Players to watch in this year's Varsity Football Women competition

Varsity Football Women has become far more than a university football competition. Year after year, it continues to establish itself as one of South Africa's premier breeding grounds for future professional and national team talent with numerous players being called up to Banyana Banyana.

As the 2026 tournament gets underway on 1 August, another exciting group of student-athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities on one of the country's biggest university football stages. From prolific goalscorers and creative playmakers to commanding defenders and emerging stars, these are the players who could define this year's tournament and take the next step in their football careers.

Aliyaah Allie (Wits)

Keep an eye on the Wits midfielder who was instrumental in their campaign last season. She will no doubt be playing a big role if Wits are to go far this year. She represented South Africa at U17 and U20 level and also signed for Scottish Premier league side Glasgow City.

Thabiso Senyatsi (TUT)

Voted the FNB Overall Player of the Tournament last year, Thabiso Senyatsi is no doubt gonna be instrumental if the Red Army are going to lift the trophy for a remarkable 7th time.

All eyes will be on her to repeat her heroic efforts in 2025.

Fiona Namanyana (UL)

The University of Limpopo captain is a technically gifted attacking midfielder playing at a high level for Copperbelt Ladies and recently earning national recognition with Banyana Banyana. She brings creativity, composure and attacking intelligence in the final third, making her a constant threat going forward.

Ibanathi Msindo (TUKS)

The Stripe Generation midfielder has the confidence and ability to score stunning goals in the upcoming Varsity Football Women's tournament and she will be on home ground for the opening rounds at Tuks on 1 and 2 August.

Sbongakonke Mzobe (UJ)

The UJ skipper will be looking to lead the troops all the way to lifting the trophy after they finished runners-up last season. She will no doubt be a key part if they do. She lists Thiaga Alcantara as a football hero she admires.

Chelsea Daniels (UWC)

Defending champions UWC have a stacked line-up including Chelsea Daniels (above) who has featured prominently in their last three title winning campaigns. She has previously been called up to represent South Africa's national youth setup (Bantwana) and been nominated for the FNB Player of the Tournament in previous Varsity Football seasons.

Liyema Tom (CPUT)

Part of last years squad, Liyema is recognized by the team as strong in the tackle, composed under pressure and a key component of their defensive backline.

Okuhle Mrhulwa (WSU)

Leading the Walter Sisulu team onto the national stage will be captain Okuhle "Hotto" Mrulwa, who will play an important role throughout the campaign. Fans should also keep an eye on midfielder Lilitha Mjungula, who is expected to be one of WSU's standout performers during the tournament.

Opening womens fixtures on 1 August hosted at the University of Pretoria

WSU v Wits – 1pm

UL v CPU – 3pm

TUT v UJ – 5pm

Tuks v UWC – 7pm