South Africa's premier university football competition returns with an exciting new look as Varsity Football 2026 gets underway in August.
The women's tournament kicks off on 1 August and will be contested over two bumper weekends before attention shifts to the men's competition, which runs from 7 August to 2 October.
This season introduces one of the biggest changes in the tournament's history, with Varsity Football moving to Friday nights for the men's competition. For the first time, supporters can kick-start their weekends by enjoying the country's best university football under the lights with selected matches broadcast live on SuperSport.
Siya Noqayi, Varsity Football Code Manager, believes the continued growth of the competition reflects the increasing quality and competitiveness of university football in South Africa:
"Every season, Varsity Football continues to raise the standard both on and off the field. We are excited to introduce Friday night football this year, where we won’t just be hosting a football tournament…we will be creating a movement. With the women's tournament expanding its footprint and the men's competition welcoming new teams alongside the return of familiar rivals, we are looking forward to another unforgettable season that celebrates talent, opportunity and the passion of football".
The women's tournament will once again showcase the country's top student footballers, with WSU, Wits, UL, CPUT, TUT, UJ, UP Tuks and three-time champions UWC competing for the title over two action-packed weekends.
UWC TO DEFEND THEIR TITLE
Defending champions UWC will be aiming to make history by securing a fourth Varsity Football women's title, while the rest of the field will be determined to stop the Cape side from extending its dominance.
The men's competition promises another fiercely contested campaign with current champions UFS returning to defend the title they claimed in memorable fashion last season, beating TUT 5-4 on penalties.
Joining the men’s competition this year is the University of Limpopo, while UWC makes a welcome return after missing out on last year's tournament. NWU and CUT missed out on qualification, underlining the increasingly competitive nature of Varsity Football.
UFS head coach Mokete Tsotetsi says last year's triumph has only strengthened the squad's desire to defend its crown:
"Lifting the trophy last year was an unforgettable feeling of pride and joy. It meant everything to the players because we understood how much hard work, sacrifice and commitment had gone into achieving that moment. We felt we weren't just winning for ourselves but for everyone who supported and believed in us. For the university, it created a real sense of pride and unity across the entire community."
Despite several new faces in the squad, Tsotetsi is confident supporters will recognise the identity that brought UFS success:
"Fans can expect a team that plays with purpose, confidence and determination. Although we've lost some key players through graduation, the values that define this team remain the same. Hard work, discipline, commitment and a relentless desire to retain the title will continue to drive us throughout the season."
Alongside the football action, fans can once again look forward to the #IyachesaFAN Challenge, exciting matchday activations and unforgettable campus atmospheres. Tournament partners FNB, Suzuki and SportPesa continue to support the growth of university football and the development of student athletes across South Africa.
With Friday night football, two blockbuster tournaments and the country's best university talent ready to shine, Varsity Football 2026 promises another #Iyachesa season.
Opening women's 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
Opening men’s fixtures on 7 August:
UFS v Tuks – 5pm at Shimla Park
UJ v TUT – 7.15pm at UJ Soweto Stadium
UWC v Wits – 6.30pm at UWC Stadium
UL v DUT – 6.30pm at Oscar Mpetha Stadium