That love has taken him from schoolboy derbies in front of 15 000 fans to a professional contract with the Lions.
Before every match, the ritual is the same. The same pair of socks pulled tight over strapped ankles. The wristband with his family member’s names and a bible verse, worn like armour against his skin. A familiar song through his headphones, settling into him the way it has before every big game since school. By the time he steps onto the field, Thandolwethu “Thando” Biyela is no longer thinking. He is simply ready to tackle something.
On the field, he is the man opponents least want to run into, a loose forward who folds ball carriers in half. Teammates call him the “Bone Collector,” a nickname earned one bruising hit at a time. Walk past him on Wits University’s East Campus a few days later, though, and he could be any other student hooded up, backpack slung over one shoulder, on his way to a lecture he missed half of because he was on a plane back from a tournament. Balancing the two lives is not easy, but it is the only life he wants.
An image of Thando celebrating with his teammate after they scored a try. Photo: Sanele Sithole
Long before the wristband and the nickname, Biyela was a small boy, on a school field, chasing a ball he barely understood. Born in Umlazi and raised in Secunda, he was introduced to rugby in grade four by his primary school teachers, and something about the chaos of it- the collisions, the structure hidden inside the collisions stuck. He started in the backline, playing at 13, before settling into the position he now calls home: loose forward, specifically the number eight, where his size and appetite for contact do the most damage. At King Edward VII School (KES), he played fullback before being moved to flank, a shift toward the collision-heavy role he would grow into as a professional.
“It’s hard, but it’s something that I love doing, something that relieves stress for me,” Biyela said, describing the sport that has defined his life since childhood. That love has taken him from schoolboy derbies in front of 15 000 fans to playing for the junior Springboks and a professional contract with Lions. “The professional set-up like the Lions is a dream come true,” he said, though the pressure never really goes away. “The pressures of playing between high school and for the Lions is different but the same for me.”
Biyela enrolled at Wits in 2023, a decision he said he does not take lightly. His week looks nothing like that of the students around him in lecture halls: early gym sessions, training that eats into afternoons meant for tutorials, flights to tournaments that leave gaps in his notes. “The support has been helping me quite a lot,” he said. “Like when I was at the World Championship last year, all of my lecturers would send me notes and slides so that when I come back, everything becomes easier for me to catch up.”
Asked whether he ever wishes for an ordinary varsity experience, Biyela answered honestly: he sometimes wonders what that life would have looked like. But he would not trade what he has now. “Not everyone is lucky enough to be in this position,” he said.
Biyela’s 2024 Varsity Cup debut, against University of Cape Town (UCT), came when he was just 19. He remembers the noise most — a stadium of students dancing in the stands. “Playing and seeing the crowd dancing and watching was a different experience,” he said. Senior teammate Ngia Selengbe, a player he had known since Grade eight, put it in perspective afterwards: “You are here for a reason. You are 19 playing here, and that shows how good you are.”
The 2025 season brought its own frustrations. Despite a stronger, fitter squad, injuries meant Biyela only played in two matches, against University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Central University of Technology (CUT), the kind of setback that tests any athlete’s patience. But patience, he said, is something rugby has taught him. “When I’m on the field, that is when I’m patient,” he said, speaking about his role as captain. “That is a place where I have to be calm headed” That composure was tested, and rewarded, at an international level.
Called up to the junior Springbok camp late in 2024, Biyela had to wait until January to attend, after an ankle surgery ruled him out of the first session. He went on to captain the side at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. “We were not that good leading up to the tournament; we were predicted to be average,” he said. Against those odds, the team won the title.
Off the field, family anchors him. As the eldest of three and the only son, Biyela describes a deep sense of responsibility toward his two younger sisters and a bond with his mother that has only strengthened over the years. “My mom is my everything,” he said. “She has literally done everything for me. She’s always there when I need to talk to her, whether about school, rugby, or girls.” Both his parents remain central to his support system, which is why their names, alongside a Bible verse, sit permanently on his wrist. A firm believer in God, Biyela deliberately chose “Sigade Umzila,” the song he plays in his ears before every kick-off: its message mirrors the physicality and leadership his position demands.
Longtime friend and Lions teammate Tirhani Masondo, who has known Biyela since Grade eight at KES , described him as a young man whose confidence rarely needs to announce itself. “He’s the type of person whose actions speak louder than his words,” Masondo said. “A lot of his biggest wins are silent wins. He doesn’t always need recognition for what he does he just gets the job done.” Off the field, Masondo added that Biyela is disciplined, humble, and quick to celebrate others’ successes, sometimes more than his own. “The way he approaches life is almost the same way he approaches a tackle,” Masondo said. “Once he sees a target, he doesn’t hesitate.”
For Biyela, that target is simple: keep showing up for his team, his family, and his degree, one semester and one match at a time. Somewhere between the socks going on and the final whistle, that is exactly what he keeps doing.
FEATURED IMAGE: A image of the tunnel run of Thando Biyela image by Sanele Sithole
After years of working toward a Varsity Football final on unfamiliar soil, Wits Women will finally enjoy home-ground advantage.
Wits Women host Varsity Football at home for the first time.
The team is determined to reach the final.
Matches will take place at Wits Football Stadium on August 8 and 9 before the final on August 19.
Wits University will host Varsity Football women’s fixtures for the first time on August 8 and 9, giving the team a home-ground advantage as they look to reach their first Varsity Football final.
The team opens the tournament with two matches in Pretoria on August 1 and 2 before returning to Johannesburg to host the second bumper weekend. The final is scheduled for August 19.
This opportunity comes as Varsity Football introduces a new bumper weekend format, allowing teams to play two matches before a longer recovery period ahead of the final. Hosting rights are also a first for the Wits women’s football team.
“There had been a rotation, and Varsity Sports opened it to numerous institutions that qualified. We raised our hand, and fortunately Wits will host the second bumper weekend,” said Phuthego Mokgethi, Sports Officer for Football.
Aside from reducing travel, Mokgethi believes hosting will give Wits a competitive edge.
Coach Siphesihle Ngalmane agreed: “We’ve always been knocked out in the semi-finals. This year we want to play in the final, and we’re hoping the final will be here at home.”
The fixtures for the 2026 Varsity Football Women’s tournament on display. Photo: Asisipho Mpahleni
Captain Nthabiseng Ramaisa believes playing in front of Wits supporters could make all the difference.
“It’s not easy playing away,” she said. “Having supporters here is exciting because when we’re away, it’s hard for Wits to organise buses for people to come and watch us.”
She added that away matches often come with added pressure from opposition fans.
“When you get there, people start booing you.”
Ramaisa believes the growing support for the women’s team could inspire more young women to get involved in football.
“More girls can get into soccer, and more girls can participate in sport,” she said.
For first-year player Nokubonga Msimango, the chance to play Varsity Football at home still feels surreal.
“There’s like a superpower playing at home,” she said. “You want to make people proud.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Cheerleaders welcoming the Wits women’s football team at the official launch of the 2026 Varsity Football tournament. Photo: Asisipho Mpahleni
South Africa’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked familiar excitement among fans. For many, it brings back memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. A tournament widely remembered as one of the most iconic in modern football history and the first ever hosted on African soil.
But 2026 is not 2010.
The upcoming tournament, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, arrives in a vastly different global climate. While FIFA has spearheaded the expanded format as a celebration of global football, fans have raised growing concerns about whether the World Cup will remain truly accessible to the people who give it life—the fans.
A major concern is accessibility. Reports and human rights organisations have warned that visa restrictions and immigration policies in the United States could make it difficult for fans from certain countries to attend matches (Amnesty International on travel restriction). While all qualified teams are expected to participate, supporters from parts of Africa, the Middle East, and other regions may still face financial and administrative restrictions that limit their ability to travel.
Another growing issue? Cost. Rising inflation, expensive accommodation, and long-distance travel mean that attending the World Cup is becoming increasingly unaffordable for ordinary fans. What was once a global gathering of football cultures risks shifting toward a more commercialised experience shaped by tourism markets and corporate access.
Alongside these concerns, FIFA’s cultural strategy appears increasingly rooted in nostalgia. The return of global music icon Shakira to World Cup discussions following her legendary 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) has reignited excitement among fans. Music has always been central to football’s identity, and Shakira’s presence connects the present tournament to one of its most celebrated eras.
However, this raises a deeper question: is nostalgia being used to mask growing concerns about the tournament itself?
There is no doubt that the 2026 World Cup will be one of the largest sporting events ever staged. But scale is not the same as spirit. Football’s power has always come from its people, travelling supporters, emotional crowds, and global accessibility. Without that, the World Cup risks losing the very identity that made it the world’s game.
As excitement builds, one question remains unavoidable: what is a World Cup, if the world itself cannot fully be there?
FEATURED IMAGE: A graphic of Shakira and Zakumi. Photos by: Oouinouin and Jason Bagley. Graphic by: Sanele Sithole
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Women’s Rugby showed early-season resilience and unity despite a 27-0 opening defeat to Zondi Women’s Rugby club on Saturday.
Wits Women’s Rugby opened their 2026 league season with a 27-0 defeat to Zondi Women’s Rugby Club at Wits Rugby Stadium.
Despite the loss, Wits showed resilience, strong defensive organisation, and growing team unity throughout the match.
The match reflected the continued growth of the Wits Women’s Rugby programme since its establishment in 2019.
The Wits Women’s Rugby team opened their league season at Wits Rugby Stadium on Saturday May 9, 2026, producing a spirited performance against a physically dominant Zondi side in a match that tested both their structure and resolve.
From kick-off at 13:20, Wits showed intensity at the breakdown, organised defensive sets, and confidence in possession despite sustained early pressure from the visitors. Zondi controlled the territory for much of the first half, scoring their first try midway through after winning a turnover inside Wits’ 22. Wits responded with improved defensive organisation and stronger carries, matching Zondi’s physicality in several exchanges. Zondi added another try just before half-time to take a 10-0 lead into the break, but the Wits team continued to contest every phase with discipline and commitment.
Their strongest moments came in defense, where disciplined communication and collective organisation reflected the side’s growing cohesion. Even during difficult phases of play, players responded to the coach’s instructions, quickly regrouping after errors and maintaining their defensive structure under pressure.
Pinned deep in their own half on several occasions, Wits absorbed repeated phases of pressure through committed tackling and strong on-field communication. The forward pack showed determination in the scrums, while ball carriers consistently worked hard to gain metres in contact despite Zondi’s physical dominance.
Wits Women’s Rugby forwards contest possession during a scrum against Zondi in their opening league fixture at Wits Rugby Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Alice Dhlamini
The second half brought renewed energy from the home side. Substitutions lifted the tempo, defensive organisation improved, and Wits showed greater confidence in building play. A yellow card during a crucial stage shifted momentum further in Zondi’s favour, but Wits still maintained their intensity and rate throughout.
Even as the scoreline widened, the home side continued fighting until the final whistle, earning respect from supporters and coaches alike for their commitment.
Captain Nikitha Dlabane, a final-year biomedical sciences student, said the performance reflected the growing unity developing within a relatively inexperienced Wits side, explaining that despite the pressure of the occasion, the players “stayed together as a team” and continuously encouraged one another throughout the match. She added that the side drew confidence from strong scrummaging, effective carries, and organised defensive folding, although she acknowledged that there is still room for improvement as the squad continues to develop.
“This game was tough because a lot of our girls are very new,” she said, “but we stayed together as a team. We encouraged each other all the way, and I feel like that is what makes the team.”
Dlabane also highlighted the technical aspects that gave Wits confidence during the match.
Head coach Winsdon Grootboom praised his side’s “never-say-dying attitude” despite the defeat, highlighting the determination shown by a squad that included “six or seven women” making their first rugby appearance. Although he admitted that “pressure creates mistakes” at crucial stages of the match, Grootboom said he was encouraged by the way the players “fought until the end” and continued trying to execute the structures and patterns they had worked on in training.
The Wits Women’s Rugby team warm up ahead of their season opener against Zondi Women’s Rugby Club at Wits Rugby Stadium on May 9, 2026. Photo: Alice Dhlamini
Wits player Mamokgopane Tsotetsi, a second-year industrial engineering student, said preparation played an important role in helping the team remain composed ahead of the fixture, with the squad focusing on “scrums, structures, lineouts, and all the basics” during training. She added that constant communication and encouragement on the field helped the side maintain its intensity during difficult passages of play.
Beyond the result, the fixture reflected the growing visibility of women’s rugby at Wits, with supporters highlighting the significance of women’s presence in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Second-year Bachelor of Arts student in South African Sign Language and political studies, Tshimangadzo Sigoba, described it as “refreshing seeing women taking up space in rugby,” while supporter One Segano noted that women’s rugby is gaining greater exposure and media attention on campus.
The crowd responded loudly throughout the afternoon, particularly after Zondi’s opening try, as tension built with Wits searching for opportunities to break through defensively. A Wits injury late in the match added further intensity to an already physical encounter, while the home side’s number one forward stood out with powerful ball carries and strong work around contact areas.
While the scoreboard may not have favoured Wits, the match stood as a testament to the team’s rapid progress and the rising profile of women’s rugby at the university since its establishment in 2019. As the season unfolds, the Wits Women’s Rugby team looks set to continue inspiring players and supporters alike with their unwavering determination.
A graphic highlighting Wits Women’s Rugby’s season opener against Zondi Women’s Rugby Club reflects the team’s resilience, unity, and determination despite a challenging start to the season. Graphic: Emmanuel Molebatsi
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits Women’s Rugby players chase down a Zondi ball carrier during their league opener at Wits Rugby Stadium on May 9, 2026. Despite a 27-0 defeat, Wits showed defensive resilience and growing cohesion throughout the match. Photo: Alice Dhlamini
As the cold begins to settle and the due dates creep closer, the Wits Hindu Students Society creates a home away from home by hosting a Thunee tournament on campus.
The Wits HSS recently held its annual Thunee tournament.
Prizes were up for grabs ranging from R200 to R1000.
The aim of the tournament was to preserve the culture of the game and create a community for its players.
With money to be won and a game you love to play, what could be more exciting? On Friday, May 8, the Wits HSS hosted its annual Thunee tournament at the Margo Steele building.
Up for grabs – R1000 for first place, R400 for second place, and R200 for third place. These prizes are a culmination of the money raised by entry fee tickets, which cost R100 per team.
The game dates back to the 1860s, when Indian indentured labourers arrived to work on the sugar cane fields in what was then known as Natal. A game that helped them find connection and preserve culture amid their enslavement in a strange land.
Even though the game has evolved since, all you need is three of your best friends or complete strangers and a special pack of 28 Playing Cards.
“To continue hosting these tournaments will play a very big part in keeping Thunee alive at Wits, because naturally certain things skip generations, and we’re trying to prevent that.” explained Aadit Aheer, the former chairperson of Wits HSS.
The tournament was not just limited to Wits students but also open to members of the community. There were three teams made up of self-named ‘uncles.’
Five hours. Two calm initial rounds. A captivating quarterfinal. A chilling semi-final. A crazily competitive final.
While the game is about tricking opponents and reaching a total of 105 first, it is also about communication—how well you and your partner know each other, what a slight eyebrow raise, or nostril flare could mean.
As the tournament shifted from a fun night with friends to an intense evening of eye contact, smack talk and cards hitting the table, only four teams remained.
It was Uncles 3 versus Call & Loss, and Uncles 2 versus EN-SYNC.
The entire crowd peaking over their shoulders as they played for the top prize.
The night ended with Uncles 3 winning first place, Call & Loss taking second place and Uncles 2 coming in third.
The winners of first and third place graciously donated their prizes to the Wits HSS Temple and a first year they had played against, respectively.
Directions to Thunee tournament. Photo by: Kerese Govender
A hand of cards held by a player. Photo by: Kerese Govender
Names of teams playing in the tournament and a pack of cards. Photo by: Kerese Govender
Second place winners of the Thunee tournament, Savani Govender and Ashen Naidoo. Photo by: Kerese Govender
Deck of special cards for Thunee tournament. Photo by: Kerese Govender
Winners of Thunee tournament, Colonel Lionel Chetty and Kevin Peramaul, with the chairperson of the Wits HSS, Ushdir Singh. Photo by: Kerese Govender
“We would like to give this money back to charity,” said Colonel Lionel Chetty, member of Uncles 3. “For us, it is not just a game. It brings people together.” he further commented.
Thunee is more than just a game. It is the beginning of friendships. All it takes is one look at the table to your left, a quick question, “You know how to jol thunee?” and the rest is history. It serves as a semblance of home for those who leave everything and everyone, they know, to attend Wits. Whether it is at your grandparents’ dining room table or at the Matrix, the game lives on.
FEATURED IMAGE: Directions to Thunee Tournament. Photo by: Kerese Govender
The Wits Sports Council (WSC) hosted its third annual sports games event, the WSC Games, on April, 25, 2026. Witsies ditched their usual sporting codes to compete in challenges aimed at building unity.
The Wits Sports Council turned the WSC Games into an Amazing Race-style event to promote unity across sports clubs.
The games encouraged cross-club support and collaborations beyond sport.
Despite some challenges, the turnout was high and the gold team won the 2026 WSC Amazing Race Games.
This year, a new format of the WSC Games was introduced as an Amazing Race styled event, where different Wits sports clubs were grouped into six teams, yellow, gold, silver, purple, orange and blue. Each team consisted of four different sports clubs in order create comradery and unity among different sports instead of allowing each sport to operate in isolation.
Tennis, tai chi and kabujustu yacht, karate, hockey, boxing and mountain climbing, to name a few, are some of the sporting codes who participated in the WSC Amazing Race Games. Each team had to complete different challenges that consisted of learning different sport’s skills for points. “The goal was to get more integration in the Wits sports community —have people interact with each other more,” Tristan Wilkinson, WSC’s safety and maintenance officer, told Wits Vuvuzela.
Naledi Makhetha, Wits Yacht Club member, participating in rock climbing at the 2026 WSC Amazing Race Games. Photo by Zebrena Ralph
The WSC Amazing Race Games emphasised unity among different sporting codes, shifting focus away from division and competition between clubs. “It’s about building partnerships that will help us support each other in everything” said Mamela Nyandeni, the WSC Chair and SRC Sports chair.
Nyandeni explained how the cross-code collaboration at this event can encourage athletes to support each other’s fundraisers and show up for one another at matches. “It’s not always just financial (support). You showing up to a final means a lot”.
Asanda Msomi, participant and Tai Chi and Kobujutsu athlete, expressed how this event allows for possible collaboration outside of the sports field as well. “One of the netball players is a film student and I am from fine arts —we are both in the Arts. Today we got the chance to interact, and I guess now when I see them, I can approach them and possibly collaborate as artists,” Msomi told Wits Vuvuzela.
While the event fostered collaboration and camaraderie among athletes, the WSC faced a few challenges behind the scenes. Initially, 22 of Wits’ sporting codes were supposed to participate, but unfortunately some sporting codes pulled out on the morning of the event due to tournaments and matches. “But the turnout is good. It’s possibly our highest,” Nyandeni told Wits Vuvuzela.
As the finale of the WSC Amazing Race arrived, the final challenge was a relay race with 100 points up for grabs, making it the event’s showstopper. The purple team, which consisted of tang so doo, hockey and snow ski club, won the relay race, but the gold team, made up of the boxing club, took the overall victory and trophy as they were crowned the WSC Games 2026 winner.
The gold team being crowned the WSC Games 2026 winner. Photo by Zebrena Ralph
FEATURED IMAGE: The gold team being crowned the WSC Games 2026 winner. Photo by Zebrena Ralph
After automatic relegation last season, FNB Wits Rugby has not only scored a seat back into Varsity Cup but a place in the semi-final.
Wits Rugby boys promoted back into Varsity Cup.
Team set to play semi-finals Friday, 3 April 2026.
Captain says team is “emotionally invested” in winning.
The boys in blue showed up this Varsity Shield season with six wins and one draw and have now secured a home semi-final. The boys seem determined, driven and motivated to ensure an automatic promotion back into the Varsity Cup.
According to Varsity Cup, in 2025, the team played in the A section of the rugby competition, known as Varsity Cup. After playing and losing eight, the team got relegated to the B section of the competition for the 2026 season, known as Varsity Shield.
The automatic relegation left no chance for redemption. The Wits Blues took last year’s loses, went back to the drawing board, and entered Varsity Shield with grace. Now. they plan to be promoted back into the Varsity Cup.
What started as a rocky opening match against FNB Walter Sisulu University (WSU) on February 13, which resulted in a draw, and ignited a fire that saw the boys climb all the way to the top of the log. The quick and commanding response showcased the team’s depth.
Wits is set to play semi-finals on Friday, April 3, against FNB Madibaz (Nelson Mandela University), which promises to be a nail-biting fixture. If they win, they will advance to the final against either FNB WSU or FNB UWC (University of the Western Cape), and stand a chance at redemption, glory and take the Varsity Shield 2026 trophy home.
The score breakdown highlights their performance throughout the season at almost every match under the Friday night lights:
Photo of one of the rugby players during practice with the score break down of the season. Photo and graphic: Keletso Zwane
FNB Wits Rugby captain, Latica Nela said the team was focused on finishing the job. “We are not done. Promotion was just the first part of it, we still want to win this thing,” he said.
“And hopefully, God willing, when we do, it shows how emotionally invested we all were in this process,” the skipper concluded.
Having led the boys on and off the field, he advised his team to continue playing the rugby that Wits is known for playing- high tempo, controlled and supported by the fans at home.
The Blues are ready to finish strong, not only for themselves but for Wits. Was their winning streak sheer luck or brutal hard work?
FEATURED IMAGE: Photo of rugby boys at practice doing the line-out. Photo: Keletso Zwane
Four Wits Tang Soo Do athletes kicked their way past a funding shortfall, bringing home medals for a sport that almost left them behind.
The athletes represented South Africa at the 2025 Tang Soo Do World Championships in Scotland.
Each athlete won at least two medals, and brought home a total of 11.
This was the club’s first international competition since the covid-19 pandemic.
Striking gold on Scottish soil, four Wits Tang Soo Do athletes — Madiala Leputu, Treyen Pillay, Thomas Mbombi, and Michael Naidoo — returned to South Africa as medalists and champions of the 2025 World Tang Soo Do Championships.
The victory was particularly meaningful as it came after seven teammates had to pull out because of a lack of funding.
Lethabo Rabothata, the club’s chairperson, highlighted the significance of attending an international tournament for the first time since the covid-19 pandemic.
From left to right: Treyen Pillay, Thomas Mbombi, Michael Naidoo, Madiala Leputu. Photo: Supplied/Lethabo Rabothata
The scale of the achievement only truly sank in for Mbombi once he was back home. After winning a gold medal in open hand forms and two silvers in weapon forms and point sparring, the reality of the moment hit him.
“Hey, you went overseas. That was a world championship stage kind of a situation. Not just another tournament,” he reflected.
Pillay battled both his opponents and a bout of the flu that struck on the flight to Scotland. Despite considering withdrawal, he fought on.
“My family spent a lot of money to get me here, and I trained really hard for more than a year, twice a day, to get to this point,” he said.
His perseverance paid off; he earned a gold in weapon forms and two silvers in open hand forms and point sparring.
The championships was a source of inspiration for Leputu, “We came back with some experience of how to, you know, up our training. It was all worth it,” he said, securing gold in open hand forms.
Naidoo‘s gold medal was not just a personal achievement but a “rare honour” to represent his country on a global stage.
Ultimately, the team’s Wits Tang Soo Do instructor, Master Gregory Hart, praised the team, “I am very impressed with those young men.”
FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Tang Soo Do athletes posing with their medallions at the World Championships in Scotland. Photo: Supplied/Lethabo Rabothata
A clear 4-1 defeat marks the Witsies’ triumphant return.
Wits opened the Varsity Football tournament with a commanding win, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring chances.
The team’s performance was marked by strong teamwork, sharp tactics, and clinical finishing.
This result sends a clear message that Wits is a serious contender aiming for the tournament title this season.
A statement was made by Wits University’s Educated Footballers, who announced their comeback with four goals to Central University of Technology’s one on home turf on August 7, 2025.
Wits Football Club players celebrating after another ball finds the back of the net. Photo: Supplied/Thando Jafta
Goal scorers included Mxolisi Mthiya, Sifiso Mlondo and Tebogo Masemola, who walked away with R1000 for his goal rush award, the opening goal that set the standard for the rest of the match.
Captain, Kgwadi Molepo, a postgraduate Property Studies student, walked away with the Player of the Match title after leading the team to its first victory.
Thanduxolo Zulu, who was appointed last year as head coach for the Wits Football team said, “I do not have any personal objectives as I put myself behind the team, I want what is best for them and best for them is being in the tournament and excelling.”
He added, “I was impressed by the second half, the intensity and in terms of the intention behind everything that we did that led to more goals.” Wits Football set the standard for what promises to be a competitive Varsity Football tournament. The match showcased the pace, skill, and strength that define the competition.
Kgwadi Molepo, Wits Football captain, walked away with the Player of the Match Award. Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile
A glimpse of the high-quality football still to come as the tournament unfolds over eight weeks between August to October, 2025.
“I’m excited and proud to be captain of this institution, definitely one game at a time with a new coach, new technical team it’s a change and starting on a clean slate for Wits,” said Molepo.
“As a first-year attending the tournament for the first time, I’m beyond impressed with the squad and I believe that we can win it ’’ said spectator, Amanda Hlatshwayo.
Zulu said this game was a set tone for the rest of the tournament, with fans showing up despite cold and wet weather conditions, which really fueled the team throughout the match.
The last time Wits Football reached the finals was in 2018, Molepo says this new generation of players is determined to win hopefully break records.
The Educated Footballers are set to play another home game against Durban University of Technology next week at 17:00 on SuperSport
FEATURE IMAGE: The Goal Rush award winner, Tebogo Masemola. Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile.
Financial constraints have sidelined over half of the Wits Tang Soo Do team selected for the 2025 World Championships in Scotland.
More than half the team was forced to withdraw from competing in Scotland.
Eleven athletes were originally selected, but seven had to withdraw due to funding shortfalls.
Despite fundraising efforts, the team could not raise enough to send all athletes.
Only four of the eleven Wits Tang Soo Do athletes originally selected to represent Wits University at the World Tang Soo Do Championships in Scotland this August will be making the trip, after a significant funding shortfall forced seven team members to withdraw.
The club, one of the longest-running at Wits University with over 30 years of history, celebrated the announcement earlier this year that 11 of its members would carry both the Wits and South African flags at the prestigious global event.
However, with Wits Sport only able to cover up to R10,000 per athlete — and the actual cost per person sitting closer to R50,000 — the dream quickly became a logistical and emotional challenge.
Madiala Leputu, an athlete among those still competing said, “to see the team cut down was disappointing, especially knowing that it was not due to a lack of talent or team spirit, but purely because of funding.”
Despite various fundraising efforts, the team was forced to make tough decisions.
“We put in so much effort and did everything we could to raise funds, but despite our best efforts, it still was not enough,” said Lethabo Rabothata, the club’s Chairperson, who was among those selected but is unable to attend due to financial constraints.
“We prioritised those with higher belts because they have trained longer, have more experience and are better prepared to represent the team effectively,” Rabothata said.
The four athletes who will compete in Scotland have continued to train with focus and determination, carrying the weight of their own dreams as well as those of their teammates.
“Hopefully, next time we all get to go. None of them are not able to go due to unwillingness but circumstance,” said Thomas Mbombi, one of the four athletes.
Their journey highlights both the talent that exists within underfunded university sports and the ongoing struggle to access opportunity.
Treyen Pillay, one of the selected athletes said, “there is need for more structured support, funding, sponsorship opportunities, and institutional backing.”
While the four athletes will represent Wits and South Africa on the global stage, the absence of the other seven is a sobering reminder of the barriers local talent still faces. Their story is a reminder of what is possible, and of what is still at risk if sport continues to be treated as an extracurricular luxury rather than a national asset.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Tang Soo Do athletes representing South Africa at the World Championships in Scotland. Photo: Supplied/Lethabo Rabothata
Wits Tang Soo Do athletes are facing major financial hurdles which may prevent them from representing their country.
Athletes need R50 000 each to go to the championships, the university can only cover up to R10 000
Donations are being collected through a GoFundMe campaign
Half the team may have to forfeit their participation
Eleven athletes from Wits Tang Soo Do have been selected to represent South Africa at the World Championships in Scotland this August, but with funding falling short, the team is calling on the Wits community, alumni, and the public to help cover the remaining costs.
The Wits Tang Soo Do Team poses proudly after an intense training session on campus. Photo: Supplied/Keneilwe Sekwale
This prestigious selection marks a significant achievement not only for the athletes but also for Wits University’s legacy in sports. However, they are facing financial difficulties.
According to the club’s Chairperson, Lethabo Rabothata, each athlete will need approximately R50 000 to cover expenses such as flights, accommodation, and food for approximately ten days. Wits Sports is only able to contribute between R5 000 and R10 000 per athlete, leaving a massive shortfall. When contacted for comment, Nontuthuko Simelane from Wits Sports said they were not the relevant party to comment on the matter.
The club has launched a GoFundMe campaign and recently hosted a self-defense seminar to raise funds. Wits Tang Soo Do instructor, Master Gregory Hart said, “The club has a GoFundMe campaign, and I think that’s a really good way that the public can get involved because whether you got R20 or R2 000 that all adds up.”
What started out as a moment of celebration has quickly turned bittersweet. Some athletes are now reconsidering their participation. According to Hart, more than half of the selected athletes may not be able to go.
Lethabo Hatang, one of the selected athletes said, “I really do want to represent my club and the country, but the financial burden is quite demotivating.”
The situation has also reignited calls for greater institutional investment in university sports. “The University is not only for academic excellence but also the sporting opportunities it provides. Wits can provide life-changing opportunities not just in terms of their degrees but also in terms of exposure to different sports,” said Hart.
For Wits Tang Soo Do, this journey is about more than medals. It’s about national pride, representation, and the hope of inspiring the next generation of martial artists.
FEATURED IMAGE: One Team. One Spirit. Tang Soo Do! Photo: Nthabiseng Baloyi
As video assistant referee (VAR) continues to reshape football, does it enhance the sport’s integrity, or does it diminish its thrilling spontaneity?
Envision a football match where every crucial moment is subjected to intense scrutiny, halting the game’s natural rhythm. The exhilaration of spontaneous action is replaced by the tedium of awaiting a referee’s verdict, eyes glued to a monitor. This is the current state of football, shaped by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
VAR was implemented to rectify clear errors and minimize human fallibility in crucial game-changing moments. The concept was straightforward: enhance fairness. However, the outcome has been more complex. While VAR has undeniably corrected some blatant mistakes, it has also generated fresh controversies and arguably increased frustration.
In essence, football is a straightforward game: two teams compete to score more goals. However, what truly excites fans is the game’s unpredictability, the unexpected moments, and even its imperfections. Before VAR, referees made instant calls, and while they sometimes got it wrong, these mistakes were part of the game’s character. We’d debate them passionately, but we accepted them as part of football’s human nature.
With the new Premier League season kicking off this evening, it is a good time to revisit a controversial moment from 2021 that shows how tricky VAR can be. Sky Sports reports that, just 14 minutes into the match between Chelsea and Manchester United, Callum Hudson-Odoi appeared to handle the ball in Chelsea’s penalty area. VAR advised the referee to review the play on the pitch side monitor. After watching the footage, he decided not to award a penalty. This incident shows how VAR, intended to clarify decisions, can often cause more confusion by turning simple plays into lengthy disputes.
According to The Athletic, a dramatic example of fan backlash against VAR unfolded in Norway. A top-tier match between Rosenborg and Lillestrom was abandoned after supporters, enraged by VAR, bombarded the pitch with tennis balls and fishcakes. The game was repeatedly halted, forcing players off the field twice, before being called off after just 32 minutes. This extreme protest reflects widespread fan discontent towards VAR in Norway since its introduction last year.
South Africa is increasingly moving towards embracing VAR, particularly after controversial decisions like those in MTN 8 Cup opener between Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United sparked debate. Both South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) are eager to introduce VAR to local leagues, reports SABC Sport. The recent R900 million sponsorship deal with Betway could provide the necessary financial support. This could revolutionize South African football by introducing a new level of fairness.
It’s essential to remember that football isn’t solely about perfection. The game’s true essence lies in the thrill, the unexpected, and the emotional rollercoaster it induces. While VAR is a permanent fixture, its successful integration depends on preserving what makes football extraordinary. Let’s strive for fairness without sacrificing the heart and soul of the game.
FEATURED IMAGE: Rivaldo Jantjies, 2024 Wits Vuvuzela Journalist. Photo: File/Leon Sadiki
Since her announcement as the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille has dominated national headlines. In this bonus episode of We Should Be Writing podcast, hosts Lulah Mapiye and Bonolo Mokonoto dissect a media meet-and-greet with the mayoral hopeful. From her extensive political résumé to her controversial public utterance, we examine why the Democratic Alliance has chosen Hellen Zille as their candidate for the 2027 local mayoral elections. Additionally, […]
