In a historic night of explosive netball, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Senior Netball Team captured their first-ever Varsity Netball championship, dismantling defending champions North-West University (NWU Eagles) 56-44 on Monday evening, 28 September 2026.
The triumph was a masterpiece of resilience and consummation for the Orange Army, who systematically avenged their heart-wrenching 2025 semifinal loss to the very same opponent on the Eagles’ home court.
From the opening whistle, UJ set a furious pace, controlling every quarter with razor-sharp defence, clinical transition play, and relentless pressure. NWU, backed by a passionate home crowd, attempted to mount counter-attacks, but UJ’s defensive unit repeatedly stifled their rhythm.
UJ asserted their dominance early, edging a high-intensity opening quarter 14-11 before holding off a surging Eagles side to head into the long break ahead with a 27-24 scoreline.
The decisive blow came in a blistering third quarter. Stepping firmly on the gas, UJ capitalized on mounting NWU errors to stretch the lead into double digits. The Orange Army shooters were near-flawless, converting every turnover generated by an inspired defensive backline. Unable to find their usual attacking fluidity, NWU watched the game slip away as UJ surged to a commanding 46-30 advantage by the end of the third period.
Faced with a 16-point mountain to climb in the final 15 minutes, the Eagles launched a spirited last-ditch effort. However, UJ remained unflappable, managing the clock with veteran composure and continuing to scoreboard-punish any defensive lapses to seal a memorable 12-point victory.
Match Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:
- Quarter 1: UJ 14-11 NWU
- Quarter 2: UJ 27-24 NWU (Half-Time)
- Quarter 3: UJ 46-30 NWU
- Full-Time: UJ 56-44 NWU
“Thank God, we are champions of the Varsity Netball tournament!” said Head Coach, Bongiwe Msomi in Mahikeng after lifting the trophy.
With this resounding performance, UJ inscribes its name into the history books as Varsity Netball champions for the very first time, bringing an end to NWU’s campaign for back-to-back titles and painting Mahikeng orange.
UJ’s Tarle Mathe, who plays the Centre position on court, was named the FNB Player of the Match at the conclusion of the final.
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