The final whistle sparked a pitch invasion at the Fanie Du Toit Sportsground in Potchefstroom on Sunday afternoon as the NWU Soccer Institute claimed the North West ABC Motsepe League provincial title with a 1-0 victory over Army Rockets FC.

One strike changed the game. One moment separated the two stream winners. Momelezi Mngadi delivered it in the 42nd minute when he unleashed a shot from outside the box that beat the Army Rockets goalkeeper and sent the home supporters into celebration.

NWU arrived at the provincial final as winners of Stream A, while Army Rockets had topped Stream B. The clash carried more than silverware. It was another step in the race toward the national playoffs and possible promotion from the ABC Motsepe League, South Africa’s third tier of football under SAFA.
Army Rockets opened with pressure and looked to disrupt NWU’s passing rhythm, but the hosts settled into the match midway through the first half. NWU controlled possession through midfield and began creating chances around the edge of the area before Mngadi’s long-range effort broke the deadlock.

The goal forced Army Rockets to push numbers forward after halftime. NWU’s defence absorbed the pressure and denied the visitors clear opportunities inside the box. The home side nearly doubled the lead late in the match on a counterattack, but the final touch drifted wide.
The result hands NWU another provincial crown in a competition that has become a pathway for clubs chasing promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The ABC Motsepe League features provincial divisions across South Africa, with winners progressing to national promotional playoffs.

NWU Soccer Institute coach Nkululeko Malgas said the title reflected the squad’s discipline and commitment throughout the season.
“This victory belongs to every player, coach, student and supporter who stood behind the NWU badge this season. The team showed character in a difficult final, and we now shift our focus to representing the province with pride in the national playoffs.”

The win adds another chapter to the institute’s growing football profile. The NWU Soccer Institute has previously represented the province at national ABC Motsepe League playoffs. It continues to position itself as one of the leading university football programmes in the country.

NWU Soccer Institute players celebrating after winning the provincial champions

Champions’ spirit on display as Executive Director of CRM, Clement Manoko, NWU Soccer Institute coach Nkululeko Malgas and manager Vuyo Sambo proudly pose with the trophy.