By: Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus ladies football team has been crowned stream B University Sports South Africa (USSA) champions after they defeated Nelson Mandela University by 1-0 in the final of the tournament hosted at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology from 4 to 8 December 2023.

The NWU ladies’ team will now be promoted to stream A of the USSA championship. If they secure a place in the top eight teams in stream A USSA log standings, they will be able to compete for a place to take part in the ladies Varsity Football Championship in 2024.

The Eagles went for war into this year’s USSA Championships tournament after being relegated to stream B in 2022.

They won three out of four of their group stage matches and drew one, keeping a clean sheet.

The road to the final included a walkover win against Mangosuthu University of Technology, a 1-0 win against Durban University of Technology, a 6-0 win against the host Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and a 0-0 draw with Nelson Mandela University in the group stages. They also scored a 5-4 win on penalties against Varsity College.

The Eagles didn’t only bring home the championship trophy, but also secured four more awards. Team manager Mmabatho Tladi brought home the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, Rethabile Thubisi was announced the Team Manager of the Tournament, Kutlo Melore was the Player of the Tournament, and the ladies were also announced Team of the Tournament.

NWU coach Azania Moshushu says she is very proud of her team’s achievement.

“Coming second in the Sasol League, the girls were in high spirits going into this tournament. They put so much energy in preparing and gave their all throughout the season. We deserved this win,” adds Azania.

The NWU’s Mahikeng Campus ladies football team has been crowned stream B University Sports South Africa champions.