Defending champions North West University (NWU Eagles) and the University of Johannesburg (Orange Army) will meet in a highly anticipated Varsity Netball 2026 final in Mahikeng on Monday, 28 September, 19:00 with both sides carrying compelling stories into the title showdown.
For NWU, the occasion is an opportunity to defend their crown and demonstrate the character that has taken them back to the final. For UJ, it is another chance to finally break through after several years of near misses and potentially complete a remarkable USSA and Varsity Netball double.
The two teams are no strangers to each other. UJ handed NWU their first defeat of the campaign in the round-robin stage, claiming a 60–43 victory. However, with the title now on the line, both camps insist that previous results will have little bearing on Monday's contest. NWU vice-captain Armoni Matthee says confidence is high within the Eagles camp after what has been a strong tournament.
“The team is feeling very confident and we are 100% ready for the final. We have had a really good tournament so far, and being in the final is a huge privilege for us. We are very excited and can’t wait to get out on court and play.”
Preparation for the defending champions has focused on strengthening their connections across the court, improving movement and ensuring they remain true to their style of play. “Our main focus in training has been on balancing the court, our timing on leads, building our connection and, most importantly, playing our own game.”
Despite their earlier defeat to UJ, Matthee believes the Eagles have moved on from that encounter and will approach Monday's final as a fresh contest. “The previous game is in the past, and we are treating the final as a completely new game. We know that we didn’t play our own game or to the best of our abilities in that match.”
The Eagles know they will face an experienced UJ outfit capable of applying pressure throughout the court. Matthee says their response to momentum swings could be crucial. “UJ is a very strong team with experienced players right through the court, from attack to defence, so we know it’s not going to be easy. For us, it will be about playing as a unit, backing each other and believing in ourselves.”
NWU booked their place in the final after edging UP-Tuks 52–50 in a tense semi-final, setting up one final challenge in their bid to retain the title. For Matthee, going back-to-back would be a significant achievement for the group. “Winning it two years in a row would show the character, fight and belief within this group. We know we have to leave everything out on court.”
NWU head coach Elsunet du Plessis has echoed the need for discipline, identifying possession and execution as key areas ahead of the decider. “UJ are a very strong and competitive side, and we know it will be another tough battle. Our focus this week will be on improving our own performance, looking after possession and being clinical with the opportunities we create.”
UJ chasing a long-awaited breakthrough
While NWU are aiming to retain their crown, UJ arrive with a different motivation: ending years of heartbreak and finally lifting the Varsity Netball trophy. The Orange Army have consistently featured among the tournament's top four over the past four years, but their journey has been accompanied by disappointment at the business end of the competition. UJ reached the final in 2023 and 2024, suffering defeats against UP-Tuks and UFS Kovsies respectively. They were eliminated in the semi-finals by Maties in 2022 and NWU in 2025.
For senior defender Boitumelo Mahloko, Monday's final therefore represents much more than another match. Having already contributed to UJ's USSA Championship triumph in July, Mahloko believes lifting the Varsity Netball trophy would provide the perfect conclusion to a remarkable 2026 campaign.
“Winning this tournament would be a full-circle moment. I could have stopped playing in 2025 due to my injury, but the coach and I had a plan to wrap up this tournament this year after my rehabilitation. It would be amazing to lift that trophy after such a rollercoaster. I want to look back with pride and say we wrote the history books for UJ.”
Mahloko's journey has been defined by resilience after an injury threatened to bring her Varsity Netball career to an early end. “When I decided to come to UJ, I wanted to be part of the culture that built the team to what it is today. The journey with UJ has been one of the biggest life-shaping experiences.”
Assistant coach Nkanyiso Yeni is also aware of the history between the two sides but insists UJ are focused on what lies ahead rather than previous encounters. “Coming up against the Eagles again brings back memories. However, we do not want to dwell on past events because we have built our team, worked hard, and grown over the past year. Playing them on their home turf makes this challenge even bigger, but we are ready.”
UJ's route to the final included a demanding semi-final against five-time champions UFS Kovsies, a contest Yeni believes provided the ideal preparation for the pressure of a final. “The tough semi-final against Kovsies was the best preparation for the team going into the final. It gave us the intensity and the right pressure. Our new players have exceeded expectations, and as coaches, our job is to allow them to play their game and experience the final in the best possible way.”
The experienced UJ players will also be looking to make the most of what could be their final opportunity to lift the Varsity Netball crown. “The senior players have given UJ their all, and it would be incredible for them to leave with the sweetest memory of winning the tournament,” Yeni said.
With NWU determined to defend their title and UJ desperate to turn years of near misses into championship success, Monday's final promises to be a contest shaped by experience, resilience and the ability to handle pressure. The Eagles have already demonstrated their ability to reach the summit.
UJ, meanwhile, have shown throughout the campaign that they are capable of challenging the champions. After their 60–43 round-robin victory over NWU, the Orange Army know they can compete with the defending champions. But NWU will enter the final with the lessons from that defeat and the added motivation of having their title on the line.
Writer: Jabulile Mabena
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