Women's Varsity Football, also known as Women's Varsity Diski, is a South African university football competition. It is one of seven sports in the Varsity Sports series. The annual tournament involves the top women's football playing universities in the country, which belong to the University Sports Company. The tournament is managed by Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM) on behalf of the University Sports Company (USC), and is endorsed by the South African Football Association and University Sport South Africa.
History The inaugural tournament was held in 2013, with UJ Ladies winning the final 6–0 against TUT Ladies.
The 2017 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UJ Ladies 4–0 in the final to win their fourth consecutive title.
The 2018 edition was hosted by the North-West University at NWU McArthur Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UWC Ladies 2–1 in the final to win their fifth consecutive title.
The 2019 edition was hosted by the North-West University at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UWC Ladies 4–1 in the final to win their sixth consecutive title.
The 2021 edition was hosted by the University of Pretoria at Tuks Stadium. UWC Ladies defeated UP-Tuks Ladies 4–3 via penalties after the matched ended in a goalless draw to win their maiden title.
The 2022 edition was hosted by the University of Johannesburg at the UJ Soweto Stadium. UJ Ladies defeated defending champions UWC Ladies 5–3 via penalties after the match ended in a goalless draw to win their second title.
The 2023 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium. UWC Ladies were crowned champions after defeating defending champions UJ Ladies 2–0 in the final to win their second title.
The 2024 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium from 26 July - 9 August 2024. UWC Ladies defended their title with a 2–1 win over hosts TUT Ladies in the final to win their third title.
The 2025 edition was hosted by the University of Johannesburg at the UJ Soweto Stadium. UWC Ladies defended their title with a 1–0 win over hosts UJ Ladies in the final to win their fourth title.
The 2026 edition was hosted by the University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, and the final played at the University of Johannesburg. UJ Ladies won their third title with a 5–0 win over UP-Tuks Ladies.
Champions The list of champions and runners-up: +YearChampions Runners-up2013UJ LadiesTUT Ladies2014TUT LadiesUP-Tuks Ladies2015UWC Ladies20162017UJ Ladies2018UWC Ladies20192020Cancelled due to the COVID-19pandemic in South Africa2021UWC Ladies UP-Tuks Ladies2022UJ Ladies UWC Ladies 2023UWC Ladies UJ Ladies 2024TUT Ladies2025UJ Ladies2026UJ LadiesUP-Tuks Ladies
Most successful universities +RankUniversityChampions Runners-upWinning seasonsRunners-up seasons1Tshwane University of Technology622014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 20192013, 20242University of the Western Cape452021, 2023, 2024, 20252015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 20223University of Johannesburg332013, 2022, 20262017, 2023, 20254University of Pretoria032014, 2021, 2026
Notable players Players from the universities who have since represented Banyana Banyana: +TeamPlayers TUT LadiesRefiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia, Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, Sibongile NtoaneUJ LadiesSphumelele Shamase, Thubelihle Shamase, Amanda Dlamini, Nthabeleng Modiko, Karabo Makhurubetshi, Noko Matlou, Maphuti Manamela, Disebo Mametja, Presocious Matabologa,
Ayesha Moosa, Matshidiso Masebe, Shannon Macomo, Yolando Nduli, Gugu Dhlamini, Dineo MagagulaUP-Tuks LadiesSimphiwe Dludlu, Thalea Smidt, Wendy Shongwe, Ntando Phahla, Khutso Pila, Sinamile Mkhwanazi, Isabela Ludwig, Lebogang MabatleUFH LadiesNokuphila Mpatsiyana, Kesha HendricksUKZN LadiesKholosa BiyanaUWC Ladies Regirl Ngobeni, Noxolo Cesane, Thembi Kgatlana, Bongeka Gamede, Amogelang Motau, Sibulele Holweni, Chelsea Daniels, Ronnel Donnelly, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Fikile Magama, Leandra Smeda, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Kaylin SwartWits Ladies Lesego Nkoane
Sponsors The tournament is sponsored by:
First National Bank Suzuki Cashbuild SportPesa
Broadcasting and official partners SuperSport is the official broadcaster. Southern Sun is the accommodation partner. Red Bull is the official energy drink. LIFT is the official airline. Gilbert is the official ball partner.
References