# Women's Varsity Football

Women's Varsity Football, also known as Women's Varsity Diski, is a South African university football competition. It is one of seven sports in the Varsity Sports series. The annual tournament involves the top women's football playing universities in the country, which belong to the University Sports Company. The tournament is managed by Advent Sport Entertainment and Media (ASEM) on behalf of the University Sports Company (USC), and is endorsed by the South African Football Association and University Sport South Africa.

## History

The inaugural tournament was held in 2013, with UJ Ladies winning the final 6-0 against TUT Ladies.
The 2017 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UJ Ladies 4-0 in the final to win their fourth consecutive title.
The 2018 edition was hosted by the North-West University at NWU McArthur Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UWC Ladies 2-1 in the final to win their fifth consecutive title.
The 2019 edition was hosted by the North-West University at NWU-Mafikeng Stadium. TUT Ladies defeated UWC Ladies 4-1 in the final to win their sixth consecutive title.
The 2021 edition was hosted by the University of Pretoria at Tuks Stadium. UWC Ladies defeated UP-Tuks Ladies 4-3 via penalties after the matched ended in a goalless draw to win their maiden title.
The 2022 edition was hosted by the University of Johannesburg at the UJ Soweto Stadium. UJ Ladies defeated defending champions UWC Ladies 5-3 via penalties after the match ended in a goalless draw to win their second title.
The 2023 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium. UWC Ladies were crowned champions after defeating defending champions UJ Ladies 2-0 in the final to win their second title.
The 2024 edition was hosted by Tshwane University of Technology at TUT Stadium from 26 July - 9 August 2024. UWC Ladies defended their title with a 2-1 win over hosts TUT Ladies in the final to win their third title.

## Champions

The list of champions and runners-up:
| Year | Champions | Runners-up |
| 2013 | UJ Ladies | TUT Ladies |
| 2014 | TUT Ladies | UP-Tuks Ladies |
| 2015 | TUT Ladies | UWC Ladies |
| 2016 | TUT Ladies | UWC Ladies |
| 2017 | TUT Ladies | UJ Ladies |
| 2018 | TUT Ladies | UWC Ladies |
| 2019 | TUT Ladies | UWC Ladies |
| 2020 | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa | Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa |
| 2021 | UWC Ladies | UP-Tuks Ladies |
| 2022 | UJ Ladies | UWC Ladies |
| 2023 | UWC Ladies | UJ Ladies |
| 2024 | UWC Ladies | TUT Ladies |

## Most successful universities

| Rank | University | Champions | Runners-up | Winning seasons | Runners-up seasons |
| 1 | Tshwane University of Technology | 6 | 2 | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 | 2013, 2024 |
| 2 | University of the Western Cape | 3 | 5 | 2021, 2023, 2024 | 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022 |
| 3 | University of Johannesburg | 2 | 2 | 2013, 2022 | 2017, 2023 |
| 4 | University of Pretoria | 0 | 2 | | 2014, 2021 |

## Notable players

Players who have since represented Banyana Banyana:
| Team | Players |
| TUT Ladies | Refiloe Jane, Hildah Magaia, Tshogofatso Motlogelwa, Sibongile Ntoane |
| UJ Ladies | Sphumelele Shamase, Thubelihle Shamase, Amanda Dlamini, Nthabeleng Modiko, Karabo Makhurubetshi, Noko Matlou, Maphuti Manamela, Disebo Mametja, Presocious Matabologa, Ayesha Moosa, Matshidiso Masebe, Shannon Macomo, Yolando Nduli, Gugu Dhlamini |
| UP-Tuks Ladies | Thalea Smidt, Wendy Shongwe, Ntando Phahla, Khutso Pila, Sinamile Mkhwanazi, Isabela Ludwig |
| UFH Ladies | Nokuphila Mpatsiyana, Kesha Hendricks |
| UKZN Ladies | Kholosa Biyana |
| UWC Ladies | Regirl Ngobeni, Noxolo Cesane, Thembi Kgatlana, Bongeka Gamede, Amogelang Motau, Sibulele Holweni, Chelsea Daniels |
| Wits Ladies | Lesego Nkoane |

## Sponsors

The tournament is sponsored by:
* First National Bank
* Suzuki
* Cashbuild

## Broadcasting and official partners

SuperSport is the official broadcaster. Southern Sun is the accommodation partner. Red Bull is the official energy drink. LIFT is the official airline. Gilbert is the official ball partner.