After six years away from the Varsity Football final, the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) women’s team is back on the biggest stage and they come with belief, unity and a strong sense of purpose.
Tuks booked their place in the 2026 final with a hard-fought victory over TUT, a result that capped a campaign in which the team steadily grew in confidence and cohesion.
For the Tuks coach, Sibusiso Themba, the journey to the final has been challenging but deeply rewarding.
“At the start, we were still finding our feet, but the way the ladies came together is amazing.”
The coach believes the team’s greatest strength has been its collective spirit. Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Tuks have built their campaign around togetherness, with every player including those coming off the bench playing a role when called upon.
“We win as a collective, not as individuals,” the coach explained. “We fought together as a team, and that is how we managed to get to the final.”
The victory over TUT made the occasion even more significant, with the coach acknowledging the quality of the opposition and the importance of finally returning to the final after such a long wait.
“Six years is a really long time, so everyone is excited,” the coach said. “The best part is seeing how much this means to the players because they worked very hard to get here.”
With the final now approaching, Tuks are focused on ensuring that the occasion does not overwhelm the players. The message from the technical team has been clear: trust one another and play their football.
“I told the ladies to forget about the pressure and just trust each other,” the coach said.
That trust extends to mistakes, with the team encouraged to support one another throughout the match.
“If someone makes a mistake, their teammate will be right there to back them up.”
While lifting the trophy remains the ultimate ambition, the coach believes success will also be measured by how the team performs on the field.
“Of course we want to bring that trophy home,” the coach said. “But for me, my biggest achievement would be seeing the ladies play good football and showcase their skills on the field from the first minute to the last.”
After six years of waiting, UP-Tuks finally have another opportunity to write their name into Varsity Football history. With a united squad, growing confidence and a coach who believes in their collective strength, the Pretoria side will enter the final determined to make the opportunity count.
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