UJ are the Varsity Netball 2026 champions after beating defending champions NWU Eagles 56-44 in this year’s final at the Mafikeng Great Hall. It is the first time in the history of the competition that the Orange Army has walked away with the title.
The Johannesburg side controlled the contest from the opening whistle. Strong defence, accurate shooting and relentless pressure helped them dominate all four quarters and deny NWU back-to-back titles.
UJ made their intentions clear in the first quarter. They moved the ball with purpose and put NWU under pressure at both ends of the court. Their strong start gave them a 14-11 lead at the first break.
NWU fought back in a physical second quarter, particularly around the shooting circles. The home side reduced the impact of UJ's early dominance, but the visitors remained composed. UJ went into halftime with a narrow 27-24 advantage.
The third quarter proved decisive. The Orange Army stepped up their defensive pressure and punished the Eagles’ mistakes. Their shooters converted the opportunities created by the defence, while NWU struggled to maintain possession and find their usual attacking rhythm. The visitors outplayed the defending champions and stretched their lead to 46-30 heading into the final quarter.
NWU needed a strong response in the last 15 minutes, but UJ refused to loosen their grip on the match. They continued to convert their chances and kept the scoreboard moving. NWU fought until the final whistle but could not overturn the deficit. The 56-44 victory handed UJ their maiden Varsity Netball crown.
Quarter scores: 14-11|27-24|46-30|56-44
Player of the match: Tarle Mathe (UJ)
FNB Player of the tournament: Juanita van Tonder (Madibaz)
Suzuki Players’ player of the year: Juanita van Tonder (Madibaz)
UJ: Alexandra Meimaris, Amara Agbai, Boitumelo Mahloko, Georgia Leppan, Cornelia Mupenda, Kadijat Abubakar, Kamogelo Motsepe, Sesandile Ngubane, Shiloh Berardelli, Suné Barnard, Tarle Mathe, Jaymee Joubert.
NWU Eagles: Christi-Marie Coetzee, Reze Coetzer, Njabulo Hlophe, Andrya Joubert, Lethabo Komane, Jaime Matfield, Amori Matthee, Amia Roux, Makgoshi Priscilla Mogashoa, Sunel Smith, Liané van Lochem, Vivian Venancio.