South Africa’s leading university football competition returns next month with a fresh look as the 2026 Varsity Football season gets under way following the conclusion of the Fifa World Cup.
The annual competition has established itself as one of the country’s most important development platforms, producing players who have gone on to feature in the Betway Premiership, the Motsepe Foundation Championship and even the national teams.
It also continues to attract talent scouts from local and international clubs.
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The women’s tournament gets the season under way on August 1 and will be played over two action-packed weekends before the men’s competition kicks off on August 7 and concludes on October 2.
One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of Friday night football for the men’s competition. For the first time, supporters will be able to enjoy university football under floodlights, with selected matches broadcast live on SuperSport.
Varsity Football code manager Siya Noqayi believes the competition continues to grow in stature every season.
“Every season Varsity Football continues to raise the standard both on and off the field. We are excited to introduce Friday night football this year. We won’t just be hosting a football tournament, we will be creating a movement,” said Noqayi.
With the women’s tournament expanding its footprint and the men’s competition welcoming new teams alongside the return of familiar rivals, we are looking forward to another unforgettable season that celebrates talent, opportunity and the passion of football.
The women’s competition will feature WSU, Wits, University of Limpopo (UL), CPUT, TUT, UJ, UP-Tuks and three-time champions UWC.
Defending champions UWC will be aiming to make history by securing a fourth Varsity Football women’s title, while the remaining teams will be looking to end the Cape side’s dominance.
The men’s tournament is also expected to produce another fiercely contested campaign, with defending champions UFS returning to defend the title they won in dramatic fashion last season after beating TUT 5-4 on penalties in the final.
The University of Limpopo joins the men’s competition this season, while UWC returns after missing out on qualification last year. NWU and CUT failed to qualify, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the tournament.
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UFS head coach Mokete Tsotetsi said last season’s success has only strengthened his team’s determination to retain the title. “Lifting the trophy last year was an unforgettable feeling of pride and joy.
It meant everything to the players because we understood how much hard work, sacrifice and commitment had gone into achieving that moment,” said Tsotetsi.
“We felt we weren’t just winning for ourselves but for everyone who supported and believed in us. For the university it created a real sense of pride and unity across the entire community.”
Despite losing several players through graduation, Tsotetsi remains confident his side will continue to compete at the highest level.
“Fans can expect a team that plays with purpose, confidence and determination. Although we’ve lost some key players through graduation, the values that define this team remain the same.
Hard work, discipline, commitment and a relentless desire to retain the title will continue to drive us throughout the season.
Off the field, supporters can once again look forward to the popular #IyachesaFAN Challenge, match-day activations and vibrant campus atmospheres, with tournament partners FNB, Suzuki and SportPesa continuing their support of university football and student-athlete development.
Opening fixtures
Women’s tournament (August 1 – University of Pretoria)
WSU vs Wits – 1pm
UL vs CPUT – 3pm
TUT vs UJ – 5pm
Tuks vs UWC – 7pm
Men’s tournament (August 7)
UFS vs Tuks – 5pm (Shimla Park)
UJ vs TUT – 7.15pm (UJ Soweto Stadium)
UWC vs Wits – 6.30pm (UWC Stadium)
UL vs DUT – 6.30pm (Oscar Mpetha Stadium).
