The release of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship fixtures has shifted the focus of North-West University (NWU) FC from promotion celebrations to preparations for its first season in professional football ranks in South Africa.

After earning promotion through the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs in June, the club has reshaped its squad and intensified preparations as it readies for the demands of the second-tier professional league in the country.

NWU FC head coach Nkululeko Malgas said the promotion campaign of the club reinforced the value of its player recruitment strategy, which will remain central to building a competitive team.

“The biggest lesson from the playoffs is that going out to scout for talent has rewards. We benefited greatly from that exercise, with about half our squad coming through our scouting process,” said coach Malgas.

He added that the current FIFA international break provides an opportunity to strengthen the squad further through friendly matches across the province.

“We want to organise friendly matches and visit different regions of North West to play against regional squads. The NWU belongs to the people, and we have to be visible to them.”

The transition to professional football has also seen changes to the playing squad. Coach Malgas said the club has sought to strike a balance between maintaining its student-athlete identity and meeting the demands of the professional game.

“We have blended our student players with a few non-student players to help manage challenges such as academic commitments. We will soon host a player unveiling session where our new signings will be introduced,” he said.

He added that several players have remained with the SAFA League side of the university to ensure the institution continues to compete strongly in Varsity Football while developing future talent.

Coach Malgas believes the squad is equipped to compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, both physically and mentally.

“We have assembled one of the most competitive squads because our model is to recruit the right players. We believe they will be competitive enough for this league,” he said.

According to coach Malgas, the participation of the university in Varsity Football has helped prepare the club for many aspects of professional football beyond what happens on the pitch.

“Varsity Football has prepared us well for the professional side of the game. The standards are similar when it comes to flights, hotels, television coverage and the quality of playing fields.”

With anticipation building ahead of the inaugural professional campaign of the club, coach Malgas issued a message to the NWU community and supporters.

“We are not in the Motsepe Foundation Championship to make up the numbers. We will hold our own. At the National Playoffs, no one gave us a chance, but we conquered. We are preparing even harder now, and we are determined to compete.”

NWU FC head coach Nkululeko Malgas