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
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
The season ends with a disheartening loss for FNB Wits, but there is hope for the future thanks to the rise of young talent.
A gruelling 12-24 season-ending loss to the FNB Shimlas on April 8, 2024, at Wits Rugby Stadium saw the Wits side effectively nudged out of the contest with a fifth place finish.
Tension was high throughout the first few exchanges as both teams tried avoiding mistakes on a wet field. Even though the hosts had the ball early on, they frequently made handling errors, which cost them potential points.
The visitors were clearly a real danger to breach the Wits defense once they found their rhythm. Following a period of continuous pressure, the visitors scored first, with hooker Liyema Mgwigwi converting from close range.
Flyhalf Ethan Wentzel slotted the conversion, putting Shimlas up 7-0. That lead was increased when winger Siviwe Zondani capped off a beautiful team play by leaping over for a try beneath the posts.
Wentzel continued his immaculate kicking, adding the conversion to give the visitors a dominating 14-0 halftime score.
Despite the halftime deficit, Wits fans remained upbeat, their chants ringing across the whole stadium. ”I’m not going to say we lost already, we can still do it,” Avela Sisilana, told Wits Vuvuzela. Mmambowethu Katsande said, “One thing that’s been true about the boys is that we [are] the comeback kings.”
UFS doubled their lead after the break with a goal from fullback Michael Annies. However, Wits responded swiftly, as Drew Bennet crossed the line following a superb ball from outside center Liyema Matyolweni. Shimlas’ Gideon Nel scored the important bonus-point try, but his conversion attempt bounced off the upright, leaving the score at 19-7.
In a last-ditch effort, Wits flanker Kelvin Kanenungo charged over for a try. However, it was too little, too late, as the conversion attempt went wide, ending the match 24-12 in Shimlas’ favor.
Hugo van As, the head coach, has voiced his dissatisfaction with how the season has unfolded.
“Disappointed yes but obviously looking forward to the future, at one stage we had eight youngsters in our environment, which obviously, if we can keep them on board, would be good for the future,” he told Wits Vuvuzela.
Nothing could separate the Boys in Blue and Ikeys in an erratic varsity cup battle.
Wits University clashed with the University of Cape Town (UCT) in the Varsity Cup on March 18, 2024, with the game eventually ending in a nail-biting 33-33 draw.
The visitors came into the game as favourites on the back of two successive victories against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Central University of Technology (CUT).
Wits on the other hand headed into the encounter seeking redemption on the heels of a two-game losing streak, the most recent being a 51-22 away loss to the North-West University (NWU) Eagles.
A second minute penalty and three tries saw UCT go into the half-time break with a 10-28 lead over the home side.
However, Wits flew out the traps in the second half, scoring two tries within the first five minutes. One courtesy of fullback, Setshaba Mokoena, who ripped through the UCT defence before he chipped, then chased the ball to score a dazzling solo effort.
Wits and UCT engaged in a tight battle at Wits Rugby Stadium. Photo: Kabir Jugram
This dizzying spell from the home side reduced the halftime deficit to two points, but only for a matter of minutes as a try by Mhleli Khuzwayo extended the buffer for the away side.
The scoreboard was 26-33 to the Ikeys with ten minutes left on the clock, setting the stage for a nervy finale. But the Wits crowd remained at full volume, and their spirit was duly rewarded when Wits prop, Ronan Dutton scrambled over the goal line in the final minute of the game. After a successful conversion, the game ended in a 33-33 draw.
Debutant Wits flanker, Kevin Kakoma said the match was, “Absolutely exhilarating! [I] had a blast out there. It was tough, obviously, they kept coming and never really died down, but it was a good push.” He said the crowd was a highlight, “I’m truly thankful for everyone coming out and just giving out support. I really felt that I was at home here”.
UCT prop John Okonkwo said, “We brought the energy, we brought the effort. Kudos to Wits, they really put us on our toes today, especially in the second half. I think a draw justifies the game and how it actually played out.”
Wits is now fifth on the Varsity Cup log with two games remaining. Their next clash is against the UJ at the UJ Stadium on March 25, 2024.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits and UCT players compete for a line-out. Photo: Kabir Jugram
The All Res Sports Day brings students living at Wits University residences together, in a day of sweaty but friendly play.
The All Res Sun-Council (ARSC) hosted their annual sports day at Digs field, pitting residences against one other for a podium finish.
Barnato Hall, Noswal Hall, David Webster Hall, Wits Junction, Girton Hall, Sunnyside Hall, Jubilee Hall, Reith Hall, Amani, Braamfontein Centre Residence, Medhurst Hall, West Campus Village, Knockando Hall, Ernest Oppenheimer Hall (EOH) and Men’s Res took to the fields and courts to compete on May 13, 2023.
Sports such as netball, soccer, basketball, touch rugby, chess and indigenous games were played throughout the day.
ARSC media officer, Basetsane Sithole said “This year we are really excited to try make it as big as possible [by] involving sponsors such as Redbull; this is an event for us to get the reses back together again because we haven’t done anything like this since O-week [orientation week].”
Khethani Makhithi, Junction men’s soccer coach said, “Junction is not a well-established football team with a strong heritage like Knockendo which is known for its football prowess.”
Makhithi said even though the match against Knockando ended in a 1-1 draw, but won in penalties, he believes it was a tight game throughout.
Asemahle Mazamela, netball referee during a clash off between Wits Junction and Noswal said that the match went well besides the fact that “the other team [Wits Junction] only had 5 players but they tried,” which unfortunately led them to an early knockout.
Phenyo Leornard Moje, a player for Noswal netball team was injured in the first quarter of the final match against Barnato. He felt guilty for not being able to help his team in the first two quarters of the match. Despite not being fully healed, he decided to rejoin the game in third and fourth quarter of the match.
At the end of the sports day, the reses who came third, second and first place each received trophies and medals.
The first-place winners were:
EOH in touch rugby, men’s basketball
Barnato in netball, Barnato in women’s basketball and Barnato in women’s soccer
Braam Centre in men’s soccer
Men’s res in chess
Reith Hall in all the indigenous games
The spirit award was given to David Webster
The games all ended in high spirits as the winners celebrated and danced on the courts, Neliswa Mpangeni, one of the spectators from Noswal Hall said that she has been at Digs filed since 8 in the morning and enjoyed supporting her team who were participating in the different sports.
The sports day concluded with roaring cheers and jubilation. The reses showcased their skills and sportsmanship, plus made memories were made that would last a lifetime.
Jubilee Hall playing against West Campus Village. Photo by: Ayanda Mgwenya
Barnato Hall supporters cheer and encourage their netball team at the netball court. Photo by: Ayanda Mgwenya
West Campus Village in red plays against EOH in black. Photo by: Ayanda Mgwenya
David Webster supporters singing and dancing at Digs field for the David Webster men’s soccer team: Photo by: Ayanda Mgwenya
Men’s res in red and white kit playing against Amani Hall in green kit. Photo by: Ayanda Mgwenya
Noswal Hall in maroon playing against Reith Hall in purple. Photo by: Ayanda Mgwenya
Girton Hall in green tops plays against Amani in blue and white dresses. Photo by: Ayanda Mgwenya
FEATURED IMAGE: EOH playing touch rugby against Men’s res Photo: Ayanda Mgwenya
The Lions triumphed with a dominant 40-19 victory over the junior Springboks, showcasing their rugby prowess.
In a gripping showdown at Wits rugby stadium on May 11, 2023, the u/20 Springboks fell short against the Lions in an action-packed friendly rugby match.
The Lions’ scrum-half secures the ball after the scrum in the match. Photo: Ayanda Mgwenya
In the first half of the match the junior Springboks seemed to be in control, scoring the opening five point try of the match followed by a successful two-point conversion kick.
Shortly after, the Lions scored their first try and conversion kick, bringing the scoreboard to an even 7-7. The junior Springboks answered with, yet another try and conversion to gain a seven-point lead. But that was short lived as the Lions quickly matched them with another try and conversion, ending the first half on 14 points apiece.
The second half of the match got off to a slower start, but the same pace of play was quickly picked up 10 minutes into the half, when the Lions scored a try that saw them in the lead with 21-14. Just a few minutes later another try shot them up to 26-14.
A decisive scrum saw the junior Springboks wrestle back some momentum, but it was not enough to stop yet another try and conversion by the Lions, who sat pretty at 33-14. By the end of the game, the junior Springboks only added five points to their side of the scoreboard, while the Lions won with a 21-point difference.
The Lions and u/20 Springboks fans are mixed-seated on the grandstands and they intensely watch the friendly rugby game. Photo: Ayanda Mgwenya
The energy from the field could be felt in the stands as fans’ audible excitement accompanied every tackle and try.
Prince Mavundla, a spectator said, “The game was really nice; even though the Lions were dominating the game, my favourite team is the [junior Springboks].”
Kelly Mpeku, who plays the outside-centre for the Lions and first try scorer of the match said, “It was a good game [and] very physical. I’m glad the boys [teammates] came through at the end of the day.”
Springbok coach, Bafana Nhleko said that the match is part of their journey and the team’s learning curve that will prepare them for their match against the Sharks on Monday, 15.
FEATUREDIMAGE: The ball is thrown in during a lineout and secured by one of the junior Springboks. Photo: Ayanda Mgwenya
Wits moves up the league after it secured a landslide win against the Poorte
The Wits Blues are set to play the University of Johannesburg’s rugby team this weekend after it secured a resounding victory against Roodepoort Ruby Club (Poorte) on Saturday, April 22, 2023; winning by an impressive 43-10 margin in the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge League.
The match started with Roodepoort scoring a try within the first 20 minutes, setting the tone for what would be a physical and tight game. However, Wits quickly caught up by scoring a try and a conversion, bringing the score to 7-5 by halftime.
As the second half began, Wits’ lock Awethu Lushozi received a ball from out wide and finished with a successful try and a conversion taking the score to 14-5. Wits’ prop Banele Mthenjane followed with another try and a conversion for the team, bringing the score to 21-5. The defense was under pressure as Wits were on constant attack which led to inside centre Siyabonga Xulu taking the ball to score a try and a conversion.
Wits fullback, Christian Humphries scored a successful try and a conversion after Roodepoort’s try, bringing the score to 38-10 before Wits wing, Simelela Nkomo closed out the game with the final try taking the score to 43-10 with a kick just before the game ended.
Wits put on a dominant display throughout the game, with spectators like Andrew William supporting Wits saying that the team played exceptionally well against Roodepoort. “I am very happy with the game, the boys put on a show for us and played a very good game.”
Wits wing Nkomo, told Wits Vuvuzela that “The boys set a high standard and I was pleased to maintain it as I got in on the 2nd half.”
Despite the loss, Roodepoort’s lock, Anton Gerber praised Wits for their performance and said, “It was a very tough game for us against a strong team like Wits but we pushed.”
Roodepoort’s supporter, Shanlee Maritz echoed the same sentiment: “I am very disappointed by the game from Roodepoort, but Wits really did took out and played a really good game.”
Despite winning, Wits’ first team coach, Saneliso Ngoma, said that they didn’t start off really well but in the second half the team pulled up, “we went to our structures and played the rugby that we know we can play. Now we have a week off preparing for our next big games.”
Wits captain, Mark Snyman told Wits Vuvuzela that, “I am not completely happy with how we played but a win is a win, and the team will continue to work hard to improve our game.”
Featured image: Wits blues and Poorte in a scrum restarting to play at Wits Rubgy field. Photo: Sinazo Mondo
Wits snatches victory against Johannesburg neighbour to gain a spot in the semi-finals of the Under-20 version of the annual competition.
FNB Wits Young Guns beat FNB University of Johannesburg (UJ) Young Guns 25-19 on Monday, April 4, to advance to the semi-finals of the Varsity Cup Young Guns league.
Both teams were competitive in the first half with Wits pushing back against UJ, blocking the Orange Army’s advances. But the boys in blue prevailed over the visitors, leading with a score of 15-7 by the break.
Wits’ decent lead was cut short after the restart, as UJ’s flanker Kyle Ehrke scored a try, converted by Kelvin Berriman, earning the visitors seven points. Wits made a comeback with flyhalf Eben Hyman scoring a try. The game quickly got too intense with the UJ side making strong advances, earning them a yellow card. A penalty kick for Wits and a try by UJ Young Guns saw the visitors with a slight edge, 18-19. However, Wits made a comeback with a try five minutes from the final whistle, finishing with a score of 25-19.
Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela after the game, FNB Wits Young Guns head coach Roland Bernard said that he was very happy with the win as the team qualified for the semi-finals. However, he said there were lots of opportunities lost in the game and “would like to change how we play”.
Wits Young Guns captain Zukhanye Dubulekhwele, affectionately known as ‘Dubs said that the team had put a lot of pressure on themselves and that they should have been more comfortable. He added that going forward they should be “more clinical”, have accuracy and precision.
UJ’s Berriman said that his team had “good execution, however, we weren’t able to finish”.
Supporters of the FNB Wits Young Guns came out in their numbers to support their home team. Takalani Madima, a third-year BSc student, said that “It was a close play, and I am happy Wits won, however, the referee’s decisions were questionable.”
The FNB Wits Young Guns will play on home soil against the University of Cape Town on Monday, April 10 at 16h30.
Wits and UJ engage in a scrum during an FNB Young Guns match at the Wits Rugby Stadium on April 3, 2023. Photo: Sbongile Molambo
FEATURED IMAGE: FNB UJ Young Guns tackle an FNB Wits Young Guns player during the second half of the match. Photo: Sbongile Molambo
Defending champions FNB UP-Tuks will play in the Varsity Shield next season after their Round 6 defeat by FNB Wits.
FNB Wits secured a historic win over the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) in the Varsity Cup on Monday, March 27, with a 77th minute try and conversion, for a score of 33-21.
Wits had an impeccable start with flyhalf Setshaba Mokoena scoring a try in the sixth minute and shortly thereafter, Wian De Lange and Lindo Ncusane scoring two more tries with successful conversions. UP-Tuks fought back with wing Bayanda Ngubane scoring a try with a conversion, however, Wits maintained their 19-7 lead by the end of the first half.
Tuks gained ground in the second half with eighth-man Divan Venter and centre Zander Reynders scoring point-of-origin tries in the final quarter, earning the Pretoria team bonus points for a total of 21. However, Wits managed to keep up the pressure with lock Hendrick Gouws scoring a try and prop Banele Mthenjane winning the game for the Witsies, relegating the defending champions to play in the Varsity Shield next season.
Afterwards, Wits player, Dameon Venter, told Wits Vuvuzela that, “We prepared really well and understood that if we just stuck to our plan the result would [yield] itself.” He added that their strategy for the rest of the season involved, “taking each challenge week by week [as we] have set clear goals to go all the way and make history”.
Supporters of the Braamfontein team came out in their numbers to cheer the home side. After the game, Jack Du Toit, a third-year civil engineering student said, “It is my first time watching a live game and it is an awesome experience to see good vibes and students having fun because [that] is what Varsity Cup is all about, bringing people together.”
Tuks third-year psychology student Pepi Mushayabasa was disappointed at the result, saying, “[Tuks] had the potential to do better if there were more Tuks supporters [because] the vibe isn’t there for them.”
Wits will play the FNB NWU Eagles in Round 7 at the Wits Stadium, on April 3, 2023.
UP-Tuks player, Johannes Mare and Witsie, George Devenish reach for the ball during a lineout in their Round 6 game in the Varsity Cup on March 27, 2023 at the Wits Rugby Stadium. Photo: Georgia Cartwright
FEATURED IMAGE: FNB Wits Rugby players face off in a scrum against UP-Tuks during a Varsity Cup Round 6 match on March 27, 2023 at the Wits Rugby Stadium. Photo: Georgia Cartwright
The Stellenbosch side snatched victory at the final whistle after Wits had mounted an impressive fightback in the fourth round of the annual university rugby competition.
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, […]
