Eight Players to Watch as Varsity Football Women’s Tournament Kicks Off

The countdown to the 2026 Varsity Football Women’s tournament is almost over, and once again the competition promises to showcase some of South Africa’s brightest young football talent.

Over the years, Varsity Football has evolved into more than just a university championship. It has become a vital pathway to the professional game, with several players graduating to the Hollywoodbets Super League and earning national team call-ups for Banyana Banyana.

As the new season kicks off on 1 August at the University of Pretoria, Diskiafrika highlights eight players who could light up this year’s tournament.

Aliyaah Allie (Wits)

Wits will once again look to the creativity and experience of midfielder Aliyaah Allie, who played a pivotal role in last season’s campaign.

The technically gifted midfielder has already represented South Africa at Under-17 and Under-20 level and gained valuable overseas experience after signing for Scottish Women’s Premier League side Glasgow City. Her vision, passing range and ability to dictate play make her one of the tournament’s standout talents.

Thabiso Senyatsi (TUT)

Few players arrive at the tournament with a bigger reputation than Thabiso Senyatsi.

The TUT star was named FNB Overall Player of the Tournament in 2025 and will once again be expected to inspire the Red Army as they chase a record-extending seventh Varsity Football women’s title.

If TUT are to lift the trophy again, Senyatsi is likely to be at the heart of their success.

Fiona Namanyana (University of Limpopo)

University of Limpopo captain Fiona Namanyana has steadily built a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting attacking midfielders.

The Copperbelt Ladies player combines technical quality with intelligent movement and creativity in the final third. Having also earned recognition at national level with Banyana Banyana, Namanyana will be one of UL’s biggest attacking threats.

Ibanathi Msindo (Tuks)

Playing on home soil during the opening rounds could give Ibanathi Msindo the perfect platform to shine.

The Tuks midfielder possesses the confidence and technical ability to produce spectacular goals and decisive moments, making her one of the players opposition teams will need to monitor closely throughout the tournament.

Sbongakonke Mzobe (UJ)

University of Johannesburg captain Sbongakonke Mzobe returns determined to go one step further after leading her side to the final last season.

The influential midfielder will once again shoulder leadership responsibilities as UJ chase their first Varsity Football women’s title. Her composure on the ball and ability to inspire teammates make her one of the competition’s key figures.

Chelsea Daniels (UWC)

Defending champions UWC boast plenty of experience, and Chelsea Daniels remains one of their most dependable performers.

Daniels has been part of UWC’s recent title-winning success and has previously represented South Africa’s youth national teams. Having also been nominated for the FNB Player of the Tournament in previous editions, she enters the competition as one of the favourites to influence another championship run.

Liyema Tom (CPUT)

CPUT defender Liyema Tom has become one of the cornerstones of her team’s defensive structure.

Known for her tough tackling, calmness under pressure and positional awareness, she will be expected to anchor the CPUT backline against some of the tournament’s most dangerous attackers.

Okuhle Mrhulwa (WSU)

Walter Sisulu University captain Okuhle “Hotto” Mrhulwa will lead her team into this year’s competition with hopes of guiding WSU deep into the tournament.

Alongside her, midfielder Lilitha Mjungula is another player expected to make a significant impact as WSU looks to challenge some of the country’s traditional university football powerhouses.

A Platform for Tomorrow’s Stars

Every edition of Varsity Football introduces supporters to players who go on to enjoy successful careers in professional football, and the 2026 tournament looks no different.

With Banyana Banyana selectors, club scouts and football stakeholders expected to keep a close eye on proceedings, this year’s competition offers another opportunity for the next generation to announce themselves on one of South Africa’s biggest university football stages.

The 2026 Varsity Football Women’s tournament kicks off on 1 August at the University of Pretoria, with the country’s leading student-athletes ready to compete for glory—and perhaps take the next step towards professional and international football.