Two North-West University (NWU) football players were recognised for their performance in the 2025 Varsity Football tournament, taking home major individual honours and contributing significantly to the team’s competitive campaign.
Goalkeeper Ethan Mokwena won the Cashbuild Golden Glove award and the official Goalkeeper of the Tournament prize, which included a trophy and a monetary reward. Team captain Aphelele Sibisi was named FNB Player of the Tournament, receiving a R10 000 prize.
Mokwena played a pivotal role in the defensive success of the NWU, keeping six clean sheets in eight matches and helping the team reach the semi-finals of the competition. He said the award was a reflection of the team’s coordinated effort on the field.
“Winning the Golden Glove shows how much we achieved as a defensive unit,” he said. “Clean sheets are never about one player; they are the result of the defenders staying disciplined, the midfield working hard, and the coaches preparing us for each match. I am grateful to the team because this award belongs to all of us.”
Sibisi, who led the side with consistency and composure, said being named Player of the Tournament was an achievement for the entire squad.
“This award means a lot because it shows how far we have come as a team,” Sibisi said. “Every game required focus and commitment. The prize is appreciated, but it is the growth of the team that matters the most.”
Reflecting on the overall campaign, which ended with a semi-final defeat to the eventual champions, the University of the Free State (UFS), Sibisi said the experience would help the team build for the future.
“Reaching the semi-finals was not the final goal, but it showed the potential we have. Losing to the UFS, who went on to win the tournament, gives us a clear picture of the small margins we need to work on. This season taught us lessons that will make us stronger next year. We now know the level we must reach, and we are determined to return even more prepared and focused.”
The recognition of Mokwena and Sibisi underscores the growing influence of the NWU in Varsity Football and the depth of talent emerging from its Soccer Institute. Their achievements serve as motivation for the next generation of players aiming to compete at the highest level, while also highlighting the commitment of the institution to developing football talent and strengthening its competitive presence in national university sport.
