The hottest university football tournament on the continent, Varsity Football, is back with a bang this month.
Supporters will be welcomed back with 100% capacity allowed. There’s no more bio-bubble and wearing of masks – only 100% guaranteed entertainment from some of the most promising talent in the country.
“We are very excited to welcome fans back to stadiums this Varsity Football season,” said Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi, head of varsity sports at Advent Sport Entertainment and Media.
“Fans can look forward to the unique varsity experience. Apart from the football action, fans can look forward to the #IyachesaFAN challenge at games and on social media, as well as some great exciting promotions from our main sponsor, FNB.
“Tickets for all matches will go on sale soon and we encourage our fans to get their ticket before they are sold out,” added Nesi.
After several near-misses, the University of Johannesburg made history by lifting the title in a memorable final last season with a 4-1 drubbing of Kovsies.
There were several standout performers last season – from UFS top scorer Sello Diphoko, UJ target-man Tristan Nikitaridis (he earned a professional move to Baroka FC) along with Tumelo Molubi and Thulani Zandamela – with both Orange Army youngsters being snapped up by Mamelodi Sundowns just weeks after their title success.
UJ open up their campaign against a wounded Tshwane University of Technology who fell well short of expectations in 2021 despite a talented squad led by the experienced Bushy Moloi.
Tournament favourites North-West University failed to defend their title last season but they will be confident going into the new season. Their senior team, which held a large contingent of their varsity football squad, fell at the final hurdle of the ABC Motsepe league promotional playoffs last month.
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With home and away games to enjoy once more for the eight teams involved, the bright lights await – UJ, Wits, NWU, UFS, University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Vaal University of Technology all have the opportunity to contest for the coveted title once more.
“The tournament has really elevated my well-being and my career and it’s been a stepping-stone for boys to showcase their talent to professional teams,” NWU coach Karabo Masehela said.
“For me, it’s made me who I am today as I’ve grown up to become a professional coach and have done wonders for myself. But I still maintain that we want to develop more players here in the country, especially at the grassroots level.
“On top of that, it’s really helped us to gain momentum going into the ABC Motsepe League and improve our football. Other than that, from my side and NWU’s side, we’re prepared and getting ready for the first game against Wits University on July 21,” Masehela added.
UKZN will be looking towards restoring pride and are under new leadership with Bafana Bafana legend Delron Buckley set to lead the troops this time around.
The opening round fixtures of the 2022 edition are as follows:
• UFS vs UP-Tuks (17:00) – Shimla Park
• Wits vs NWU (18:30) – Wits Stadium
• VUT vs UKZN (18:30) – Peter Booysen Sports Stadium (PMB)
• UJ vs TUT (19:15) – UJ Soweto Stadium
Catch the action live on SuperSport. The non-televised games will be streamed via SuperSport Schools while ticketing details will be announced in due course.
The men’s edition of varsity football will take place between July 21 and September 22. The Women’s tournament will be played in October.
For all the latest news and updates from this year’s tournament, go to www.varsitysportssa.com.
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