The North-West University (NWU) FC marked its historic debut in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Upington City FC at the Fanie du Toit Sports Ground in Potchefstroom on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the newly promoted NWU FC made a confident start to life in the national second-tier competition. The home side took the lead in the first half through jersey number 11, Onkarabile Moswane, who put the NWU FC ahead and sent the home supporters into celebration.
Onkarabile’s goal gave the NWU FC a 1–0 advantage at the break, with the home side showing composure and determination on what was a significant occasion for the club.
The second half was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating opportunities. The NWU FC worked hard to protect its lead while looking for a second goal that could have put the result beyond doubt.
Upington City, however, continued to fight for an equaliser, despite being reduced to 10 men following a red card.
Just when the NWU FC appeared to be on course for a memorable victory in its opening match, Upington City found a late breakthrough. Jersey number 33, Lebogang Chakale, scored in the 88th minute to bring the visitors level at 1–1.
The late equaliser meant that the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils, with the NWU FC taking a valuable point from its historic opening fixture.
Reflecting on the match, the NWU FC head coach Nkululeko Malgas said he was pleased with the overall approach of the team and the number of chances created, although he acknowledged that the team needed to be more clinical in front of the goal.
“We had a very good game in terms of our approach and the chances we created, but unfortunately, we did not convert them. It is a very good point in our first game. The nerves will be calmer now because we have managed to play our first game in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.”
Coach Malgas added that there were several positives to take from the encounter and that the team would use the experience as a foundation for the matches ahead.
“There are so many positives from this game, but we need to build on this game now as we prepare for an away game against Lerumo Lions at Dobsonville.”
The result represents an important milestone for the NWU and its football programme. Following their promotion, the NWU FC officially began its journey in the Motsepe Foundation Championship under its new name, with the opening fixture providing the players, technical team and supporters with their first taste of football at this level.
Although the late equaliser denied the NWU FC a winning start, the performance of the team offered plenty of encouragement. The players demonstrated resilience, discipline and attacking intent, while the occasion highlighted the growing profile of football at the NWU.
Attention now turns to the next challenge of the club, with the NWU FC set to travel to Dobsonville to face the Lerumo Lions. The team will be looking to build on the positives from its debut and secure its first victory of the campaign.
For the NWU FC, the journey in the Motsepe Foundation Championship has officially begun, and there is much more to come.
Final score: NWU FC 1–1 Upington City FC
NWU FC goal: Onkarabile Moswane
Upington City FC goal: Lebogang Chakale (88').
NWU FC marked its historic debut in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Upington City FC.
