The North-West University Football Club (NWU FC) officially unveiled its new kit and announced their squad for the 2026/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship season, marking a new era in the club’s inaugural campaign in professional football and bringing a long-held dream to life.
The newly unveiled jersey represents more than just the team. It embodies the aspirations of thousands of NWU students, staff and alumni and supporters, while carrying the hopes of generations of students yet to come.
The NWU FC will face Upington City FC on Saturday, 22 August at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom in its first fixture in professional football.
The NWU deputy-vice-chancellor for Student Life, Transformation, People and Culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, Dr Joe Molete, expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in building the team.
“To our coaches, technical team and support staff, we thank you for building this team and for cultivating the vibrant culture that we see today.”
“We know that football is not won only on the field. It is built during the long, dark and cold hours of preparation, through sacrifices made to build trust, discipline and a strong team. To our players, you have made us proud.”
Wessels Morweng, newly appointed North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, also offered his support to the NWU FC.
“It is an honour to see the team promoted to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, as they are ambassadors not only of the university but of the entire North West province. Today reflects the perseverance and determination that has long characterised the NWU community. We have always believed that our team could reach this level, and this achievement is a testament to that commitment,” he said.
In his keynote address, NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka said the unveiling marks a new chapter for NWU football.
“This chapter represents a significant milestone for the team and an opportunity for every player wearing the NWU jersey to embrace the responsibility of representing the university, their teammates and supporters. Players should compete with courage, win with humility and accept defeat with dignity, while continuing to believe that greater opportunities are possible. The promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship is not the end goal, but the beginning of the next chapter for the NWU FC.”
Head coach of the NWU FC: Nkululeko Khwezilomso Malgas
Full list of squad numbers
2. Sanele Bixa
3. Piwokuhle Mareledwane
4. Ranonyane Mmutlane
6. Thapelo Letsholonyane
7. Xolani Masethi
8. Bokamoso Ramoshoane
9. Momelezi Mngathi
10. Philane Masondo
11. Onkarabile Moswane
12. Thikho Magada
13. Reatlegile Kgosithebe
14. Chuma Qinga
15. Lucas Seromo
16.Vincent Moropene
17. Lucky Letwaba
18. Sive Pitolo
21. Aphele Sibisi (C)
22. Matswetlane Ntsala
24. Sinethemba Mdluli (GK)
25. Oupa Maehetja
26 Aubrey Masendi
27. Khumoetsile Moses (GK)
30. Lincon Vyer (GK)
52. Boitshoko Sekai
59. Pule Khasane
The newly unveiled NWU FC kit
