Varsity Football 2025 set to ignite campuses nationwide

South Africa’s premier university football tournament returns this August, with Varsity Football 2025 kicking off on 7 August and running through to 2 October. Fans can expect a high-energy, talent-packed competition featuring the country’s top student-athletes and rising football stars.

This year brings a fresh twist, with Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosting for the first time, adding new flavour to the tournament's long-standing tradition. UJ and Wits both make a return to the competition after missing out last year. All men's matches will be played on Thursdays, with live broadcasts on SuperSport and additional coverage via live stream on the SuperSport Schools App.

Siya Noqayi, Varsity Football Code Manager, shared his thoughts on the evolution of the tournament.

"As we prepare for another exciting season of Varsity Football, we are really proud of how far the tournament has come. It’s become more than just a competition, it’s a platform that changes lives. The rise of the women’s game especially shows the talent and determination of our student-athletes and we’re committed to building on that momentum. Whether it’s the men’s or women’s tournament, Varsity Football is about creating real opportunities and celebrating the impact sport can have both on and off the field.”

The 2025 men’s tournament features UJ, NWU-Mahikeng, UP-Tuks, UFS, Wits, CUT, DUT and TUT, competing across seven rounds with the semi-finals taking place on 25 September and the final showdown set for 2 October. The 2024 champions UWC failed to qualify for the upcoming season leaving the door open for a new champion to be crowned and last year’s runners-up NWU will no doubt be looking to go one step further and claim the title.

NWU Mahikeng head coach Nkululeko Malgas is well aware of the expectations his team is facing.

“As the previous editions runners-up, we are expected to go all the way again. We, unfortunately, have to live up to that expectation. We have brought back hope to our supporters and we have no choice but to deliver a gold medal this time around. As you have seen how electrifying our supporters are. As our slogan goes 'Noble by birth'.”

This year’s competition also sees the return of Joburg footballing giants UJ and Wits.

The Orange Army won the USSA 2024 tournament and will be celebrating their institutions 20th anniversary with head coach Karabo Mogudi looking forward to the challenge.

“We are happy to be back in the Varsity Football tournament in 2025. It felt strange to not participate in the previous year. This shows how difficult it is to qualify for this tournament than the tournament itself. It is an honour and privilege to be back representing UJ in its 20th year of celebration.”

Mogudi is adamant that UJ will be competitive as usual while trying to win this edition but they are under no illusion that it will be easy.

“Being a USSA Champions puts a target on your back but we've been in these situations before and we shall ensure that the target is constantly moving for the better. UJ Football has always been built around the values of a team. There are many promising young footballers in the team and the tournament will reveal their real character.”

The women’s competition will take place from 5-19 September, with all matches hosted at UJ.

UWC, reigning champions after a 2–1 victory over TUT in the 2024 final, are back to defend their title and will be looking to make it three in a row.

Fans can once again look forward to the #IyachesaFAN Challenge, live matchday activations and on-campus experiences. Key sponsors FNB, Suzuki, Cashbuild return to elevate the tournament along with new partner SportPesa to support grassroots sport and student-athlete development across the country.

Varsity Football 2025 is here. The players are ready. The stage is set. #Iyachesa

Men’s Opening Round – 7 August

UJ v NWU-Mafikeng – 5pm @ UJ Soweto Stadium

UP-Tuks v UFS – 7.15pm @ Tuks Stadium

Wits vs CUT – 6.30pm @ Wits Stadium

DUT vs VUT – 6.30pm @ Harry Gwala Stadium