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UFS will be desperate to reignite their Varsity Football title defence when they return to action against Wits in Bloemfontein on Friday. The Blues have endured a difficult start to their campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats. Their latest setback came last week when they were edged 1-0 by TUT at Shimla Park in what was officially an away fixture. With their title defence already under serious scrutiny, UFS now face Wits in their third successive match at home, knowing that another slip-up could leave their campaign in danger of drifting off course. Three points would go a long way towards restoring confidence, particularly after the Blues have already faced two of the competition's traditionally strong sides in TUT and the University of Pretoria Tuks. There is also a sense of déjà vu for UFS. Twelve months ago, the defending champions also opened their campaign with two defeats before producing a remarkable turnaround to claim the Varsity Football crown. Goalkeeper Lethokuhle Makhaya believes that experience can provide the Blues with confidence as they look to respond against Wits. Makhaya, who impressed despite the defeat to TUT, admitted that conceding from the penalty spot was particularly frustrating, but insisted the squad remains determined to turn its fortunes around. “Those are the two best teams in the Varsity Football competition, and losing to TUT with a penalty was very, very disappointing,” said Makhaya. “But there are positives to take. As defending champions, we know there are expectations on us. We’ve been in this position before, and we understand that the pressure is always there. “We’re using it as motivation to bounce back.” According to Makhaya, the narrow defeat to TUT was not a reflection of a poor overall performance. Instead, the Blues' inability to convert their opportunities proved costly. “Against TUT, we played good football but lacked the final touch,” he said. “That’s something we identified and worked on in training this week. We’re creating chances and playing good football, so now it’s about being more clinical in the final third. “Against Wits, we need to take the chances we create so we can get those three points, build momentum and move forward.” The message is clear for the defending champions: chances must be converted and points must be collected. UFS will host Wits at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE

Madibaz head coach Jeanie Steyn is heading into her third Varsity Netball campaign at the helm, with a young squad eager to make its mark when Varsity Netball 2026 gets underway. Steyn has grown into the coaching role since making the transition from player to head coach, and says the experience has given her a new perspective on the demands and responsibilities that come with leading a team. “This will be my third year coaching Madibaz at Varsity Netball. I have now settled into the coaching position. The hotseat is still very hot, but the more you coach the more confidence you get in your decisions,” says Steyn. While she has embraced the challenge, Steyn admits there are still moments when she misses being on court. “Every time it is powerplay I still miss being on court. I've enjoyed this role. I think being a head coach of a team you learn a lot about yourself and the impact your energy can have on other people. It comes with great responsibility and challenges which makes the reward so much more impactful.” Six players will be making their Varsity Netball debuts, with the majority of the squad made up of first- and second-year students. “I can feel the players are excited. They have been working hard and have been adapting well to all the challenges that we faced this year,” says Steyn. The young players will have experienced campaigners to lean on, with Edon Snyman, Inganathi Sepepa and Juanita van Tonder bringing valuable knowledge of the Varsity Netball environment. “They are familiar with the platform and know what level of netball to expect. Their experience will set the standard for the younger players,” says Steyn. For Madibaz, the make-up of the squad also provides an opportunity to build for the future, with the young group able to gain valuable experience early in their university careers. “We mostly have first and second years, which is great for building a new team and allowing them to gain this experience so early in their university netball careers.” Madibaz Provisional Squad: Jessica Strydom, Bronwyn Goosen, Busi Vayo, Haniska van Vuuren, Simone Louw, Edon Snyman, Inganathi Sapepa, Keagile Magadla, Juanita van Tonder, Luchwayito Tshandu, Yazi Dumbela, Kearabetsoe Kau, Leila Nel, Neviera Gunn, Ogiyonke Mabani, Yonda Nokwe, Inge van Wyk, Amber Lister, Motheo Moeng, Sbongile Gwaxu. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

As South Africa’s top student athletes get set to take the court for Varsity Netball 2026, anticipation is building for another season of fierce competition, emerging talent and unforgettable moments. From established stars to exciting young players ready to make their mark, the tournament promises no shortage of talent on court. With the action getting underway, here are some of the players we believe you should be keeping an eye on throughout the 2026 campaign. Reratilwe Letsoalo (UFS) : The FNB Player of the Tournament last year needs no introduction. She earned an international move to the Malaysian Netball Super League for outstanding performance. Her work ethic, tactical awareness and calmness under pressure make her a force to be reckoned with on the courts. Hanniska van Vuuren (Madibaz): In the opening two rounds of last year's tournament Madibaz beat Tuks and then eventual champions NWU. Co-captain Hanniska van Vuuren was instrumental in those victories giving Madibaz a flying start to the tournament. A gold medalist with the South African U19 team at the Region V Games, she also featured in their victorious CUCSA Games campaign. Lara Ehlers (Maties): Lara was in top form for Maties last season, commanding the wing attack position with sharp feeds, smart playmaking, and energy through the midcourt. Look for her to feature prominently again this season if the Maroon Machine are to go further than last year's semi-finals. Christi-Mari Coetzee (NWU): NWU goal defence 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 and earning national junior call-ups, she rapidly build a reputation as one of South Africa’s emerging netball talents and earned a nomination for FNB Player of the Tournament in her rookie season. She was instrumental in the Eagles being crowned champions. Phophi Nematangari (Tuks): The Baby Proteas captain lead the team to their best-ever finish at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. At the Netball World Youth Cup Qualification Tournament Phophi was named the tournament's best mid-court player so she will no doubt feature heavily if the Stripe Generation are going to lift the trophy. Cornelia Mupenda (UJ): The UJ captain and goal defence is always a towering presence on the court and she lead the Orange Army to the finals last year and was agonisingly close to lifting the trophy. She has represented Nambia on the national stage and was also nominated for FNB Player of the Tournament last season. Giada Prinsloo (Wits): Goal shooter Giada Prinsloo has been a mainstay of the Wits team and will she will once again feature heavily if the Joburg side are going to give the traditional netball powerhouses problems again this year. Giada has represented SA at u21 level so she comes with pedigree and experience. Keletso Gontho and Karla Victor (CUT): Newcomers CUT will look to make a big first impression with stars like Karla Victor, part of the Spar Proteas team at the Commonwealth Games and Keletso Gontho the captain of Botswana National Team. #iLOVEit

Fresh off an impressive victory at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Netball Championship, the University of Johannesburg enters Varsity Netball 2026 brimming with confidence, cohesion and peak physical conditioning. The technical team is putting the final touches on tactical integration to ensure the team hits the ground running from the opening whistle. The Orange Army is playing Maties in their opening fixture (Sunday 23 August) before taking on newcomers CUT the following day. Assistant coach Nkanyiso Yeni says they are more than ready and the energy in the team is good. “Everyone is calm and the entire squad is fit for the tournament. As coaches, we just need to make sure (the players) are all connected and put the final touches to make sure they hit the road running.” UJ Netball management and coaching staff hold high expectations for the campaign, targeting nothing less than the championship title. “The squad has embraced a resilient, high-intensity mindset focused on competing fiercely each weekend,” says Yeni. Central to this campaign is a balance of veteran leadership and structural depth. Stellar contributors Cornelia Mupenda and Boitumelo Mahloko enter their final Varsity Netball campaign, providing reliable leadership and experience to guide the squad through high-pressure encounters. Speaking on the senior players’ last chapter with UJ, Yeni says, “Cornelia has been an asset for the UJ team. She’s reliable and relatable with each player in the team. It’s sad to see her and Boitumelo play their last Varsity Netball this year, but I know that they will go out there and make this tournament a memorable one.” “There is definitely a chance for us to win Varsity Netball this year. Though our squad changes each year, we still have our senior and experienced players who have played the past couple of seasons to do well,” says Yeni. Yeni adds, “However, we have no pressure to lift the trophy, we are going into the tournament to give it our best shot. We are there to compete and not just to participate and that will do us well to get closer to lifting the trophy.” UJ Provisional Squad: Owethu Ngubane, Kubura Abubakar, Georgia Leppan, Shiloh Berardelli, Neo Mosweu, Jaymee Joubert, Mariska O’Connor, Hayley José, Alexandra Meimaris, Tarle Mathe, Suné Barnard, Kim Ndebele, Kamogelo Motsepe, Boitumelo Mokoena, Tassnique Norman, Kgomotso Maleho, Amara Agabai, Cornelia Mupenda, Boitumelo Mahloko, Amahle Mbatha. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

A perfect blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars is fuelling Wits Netball's hunt for a top-four finish in Varsity Netball 2026. Stepping into their fourth Varsity Netball season, the squad is motivated by the lessons of last year's narrow fifth-place finish. Head coach Dr Elsje Jordaan believes this evolved roster maturity is exactly what the team needs to master clinical execution and seize the moments that matter. "Every competition is special, and it's different. There's a lot of experience in the squad now, so it's a mixture of youth and experience. I anticipate more confidence, belief, and strength." In last year's Varsity Netball campaign, Jordaan's biggest concern was taking a young, inexperienced team up against the tournament's big guns without key players. This year presents a completely different narrative, she says. “We are very positive, we are very excited. Ametisse Banda is back from injury, so we are very excited as we prepare. We are dealing with an ankle injury to one of our senior players, Zanele Soviya. She's on a management plan and will be joining us somewhere during the tournament. But the rest of the squad is fit and everybody is available for selection. We just want to give first years opportunities like Keke Moeletsi, who's joining us." The lessons from their previous campaign remain crystal clear, particularly after agonisingly close encounters against heavyweights like Maties and NWU. Jordaan notes that the margins at this level are small, and success boils down to capitalising on specific tactical areas. “I think we realised there that you need to make use of your opportunities. Last year’s tournament, I don’t think we won enough balls. We didn’t create enough turnovers, and if you don’t win the ball on the field, it's really difficult to win the game and build scoreboard pressure. It's important for us to work hard in our defensive unity that's come a long way, and then in front, it's about converting our shots into goals.” Jordaan insists that Wits are done being written off by critics. “Smaller programs like Wits will always be a surprise package but on the day, the players just need to pitch up and make the game plan work. The players are excited and looking forward to the challenge, and we'll fight hard.” The Joburg outfit will look to prove exactly that when they kick off their campaign against tournament newcomers CUT on Sunday. Jordaan is guarding against any complacency, noting that the debutants possess dangerous individual talent and she knows there will be no room for error. “CUT is a whole different team … They have Karla Victor in the squad, who just returned from representing the Proteas at the Commonwealth Games, so they have a lot of quality players. "Every single match in Varsity Netball level is a battle, and we cannot afford to give them an inch on the court." Wits Provisional Squad: Giada Prinsloo, Philsande Ntuli, Alix Horn, Ametisse Bakenga Bandu, Amy Horn, Bophelo Mofokeng, Giuliana Vieira, Keira Pienaar, Kekeletso Molotsi, Mikayla Mbalenhle Radebe, Mignon Mentz, Oratile Mokone, Primrose Ngwenya, Shiàne Fouché, Zanele Soviya. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

One of the promising young goalkeepers in the Varsity Football tournament, Zubeir Mohamed, is enjoying a standout campaign between the sticks for the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Mohamed has already kept two clean sheets, an impressive achievement in a tournament renowned for its fierce competition and high-quality football. The Cape-born shot-stopper has embraced the challenge with both hands, describing the tournament as an invaluable experience and a platform to express himself, showcase his talent and grow as a goalkeeper. Taking over as UWC’s first-choice goalkeeper has not been an easy task, especially after succeeding the much-loved Leathan Croats, who left big gloves to fill. “It feels good to be UWC’s first-choice keeper for the Varsity Football tournament. I’ve learnt a lot during my time when Leathan was first choice. Leathan was an amazing goalkeeper who set the standard very high, which pushes me to work hard and keep the standard up there,” said Mohamed. But his development has not only been shaped by Croats. Mohamed also credits former and current UWC players for helping him settle into the team and find his feet. “When I first joined the team, the former players welcomed me and made me feel at home. They always guided me to do the right thing,” he said. Now, Mohamed has his sights firmly set on team success. He believes UWC have what it takes to go all the way in this year’s tournament and add another star to the university’s jersey. “We want to go all the way, add another star to our jersey and leave a legacy at the university,” he said. With confidence growing and two clean sheets already under his belt, Mohamed will be eager to keep the momentum going as UWC chase their Varsity Football dream. UWC’s next challenge comes at home against Durban University of Technology (DUT) at 18:30. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Phiri Cawe

University of Johannesburg (UJ) left-back Koketso Mathidza says his love for football is deeply rooted in his upbringing, with the sport forming an important part of his life from a young age. Mathidza has quickly settled into life at UJ, with the welcoming environment allowing him to feel comfortable and express himself on the pitch. "The atmosphere has been very good. The people here at UJ have been very welcoming. As soon as I got here, I just felt at home. I think it allowed me to enhance my performance and play to the best of my abilities,” said Mathidza. The defender's passion for the game began during his primary school years. "I started playing football in primary. I think I was under nine. I was eight years old, I just come from a background where football is loved,” he said. That passion runs deep in his family, with his father having played for Dalmanian Chiefs back at home in Limpopo. "Even at home, we have a club associated with our family. It's called Dalmanian Chiefs - it's a club my dad played for." "I just come from a background of football and I think that's what made me enjoy football." Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Collen N. Maepa

UP-Tuks are busy gearing up for an exciting campaign in the Varsity Netball 2026 competition. The Stripe Generation return with a rejuvenated squad after seeing through the 2025 campaign without a number of their key players due to the Youth World Cup. Head coach Amanda Mynhardt is motivated and says that her side is ready to compete, highlighting the importance of players competing in various tournaments and the wealth of experience they bring to Varsity Netball. “We are happy with where we are in terms of preparations at the moment, for us it is about bringing our players together who have been part of different campaigns. “We need to try and get points this time around. Last year we had a tough time not having all our players available due to the Youth World Cup. We need to get enough points to get us into the semis.” The Pretoria outfit are looking to make the finals for the first time in three years and ultimately win it, having last won it in 2023. They are coming in with newly formed leadership as Kyla Dames will lead Mynhardt’s troops in this campaign as the captain. “We have new faces in the team and also players making a return, the likes of Phophi Nematangari, Kamogelo Maseko and we are excited to see what the future holds for them. Kyla Dames has been great with us, taking the armband from Caroline Paul,” says Mynhardt. UP-Tuks will take on defending champions NWU in their opening game. “For us, it is not a lot to lose, considering we did not do well last year. It will be great to measure ourselves against those (top teams), just to see where we are and what areas to improve. “We all play to win, we know where we want to achieve, but we are realistic and know what it takes to be the best. If we take care of the smaller things, the big things will happen. To be the best, you need to show up all the time but also have the discipline throughout the campaign,” concluded Mynhardt. UP-Tuks Provisional Squad: Arette Burger, Anke van Rensburg, Jade Atkins, Jamie Williamson, Kamogelo Maseko, Kayla Venancio, Kathleen Taljaard, Khanya Ngema, Kiara van Eeden, Kimberley Amiras, Kyla Dames, Kristi Koekemoer, Lente Kroukamp, Luca Keun, Minette Boshoff, Nonnie Mjaliswe, Phophi Nematangari, Skyla Eley. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE.

Driven by the thunderous chants of a passionate home crowd at the UJ Soweto Stadium, UJ put on a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling UP-Tuks 5-0 to claim the 2026 Varsity Football Women crown. From the opening whistle, the Orange Army seized complete control of the match, orchestrating a relentless offensive storm that overwhelmed the visitors in a heavily one-sided opening half. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when star striker Mpho Dlamini latched onto a sublime feed from captain Sthembile Sandleni just outside the penalty area, driving a crisp, low strike into the bottom-right corner past UP-Tuks goalkeeper Akani Maluleke. With midfielder Lindelwa Mabuza pulling the strings in the center of the park, UJ stretched play across both flanks, pinning Tuks deep inside their own half. The pressure paid off again in the 23rd minute when Dlamini turned provider, whipping a pinpoint cross from the left flank for Mabuza to tap home and double the lead. Just four minutes later, UJ delivered a crushing third blow. Kabelo Mokoena exchanged swift passes with Sthembile Msomi inside the box before slotting the ball home in the 27th minute to build a comfortable 3-0 cushion. Tuks attempted to spark a revival through winger Sizakele Khumalo on the right wing, but UJ defender Angel Musazi swiftly neutralized the threat, keeping the Pretoria side at bay heading into the break. UJ returned for the second half with the same insatiable appetite for goals. Early in the second period, Kamogelo Maponya broke down the right flank and picked out Sbongakonke Mzobe inside the box; Mzobe struck a fine shot into the bottom-right corner, beyond the outstretched arms of a heavily tested Maluleke. Despite the mounting scoreline, UP-Tuks maintained their defensive composure, but UJ’s blistering pace proved impossible to contain. Maponya delivered yet another sharp ball from the right wing, finding Mabuza, who made no mistake in completing her brace and sealing an emphatic 5-0 victory. The dominant performance caps off a remarkable tournament run for UJ, crowning them undisputed champions on home soil. SCORERS: UJ: (3) 5 Mpho Dlamini, Lindelwa Mabuza X2, Kabelo Mokoena, Sbongakonke Mzobe UP-Tuks: 0 FNB Player of the Match: Lindelwa Mabuza (UJ) SportPesa Goal Rush Award: Mpho Dlamini (UJ) FNB Player of the Tournament: Sibongile Ntoane (TUT) Suzuki Golden Boot: Lindelwa Mabuza (UJ) TEAMS: UJ: Matshidiso Masebe, Kabelo Mokoena, Kutlwano Maphane, Angel Munasi, Sthembile Msomi, Sthembile Sandleni, Nhlakanipho Moyo, Lindelwa Mabuza, Mpho Dlamini, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Ayanda Mnyembane. UP-TUKS: Akani Maluleke, Liyema Dyeli, Sizakele Khumalo, Palesa Hlangwane, Thobile Mtsweni, Mmarita Malatji, Dakarai Zhoya, S’bahle Ndlovu, Shannan Williams, Nthabiseng Mazoeu, Ibanathi Msindo.

Maties are eager to get their Varsity Netball 2026 campaign underway, with the historic milestone of 100 years of Maties Netball adding extra significance to the season. After a demanding preparation period, Maties head coach Sasha-Lee Petersen believes her players are ready to embrace the challenge and represent the university with pride. "We are incredibly excited to finally get the tournament underway. A lot of hard work goes into preparing for Varsity Netball and there is always excitement leading up to this tournament. The players have invested countless hours on and off the court and I know they are eager for the opportunity to compete and represent Maties.” For Petersen, one of the biggest positives from the build-up has been the commitment shown by her squad, particularly as the players juggle their academic responsibilities alongside the demands of high-level sport. "Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete is never easy, particularly during a busy academic period, yet the players have consistently shown up with a willingness to learn, improve and challenge themselves. "They have embraced the process, held each other accountable and created an environment where everyone is working towards a common goal." The coach also understands the significance of Varsity Netball, having experienced the competition from both sides of the court. Petersen believes the tournament provides players with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the country's best university teams while creating lasting memories. "Varsity Netball is one of the best competitions in university sport and provides a unique platform for student-athletes to showcase their talent. For our players, it is an opportunity to represent your university and play at home in front of your home crowd. "The atmosphere, the crowds and the opportunity to compete at such a high level create memories that last a lifetime. It is a competition that challenges you, develops you and brings people together through a shared passion for the game." With expectations building ahead of Sunday's opening fixture, Petersen says supporters can expect a team that embodies the values of the Maties programme. "We want to play a style of netball that reflects who we are as Maties – disciplined, connected, resilient and hardworking. We have a group of players who are committed to each other and to the dress they represent. While results are important, we want supporters to see a team that fights for every ball, embraces every challenge and leaves everything on the court. We hope to make our Maties family very proud." Maties Provisional Squad: Iselle Acker, Suhani Ahuja, Lara Ehlers, Cara Els, Lisa Ingwersen, Hannah Kriel, Chris-Marie Marx, Giselle Maritz, Kristen McGregor, Vinah Mokgatle, Miriam Ndjadi, Zahrah Noah, Bianca Odendaal, Lize Rossouw, Ovayo Sibelekwana, Thabisa Yekani. Fixtures HERE. Tickets HERE. By: Ayanda Frances Felem

DUT left-back Nkululeko Nkosi is determined to turn disappointment into motivation when his side travels to face UWC at the UWC Stadium on Friday in the Varsity Football tournament. Nkosi had an opportunity to level the contest against UJ from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute last week, but was unable to convert as DUT suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat. Reflecting on the setback, Nkosi says the experience has only strengthened his resolve ahead of their next challenge. "Games like this (UJ) helps us to grow, and unfortunately I miss the penalty and then we ended up losing the game,” said Nkosi. “Round one I scored and against UJ I have missed, this part of football - but I had to push, this is football. I have good teammates, brothers who encouraged me and gave me strength." With DUT looking to bounce back against UWC, Nkosi remains appreciative of the lessons Varsity Football continues to provide. "I enjoy playing Varsity Football, this game helps us grow, we learn a lot from it." Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Mpendulo Letsoalo

Wits produced an impressive attacking display against UL last week, with Mxolisi Mthiya, Tebogo Masemola and Thato Putswane all finding the back of the net in a commanding 3-0 victory. The result was made even more impressive by a solid defensive showing, as Wits kept a clean sheet to secure all three points. The side now sits in second position on the log, with UJ in first on a perfect two-match win streak. Still riding the high of their 3-0 win, captain of the Wits captain, Kwgadi Molepo spoke on the team’s dominant win over UL, the defensive structures and conversations, and how valuable debutants have been in the team so far. “So, this week we were more, I would say, encouraged and motivated to give our all because our friends are around us. So, winning comfortable at home was very good,” the captain. Fixtures: HERE Tickets: HERE By: Khomotso Makgabutlane