Driven by the thunderous chants of a passionate home crowd at the UJ Soweto Stadium, UJ put on a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling UP-Tuks 5-0 to claim the 2026 Varsity Football Women crown.
From the opening whistle, the Orange Army seized complete control of the match, orchestrating a relentless offensive storm that overwhelmed the visitors in a heavily one-sided opening half.
The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when star striker Mpho Dlamini latched onto a sublime feed from captain Sthembile Sandleni just outside the penalty area, driving a crisp, low strike into the bottom-right corner past UP-Tuks goalkeeper Akani Maluleke.
With midfielder Lindelwa Mabuza pulling the strings in the center of the park, UJ stretched play across both flanks, pinning Tuks deep inside their own half. The pressure paid off again in the 23rd minute when Dlamini turned provider, whipping a pinpoint cross from the left flank for Mabuza to tap home and double the lead.
Just four minutes later, UJ delivered a crushing third blow. Kabelo Mokoena exchanged swift passes with Sthembile Msomi inside the box before slotting the ball home in the 27th minute to build a comfortable 3-0 cushion. Tuks attempted to spark a revival through winger Sizakele Khumalo on the right wing, but UJ defender Angel Musazi swiftly neutralized the threat, keeping the Pretoria side at bay heading into the break.
Despite the mounting scoreline, UP-Tuks maintained their defensive composure, but UJ’s blistering pace proved impossible to contain. Maponya delivered yet another sharp ball from the right wing, finding Mabuza, who made no mistake in completing her brace and sealing an emphatic 5-0 victory.
The dominant performance caps off a remarkable tournament run for UJ, crowning them undisputed champions on home soil.
🏆 Varsity Football Women 2026 champions 🏆
— Varsity Football (@VarsityDiski) August 19, 2026
Congratulations to the UJ Orange Army who end the season unbeaten and scored no less than five unanswered goals in the final to claim their third title.#iyachesa
Proudly brought to you by @FNBSA, @Suzuki_ZA and @SportPesaSA. pic.twitter.com/pEI2Ov01ct
SCORERS:
UJ: (3) 5 Mpho Dlamini, Lindelwa Mabuza X2, Kabelo Mokoena, Sbongakonke Mzobe
UP-Tuks: 0
FNB Player of the Match: Lindelwa Mabuza (UJ)
SportPesa Goal Rush Award: Mpho Dlamini (UJ)
FNB Player of the Tournament: Sibongile Ntoane (TUT)
Suzuki Golden Boot: Lindelwa Mabuza (UJ)
TEAMS:
UJ: Matshidiso Masebe, Kabelo Mokoena, Kutlwano Maphane, Angel Munasi, Sthembile Msomi, Sthembile Sandleni, Nhlakanipho Moyo, Lindelwa Mabuza, Mpho Dlamini, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Ayanda Mnyembane.
UP-TUKS: Akani Maluleke, Liyema Dyeli, Sizakele Khumalo, Palesa Hlangwane, Thobile Mtsweni, Mmarita Malatji, Dakarai Zhoya, S’bahle Ndlovu, Shannan Williams, Nthabiseng Mazoeu, Ibanathi Msindo.
© Varsity Football