Varsity Football has been a life-changing tournament for many young South African men and women.
The tournament took South African football by storm during its inaugural 2013 season and continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
Varsity Football helps student footballers to maintain a balance between their football ambitions and studies. A professional football career can be short term and a university qualification ensures players have a backup plan for when they hang up their boots.
‘Football is by far the biggest sporting code in South Africa and Varsity Football is proud to be part of that football ecosystem,’ said Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi, Varsity Sports Tournament Manager. ‘We have not limited this competition to kicking a ball – it is more than that – as student footballers also get an education at some of the best universities in the country.’
With 28 matches in this year’s Varsity Football being broadcast live on SuperSport, players can showcase their talent on a national stage.
‘It is incredible exposure for aspiring footballers, which often results in them being offered a professional club contract,’ said Nesi. ‘And they will also be equipped with a university qualification.’
To celebrate the fact that Varsity Football provides South Africa’s young talent with a springboard to success, two striking #ChangingLives banners will be on display at Tuks Stadium during this year’s Varsity Football.
Banner 1
- Rachel Sebati (TUT – ALG Spor, Turkey)
- Refiloe Jane (TUT – Banyana Banyana & AC Milan, Italy)
- Refilwe Maseko (UJ, Safa Hollywoodbets Super League)
- Thalea Smidt (Tuks – Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Thembi Kgatlana (UWC – Banyana Banyana & Atlético Madrid, Spain)
- Amanda Mthandi (UJ – Banyana Banyana & Badajoz, Spain)
- Bongeka Gamede (UWC – Banyana Banyana)
- Hilda Magaia (TUT – Morön BK, Sweden)
- Kholosa Biyana (UKZN – Sporting de Gijón, Spain)
- Leandra Smeda (UWC – Banyana Banyana & Vittsjo, Sweden)
Banner 2
- Claudio de Almeida (Tuks)
- Elliot Seema (TUT – Baroka)
- Katlego Ntshabeleng (UJ)
- Lindani Nkabinde (NWU – Baroka)
- Mogau Khwinana (Tuks – Baroka)
- Renaldo Leaner (UWC – Maritzburg United)
- Sikhumbuzo Ncube (TUT – formerly Baroka)
- Themba Ndlovu (TUT – Black Leopards)
- Vusi Sibiya (TUT – Baroka)
In addition to the #ChangingLives banners, the Varsity Sports website will be producing a series of articles throughout the Varsity Football tournaments on those whose lives were never the same again after representing their university.
2021 Varsity Football fixtures
2021 Varsity Women’s Football fixtures
