Varsity Football (South Africa)

The Varsity Cup tournament was founded in 2008, featuring the rugby teams of eight universities. Varsity Sports was expanded in 2012 to include other sporting codes.^[2] University Sport South Africa discussed the Varsity Football proposal at its 2012 annual general meeting. The idea was initially rejected, as it was seen to split the member institutions.^[3] However, it was later accepted, and 2013 was the inaugural season of Varsity Football, with an 8 team men's tournament.^[4] A four-team women's tournament was also played.^[5] Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) women's won six (6) times while Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) men's won four (times) and current champions for 2025 is University of Western Cape both (Women) and the University of the Free State (Men)

As of 2025, 8 different teams have competed in the men's Varsity Football tournament:

Eight different teams have competed in the women's Varsity Football tournament as of 2025:

For both the men's and women's tournaments, qualification is based on the previous season's University Sports South Africa Football National Club Championships, held annually in December. In order to qualify, men's teams need to be one of the eight highest placed teams associated with Varsity Sports. Women's teams needed to be one of the semi-finalists, and also be associated with Varsity Sports.

Teams not associated with the University Sports Company are not eligible for the competition. UKZN Pietermaritzburg for example, a losing semi-finalist at the 2012 men's University Sports South Africa Football National Club Championships, were ineligible, not being linked to Varsity Sports. The next highest placed teams at the University Sports South Africa Football National Club Championships, that are associated with Varsity Sports, will take the places of the ineligible teams.

The tournament begins with a round robin stage, in which all teams play each other once. After the round robin stage, the top 4 teams advance to the knockout stage. The teams ranked 1 and 2 host the semi-finals, against the teams ranked 4 and 3 respectively. The winners advance to the final, to be hosted by the highest ranked finalist. The league scoring system follows a standard scoring system and awards 3 points for a win, and 1 point for a draw. Teams are separated first on points, and then on goal difference.

The Varsity Football Women's tournament features 8 top university teams, qualifying primarily through the previous year's USSA National Club Championships. The competition is typically shorter and more condensed than the men's event, often held over two weeks or at a single venue. The format involves an initial Group Stage, where teams are split into two pools and play a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group then advance to the knockout Semi-Finals, with the winners proceeding to the final match to be crowned the tournament champion.^[6]

All matches are played on Monday evenings.

Players who have since represented Bafana Bafana.

• Thabo Mnyamane NWU-Mafikeng