High-fives all around for Varsity Football Women 2026 Champions UJ

Driven on by the thunderous chants of a passionate home crowd at the UJ Soweto Stadium, UJ put on a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling UP-Tuks 5-0 to claim the 2026 Varsity Football Women crown on Wednesday night.

From the opening whistle, the Orange Army seized complete control of the match, orchestrating a relentless offensive storm that overwhelmed the visitors in a heavily one-sided opening half.

The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when star striker Mpho Dlamini latched onto a sublime feed from captain Sthembile Sandleni just outside the penalty area, driving a crisp, low strike into the bottom-right corner past UP-Tuks goalkeeper Akani Maluleke.

With midfielder Lindelwa Mabuza pulling the strings in the middle of the park, UJ stretched play across both flanks, pinning Tuks deep inside their own half. The pressure paid off again in the 23rd minute when Dlamini turned provider, whipping a pinpoint cross from the left flank for Mabuza to tap home and double the lead.

Just four minutes later, UJ delivered a crushing third blow. Kabelo Mokoena exchanged swift passes with Sthembile Msomi inside the box before slotting the ball home in the 27th minute to build a comfortable 3-0 cushion. Tuks attempted to spark a revival through winger Sizakele Khumalo on the right wing but UJ defender Angel Musazi swiftly neutralized the threat, keeping the Pretoria side at bay heading into the break.

UJ returned for the second half with the same insatiable appetite for goals. Early in the second period, Kamogelo Maponya broke down the right flank and picked out Sbongakonke Mzobe inside the box; Mzobe struck a fine shot into the bottom-right corner, beyond the outstretched arms of a heavily tested Maluleke.

Despite the mounting scoreline, UP-Tuks maintained their defensive composure but UJ’s blistering pace proved impossible to contain. Maponya delivered yet another sharp ball from the right wing, finding Mabuza, who made no mistake in completing her brace and sealing an emphatic 5-0 victory.

The dominant performance caps off a remarkable tournament run for UJ, crowning them undisputed champions on home soil.