Women's Varsity Football, also known as Women's Varsity Diski, is a South African university football competition. It is one of seven sports in the Varsity Sports series. The annual tournament involves the top women's football playing universities in the country, which belong to the University Sports Company. The tournament is managed by Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM) on behalf of the University Sports Company (USC), and is endorsed by the South African Football Association and University Sport South Africa.[1]
 | |
| Organising body | Varsity Sports |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Region | South Africa |
| Number of teams | 8 |
| Current champions | University of the Western Cape (3rd title) |
| Most successful team(s) | Tshwane University of Technology (6 titles) |
| Television broadcasters | SuperSport |
| Website | varsitysportssa.com/football |
 2024 | |
History
editThe inaugural tournament was held in 2013, with UJ Ladies winning the final 6-0 against TUT Ladies.[2]
The 2017 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UJ Ladies 4-0 in the final to win their fourth consecutive title.[3][4]
The 2018 edition was hosted by the North-West University at NWU McArthur Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UWC Ladies 2-1 in the final to win their fifth consecutive title.[5]
The 2019 edition was hosted by the North-West University at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UWC Ladies 4-1 in the final to win their sixth consecutive title.[6]
The 2021 edition was hosted by the University of Pretoria at Tuks Stadium. UWC Ladies defeated UP-Tuks Ladies 4-3 via penalties after the matched ended in a goalless draw to win their maiden title.[7]
The 2022 edition was hosted by the University of Johannesburg at the UJ Soweto Stadium.[8] UJ Ladies defeated defending champions UWC Ladies 5-3 via penalties after the match ended in a goalless draw to win their second title.[9]
The 2023 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium. UWC Ladies were crowned champions after defeating defending champions UJ Ladies 2-0 in the final to win their second title.[10]
The 2024 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium from 26 July - 9 August 2024.[11] UWC Ladies defended their title with a 2-1 win over hosts TUT Ladies in the final to win their third title.[12]
Champions
editThe list of champions and runners-up:[13]
| Year | Champions | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | UJ Ladies | TUT Ladies |
| 2014 | TUT Ladies | UP-Tuks Ladies |
| 2015 | UWC Ladies | |
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | UJ Ladies | |
| 2018 | UWC Ladies | |
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa | |
| 2021 | UWC Ladies | UP-Tuks Ladies |
| 2022 | UJ Ladies | UWC Ladies |
| 2023 | UWC Ladies | UJ Ladies |
| 2024 | TUT Ladies | |
Most successful universities
edit| Rank | University | Champions | Runners-up | Winning seasons | Runners-up seasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tshwane University of Technology | 6 | 2 | 2014, 2015, 2016,
2017, 2018, 2019 |
2013, 2024 |
| 2 | University of the Western Cape | 3 | 5 | 2021, 2023, 2024 | 2015, 2016, 2018,
2019, 2022 |
| 3 | University of Johannesburg | 2 | 2 | 2013, 2022 | 2017, 2023 |
| 4 | University of Pretoria | 0 | 2 | 2014, 2021 |
Notable players
editPlayers who have since represented Banyana Banyana:
| Team | Players |
|---|---|
| TUT Ladies | Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia, Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, Sibongile Ntoane |
| UJ Ladies | Sphumelele Shamase, Thubelihle Shamase, Amanda Dlamini, Nthabeleng Modiko,
Karabo Makhurubetshi, Noko Matlou, Maphuti Manamela, Disebo Mametja, Presocious Matabologa, Ayesha Moosa, Matshidiso Masebe, Shannon Macomo, Yolando Nduli, Gugu Dhlamini |
| UP-Tuks Ladies | Thalea Smidt, Wendy Shongwe, Ntando Phahla, Khutso Pila, Sinamile Mkhwanazi, Isabela Ludwig |
| UFH Ladies | Nokuphila Mpatsiyana, Kesha Hendricks |
| UKZN Ladies | Kholosa Biyana |
| UWC Ladies | Regirl Ngobeni, Noxolo Cesane, Thembi Kgatlana, Bongeka Gamede,
Amogelang Motau, Sibulele Holweni, Chelsea Daniels |
| Wits Ladies | Lesego Nkoane |
Sponsors
editThe tournament is sponsored by:[14]
- First National Bank
- Suzuki
- Cashbuild
Broadcasting and official partners
editSuperSport is the official broadcaster. Southern Sun is the accommodation partner. Red Bull is the official energy drink. LIFT is the official airline. Gilbert is the official ball partner.
References
edit- ^ "About". Varsity Sports. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ "UJ women score Varsity Football crown". YourSport. 2013-09-19. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
- ^ "VIDEO: TUT Ladies win Varsity Football Cup | Goal.com South Africa". www.goal.com. 2017-09-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Laduma, Soccer. "Varsity Women's Football Final Match Report - TUT 4-0 UJ". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Varsity Women's Football final – UWC bows to Red Machine pressure - SAFA.net". 2018-09-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ koosventer (2019-09-30). "TUT win sixth straight Varsity Women's Football title". Rekord. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- ^ Crouch, Faheedah (2021-10-07). "UWC Eager to Build on Varsity Football Title Victory". gsport4girls. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Varsity Women's Football - 14 October 2022". www.howler.co.za. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Abrahams, Celine (2022-10-17). "UJ Dethrone UWC to Win 2022 Varsity Football Crown". gsport4girls. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Mosomane, Samuel (2023-08-21). "UWC are the 2023 Women's Varsity Football champions -". Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- ^ Kamedien, Siraj (2024-06-25). "Varsity Football is back and bringing the heat in 2024". Varsity Sports. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ Pillay, Alicia (2024-08-11). "Tiffany Kortjie and Ronnel Donnelly Lead UWC to Varsity Football Title Defence Triumph". gsport4girls. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ^ Bielfeld, Kaylee (2000-11-30). "History". Varsity Sports. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
- ^ "Sponsors". Varsity Sports. Retrieved 2024-03-13.