Varsity Sports

Technically-gifted coach set to elevate Madibaz women’s football

Eastern Cape Nelson Mandela University Varsity Sports March 9, 2025

New Madibaz women’s football coach Nolitha Mhlomi is determined to elevate the status of the code at Mandela University in Gqeberha. The 27-year-old took the reins this month and is eager to advance her career and women’s football at the institution. The former player’s initial goal is to ensure... Read more

Former footballer shakes off pressure to find the slot for Madibaz

Nelson Mandela University Varsity Sports February 28, 2025

Madibaz utility back Caleb Friskin has emerged as a player to watch after delivering a composed performance in his team’s morale-boosting victory over Fort Hare in the FNB Varsity Shield rugby tournament recently. The Mandela University side secured a 32-16 win in front of an appreciative home crowd at... Read more

Van Zijl stands tall as Madibaz aim to bounce back in Shield derby

Nelson Mandela University Varsity Sports February 21, 2025

The Madibaz are looking to harness the energy of home support for their crucial FNB Varsity Shield showdown against Fort Hare on Friday. The Mandela University outfit will be eager to bounce back after a tough 40-14 opening-round defeat in Durban to Varsity College, who knocked them out of... Read more

Madibaz skipper calls for love affair with ‘consistency’ in Shield

Nelson Mandela University Varsity Sports February 14, 2025

Madibaz rugby captain Leon van der Merwe has asked his charges to enter into a love affair with “consistency” from the moment they kick off their FNB Varsity Shield campaign in Durban on Valentine’s Day. The Mandela University outfit will certainly have to hit the ground running against Varsity... Read more

Madibaz plan to outflank opponents with WP U19 loosie

Eastern Cape Nelson Mandela University Varsity Sports February 14, 2025

There will be plenty of pedigree on the side of the Madibaz scrum this year following the recruitment of Western Province U19 loose-forward Sean van Zijl. The 19-year-old, who will spend at least the next three years in Gqeberha studying towards a quantity surveying qualification at Mandela University, is... Read more

Madibaz rookie a formidable presence with speed to burn

Eastern Cape Nelson Mandela University Rugby February 10, 2025

Woodridge College may not rank among the Eastern Cape’s “big” rugby schools but it has certainly produced a gem in new Madibaz recruit Bukho Pantsi. The 19-year-old utility back, who stands well over six feet in his socks, is among a slew of rookies who will represent Mandela University... Read more

Scorching run leaves Detshe yearning for more

Eastern Cape Nelson Mandela University Varsity Sports January 31, 2025

Madibaz 5 000m star-in-the-making Amanda Detshe scorched the tartan at the Eastern Province League track and field meeting over the weekend to book her ticket to the U23 national championships. In her first competitive outing of the 2025 season, she broke the tape in 19:12.72 to come in well under... Read more

Manuel throws judo into the mix as Madibaz gear up for Shield

Nelson Mandela University Rugby January 30, 2025

Judo sessions and daily workshops on team standards and culture have become the norm for Madibaz rugby coach David Manuel’s charges while preparing for the annual Varsity Shield season. The students kick off their 2025 campaign against Varsity College in Durban on Valentine’s Day and they have been at it from... Read more

Unbeaten Madibaz power their way to USSA cricket promotion

Nelson Mandela University Varsity Sports December 19, 2024

A strong start to the USSA cricket tournament in Bloemfontein recently laid the foundation for the Madibaz A team to win promotion to the A-section in 2025. The Mandela University side – guided by coach Garth Anderson and captain Buvayise Manyakanyaka – won all five matches to put the... Read more

Madibaz tennis team hit back at USSAs to earn promotion

Nelson Mandela University North-West University Sol Plaatje University Varsity Sports December 18, 2024

The Madibaz shrugged off a nervy start to string together a series of impressive wins in the USSA tennis tournament to qualify for the A-section next year. After two tough ties against Tuks and Kovsies went against them, the players from Mandela University hit their straps in the remaining... Read more