The University of Johannesburg (UJ) netball team is set to start its 2025 Varsity Netball journey with a tough away schedule. The Orange Army will play all of their matches on the road, beginning with the opening Bumper Weekend clash in Stellenbosch.
On Sunday, 24 August 2025, UJ will face host team Stellenbosch University (Maties) at 13:00. This clash mirrors the opening of their 2024 campaign, where UJ secured a 46-38 victory over Maties at Wits University. The following day (Monday, 25 August 2025), UJ will take on the 2024 finalists, the University of Free State (UFS-Kovsies) ladies also at 13:00.
A look back at UJ’s recent seasons:
Over the past two years, the UJ ladies have come incredibly close to claiming the Varsity Netball title, reaching the final in both 2023 and 2024.
In the 2023 final, UJ took on the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) in Pretoria. The match was a nail-biter, ending in a 50-all draw at full-time before UP-Tuks ultimately won 63-61 in extra time.
In 2024, UJ made it to the final again, this time facing the University of Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein. Again, the thrilling match went into extra time, with UJ falling just short by three points, ending the game with a 58-55 scoreline.
Momentum from a USSA Championship
Despite the close losses in previous Varsity Netball finals, the UJ team is coming into the tournament with a fresh wave of confidence. Almost two months ago in early July 2025, the UJ Senior Women’s Netball Team won the 2025 University Sport South Africa (USSA) title in Gqeberha, showcasing immense grit and determination.
Their USSA journey was a testament to their resilience. After a group stage that included a 42-42 draw against UP-Tuks and a 33-48 loss to UFS, they turned the tables in the final. In a dramatic finish, UJ secured a 42-41 victory over UFS, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
This year’s Varsity Netball tournament is expected to be more entertaining than ever, with UJ, UFS, UP-Tuks, and TUT all vying for top honors just months after their intense clashes at the USSA competition.
UJ’s Varsity Netball Fixtures:
| Date | UJ Team | Opposition | Venue | Time |
| 24 August 2025 | UJ Senior Netball Team | Stellenbosch University | Coetzenburg Centre
(Stellenbosch) |
13:00 |
| 25 August 2025 | UJ Senior Netball Team | University of Free State | Coetzenburg Centre
(Stellenbosch) |
13:00 |
| 1 September 2025 | UJ Senior Netball Team | Varsity College | NWU Mafikeng Great Hall
(Mahikeng) |
17:00 |
| 7 September 2025 | UJ Senior Netball Team | Wits University | Rembrandt Hall
(Tshwane) |
19:00 |
| 8 September 2025 | UJ Senior Netball Team | Nelson Mandela University | Rembrandt Hall
(Tshwane) |
17:00 |
| 14 September 2025 | UJ Senior Netball Team | University of Pretoria | Wits Multi-Purpose Sports hall
(Johannesburg) |
15:00 |
| 15 September 2025 | North-West University | Wits Multi-Purpose Sports hall
(Johannesburg) |
17:00 | |
| 22 September 2025 | Playoffs | Playoffs | TBC | 17:00 & 19:00 |
| 29 September 2025 | Final | Final | TBC | 19:00 |
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