The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Noble Boys didn’t have to wait too long for their fancy footwork to reward and propel them into the lead against their coastal challengers, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Only 10 minutes into their first game of the 2019 Varsity Football season, the Noble Boys drew blood. The NWU’s jersey number 14, Tshepiso Mahlangu, fired a scorcher of a goal which was met with a defining roar from NWU supporters.

This lead by the NWU was met with tough play from the challengers, who soon equalized a few minutes into the second half with efforts from UKZN’s jersey number 7, Nkosinathi Sibeko.

Having had time to regroup and reorganize the Noble Boys’, jersey number 16 and team captain, Israel Matshane, fired a stunning goal, sealing the challengers’ fate and securing a close 2-1 win before the final whistle.

History was cruel to repeat itself for UKZN; in 2018 they also lost to the NWU in their hometown.

“We don’t claim to be the best,” says team manager Lawrence Mosala. “Hard work and determination is our staying power in the tournament. Nobility guides us and in the end the results are resounding.”

Player of the Match: Simphiwe Mlangeni

Debonairs Real Deal Save: Kagiso Ramadivhane

The NWU repeated history on Thursday night, 25 July 2019, when they secured a victory against UKZN. Here is an elated Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa, deputy vice-chancellor of the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng, with Noble Boy Simphiwe Mlangeni, Player of the Match.