Two former North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute players who once lit up the Varsity Football tournament have stepped onto the Premier Soccer League (PSL) stage. Banele Hlophe, a midfield talent who impressed with JDR Stars in the National First Division, has joined Chippa United, while Cameron Chweu has been signed by top-flight newcomers Orbit College FC.

Hlophe established himself as one of the NFD’s most consistent performers and was even shortlisted for the league’s Player of the Season accolade. His performances earned him a move to Chippa United, where he will now look to contribute creativity and stability in midfield.

“This is a big step in my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join Chippa United,” Hlophe said. “The PSL is a different challenge, but I believe the experience I gained at JDR has prepared me for this level. Playing Varsity Football at the NWU gave me the platform to grow as a player and prepared me for moments like this. The Soccer Institute helped me understand what it takes to be consistent, and I want to carry that into my journey with Chippa.”

Chweu, who previously played for Ubuntu Cape Town before his switch to Orbit College, also brings with him valuable experience from his Varsity Football days. He has already been included in early season matchday squads and is eager to make his mark in the country’s most competitive league.

“My time at the Soccer Institute and in Varsity Football shaped me as a player,” Chweu said. “Joining Orbit College is a chance to show what I have learned and to grow further in the PSL. I want to work hard and make a real contribution to the team.”

Chweu added: “It is a childhood dream finally coming true. It was delayed but it was not denied. I had to make tough decisions, like leaving work for my dream, and I am at peace with myself because it was something that had always lingered in my mind. Now I am just looking to make it all worthwhile and hopefully inspire many more people from where I come from, to show them that their dreams matter and they should always chase them, just as I did. It is a bit difficult now, but if it were easy, everyone would do it. I will continue to fight, and in the end, it will all make sense.”

Beyond his Varsity Football contributions in 2016 and 2017, Chweu’s football journey has also included national exposure. He was part of the University Sports South Africa (USSA) national team that represented the country at the CUCSA Games in Botswana in June 2018. He was further recognised for his potential when he was selected among the top 18 players in the Nedbank Ke Yona Team Search.

NWU Soccer Institute manager, Vuyolwethu Sambo, praised the pair for their progress. “Banele’s and Cameron’s success is a proud moment for us,” he said. “They are proof of the opportunities that Varsity Football and the Soccer Institute create for young players. We look forward to seeing them thrive at the highest level.”

Their journeys highlight the Soccer Institute’s ongoing role in producing talent capable of competing at the top tier of South African football, while also showcasing the value of university sport as a stepping stone to professional careers.

Banele Hlophe

Cameron Chweu