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Varsity Women’s Football Final Preview: UJ v UWC

football19 September 2025 08:15
By:Potso Aphane
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Nthabeleng Modiko © Backpagepix

The 2025 Varsity Women’s Football Final has all the makings of a classic. On 19 September at 7pm, the UJ Soweto Stadium will play host as the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) go head-to-head for the crown.

Both teams have been flawless in the competition. UJ have scored 13 goals without conceding, with Thato Mofolo leading the charts on six goals. UWC have been just as ruthless, firing in 15 goals and conceding only once, with Chelsea Daniels their top scorer on four.

The sides are no strangers to each other — they also meet regularly in the Hollywoodbets Super League, where UJ currently sit 6th with 35 points and UWC are 14th with 21 points. But when it comes to Varsity Football, it’s a different stage, and both arrive unbeaten.

Coach Modiko on the Journey

For UJ Head Coach Nthabeleng “Dunga” Modiko, the path to the final has been about balance, energy, and growth:

“My journey with the team into this year’s competition has been no different from the other years — well prepared, new players and new characters in the team that merge with the existing teammates to carry the UJ sports culture forward.

"This year has been amazing because the young players have brought in a sense of energy, new ideas, and have taken things further than what we already had. We’ve kept it simple, taking each game as it comes — and now we are fortunate to be in the final.”

 

 

The Meaning of the Final

After missing out last year, returning to the big stage is deeply significant:

“We missed out on the finals in 2024 after being knocked out by TUT in the semis. Looking back at 2022, when we lifted the trophy in front of our home crowd, this game is big for us. Playing again in front of our fans and our institution makes it special — it’s a way of thanking them for their support and celebrating 20 years of the University of Johannesburg. Personally, I enjoy finals. I’m a winner. I enjoy being on the podium, being close to holding the trophy.”

Defining the 2025 UJ Team

Modiko believes this year’s team has its own identity — one built on hunger and energy:

“This year’s team is a nice bowl of youth, enthusiastic characters, and optimism. They’re always pushing themselves beyond their challenges and asking questions of us as coaches, forcing us to grow with them. This is a team of young, energetic winners. They pride themselves in the orange and black, the ethos and values of this institution.”

On Facing UWC

Their opponents, UWC, are three-time Varsity champions (2021, 2023, 2024) — and Modiko acknowledges their pedigree:

“It’s always a brilliant opportunity for us to play against any institution. We know there will be fireworks. We respect UWC’s achievements — they have national team players and a national team coach. But for us, it’s an opportunity to test ourselves, our character, and our growth. Whether it’s Varsity or another competition, we are UJ. We will always put up a good fight. We just want to enjoy our football and give pride to our fans and to ourselves.”

The Stage is Set

Two unbeaten teams. Two top scorers. A packed Soweto crowd. And a coach who thrives on finals.

Friday night’s Varsity Women’s Football Final isn’t just about silverware — it’s about history, pride, and identity. Will UJ reclaim the crown on home soil, or will UWC tighten their grip as the competition’s modern-day dynasty?

Kick-off: 7pm at UJ Soweto Stadium.

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