ has dominated the 2025 group stages, finishing at the top of the log with an impressive undefeated record of five wins and two draws. Their disciplined play was on full display in their last match, a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CUT Football in Bloemfontein. The team’s confidence is high, but they’re not getting complacent. Assistant Coach Ntsikelelo Simon Tshowa says the team is as focused as ever. "The semi-final is a different animal, it's no longer about winning three points; it's a knockout. We hope the boys can rise to the occasion,” said Tshowa. “Winning the tournament would be a wonderful achievement. That's what we need to do for the institution – to make them proud, especially after such great recent performances." With both teams hungry for a spot in the final, this semi-final promises to be a thrilling encounter. The winner will go on to face either the UFS or NWU for the championship title on Thursday, 2 October 2025.   Fixtures:  HERE    Tickets:  HERE.   By: Collen Maepa

First-year Sport Management student Tshepo Mosieleng is among twelve new players drafted into the UJ team this season as the Orange Army sit unbeaten at the top of the log ahead of the semi-final against TUT coming up on Thursday 25 Sept. With a promising history already in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League, Mosieleng's striking debut signals the start of a new chapter for the young footballer who has his sights set firmly on the pinnacle of the sport. Speaking to Varsity Sports, here he shares his journey as a young footballer aiming for the top. Where are you from and what are you studying at UJ? I was born and bred in Mahikeng, North-West Province, and I'm studying Sport Management. When did you realize that you could play better football? I was about seven or eight years old, playing for a team called Magra FC in Mahikeng. I was brave and confident with the ball, and that’s when my love for football really developed. Who inspired you to play football? My dad, Thato Mosieleng. He was a footballer in our community but had to stop playing because of a serious injury. He always encouraged me, though, and even bought me my first pair of soccer boots - Reebok - when I was in Grade 2 or 3. Not many first-year students excel in Varsity Football the way you have. You wear the coveted No. 10 jersey. How did you break into the team? Coach Karabo Mogudi brought me to UJ this year. I was playing at the SAFA Transnet Football School of Excellence in Elandsfontein, and he saw me at the Engen Knockout Challenge in 2024. He asked me to apply to study at UJ so I could play for his team, and now, here we are. Have you always wanted to study at UJ? I always wanted to pursue football as a career, but Coach Karabo encouraged me to continue my studies while playing. Do you feel intimidated by bigger, more senior opposition players, especially given your smaller stature? Not at all. Sometimes my size works to my advantage because I can make quick turns, and the taller, bigger players are a bit slower to keep up. UJ has a history of producing talented players who go on to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the National First Division. What are your personal goals for playing in the tournament this year? My first goal is to develop myself. I believe that my dream of playing in the PSL will come true later. This tournament and the UJ team have given me an incredible opportunity to showcase my talent for scouts to see my abilities. Growing up, which PSL team and player did you admire? I used to support Kaizer Chiefs, but now I’m leaning toward Orbit FC because they’re from my home province. I really liked how Siphelele Ntshangase played when he was with Chiefs. Besides being noticed by scouts, what do your family and friends say about seeing you play on national television? I think they’re all proud of me because I never stopped believing in my dream to play football. I had several rejections when I was trying out for other clubs, but I'm still standing tall.   Fixtures:  HERE     Tickets:  HERE.   By: Collen N. Maepa