Varsity Cup Returns With Major Upgrades
Varsity Football Women 2025 Team UWC celebrating with the trophy after winning the match during the Final match, UJ v UWC at UJ Soweto Stadium on 19 September 2025 Photo: Christiaan Kotze/ Asem Engage
South Africa’s premier university football competition is back, and this year’s edition promises to be bigger, bolder and more entertaining than ever.
Varsity Football 2026 will introduce a brand-new Friday night format for the men’s competition while the women’s tournament returns with another showcase of the country’s finest student football talent.
The action begins on 1 August with the women’s tournament before the men’s competition kicks off a week later on 7 August, running through to 2 October.
Friday Nights Set to Transform Varsity Football
One of the biggest changes in the competition’s history is the introduction of Friday night football for the men’s tournament.
For the first time, football fans will be able to kick-start their weekends by watching South Africa’s best university teams compete under the floodlights, with selected matches broadcast live on SuperSport.
Varsity Football Code Manager Siya Noqayi believes the new format marks another important step in the competition’s continued growth.
“Every season Varsity Football continues to raise the standard both on and off the field,” said Noqayi.
“We are excited to introduce Friday night football this year. We won’t just be hosting a football tournament—we’ll be creating a movement. With the women’s tournament continuing to grow and the men’s competition welcoming new teams alongside familiar rivals, we are looking forward to another unforgettable season that celebrates talent, opportunity and the passion of football.”
UWC Chasing More Women’s History
The women’s competition once again brings together eight of South Africa’s strongest university teams.
Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Wits, University of Limpopo (UL), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Pretoria (Tuks) and three-time champions University of the Western Cape (UWC) will battle for national honours over two action-packed weekends.
Defending champions UWC will be aiming to secure a record fourth Varsity Football women’s title, while the chasing pack will be eager to end the Cape side’s dominance.
Defending Champions UFS Ready for Another Title Challenge
The men’s competition is expected to be just as fiercely contested, with reigning champions University of the Free State (UFS) returning to defend the title they won dramatically last season after defeating TUT 5-4 on penalties.
The 2026 tournament also welcomes the University of Limpopo to the competition, while UWC returns after missing last year’s edition. Their inclusion comes at the expense of NWU and CUT, highlighting the increasingly competitive race to qualify for Varsity Football.
UFS head coach Mokete Tsotetsi says lifting the trophy last season has only motivated his squad to achieve more.
“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 weren’t just winning for ourselves but for everyone who supported and believed in us. It created a real sense of pride across the university.”
Despite losing several key players to graduation, Tsotetsi is confident his side will continue playing with the same identity that made them champions.
“Fans can expect a team that plays with purpose, confidence and determination. The values that define this team—hard work, discipline, commitment and a relentless desire to win—remain unchanged.”
More Than Just Football
Off the pitch, supporters can once again enjoy the popular #IyachesaFAN Challenge, fan activations and the vibrant matchday atmosphere that has become synonymous with Varsity Football.
Tournament partners FNB, Suzuki and SportPesa continue to play an important role in supporting university football and the development of young student-athletes across South Africa.
With a fresh Friday night concept, exciting rivalries and the country’s next generation of football stars ready to shine, Varsity Football 2026 is shaping up to be one of the competition’s most exciting seasons yet.
Opening Fixtures
Women’s Tournament – 1 August (University of Pretoria)
- WSU vs Wits – 13:00
- UL vs CPUT – 15:00
- TUT vs UJ – 17:00
- Tuks vs UWC – 19:00
Men’s Tournament – 7 August
- UFS vs Tuks – 17:00 (Shimla Park)
- UJ vs TUT – 19:15 (UJ Soweto Stadium)
- UWC vs Wits – 18:30 (UWC Stadium)
- UL vs DUT – 18:30 (Oscar Mpetha Stadium)
