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UJ dethrone NWU for first Varsity Netball title─── MORGAN PIEK 09:41 Tue, 29 Sep 2026
The University of Johannesburg have made history by being crowned Varsity Netball champions for the first time after producing a commanding performance to beat defending champions NWU Eagles 56-44 in the final at the Mafikeng Great Hall.
The Orange Army arrived at the biggest game of the tournament with belief and left with the trophy. They put together a disciplined and composed display to deny the Eagles the chance to successfully defend their title.
From the opening whistle, UJ set the tempo. Their defence was aggressive without being reckless, while their attack was built on crisp passing, intelligent movement and clinical finishing. NWU were forced to work for every possession as UJ steadily established control.
The 2026 champions. Photo: ASEM Engage
The Johannesburg side made the perfect start, edging the opening quarter 14-11. The Eagles, backed by a passionate home crowd, responded with greater intensity in the second quarter and made life considerably more difficult for their opponents around the shooting circle.
UJ, however, refused to be rattled. They absorbed the pressure and continued to play with purpose, taking a slender 27-24 lead into the half-time break.
The third quarter was where the final swung decisively in UJ’s favour.
NWU were dethroned as the champions. Photo: ASEM Engage
The Orange Army turned up the defensive pressure, forcing NWU into errors and capitalising ruthlessly on the opportunities that followed. With their shooters finding their range and the defence disrupting the Eagles’ attacking rhythm, UJ produced a stunning 19-6 quarter to open up a commanding 46-30 lead.
NWU needed something special in the final 15 minutes, but UJ were not about to let their first Varsity Netball title slip from their grasp.
The Eagles continued to fight, but every time they threatened to build momentum, UJ had an answer. The Orange Army remained calm under pressure, kept the scoreboard ticking over and saw out the final quarter with the composure of a team determined to make history.
UJ played in their third final in four seasons. Photo: ASEM Engage
When the final whistle sounded, UJ had secured a memorable 56-44 victory and, with it, their maiden Varsity Netball championship.
For NWU, it was a disappointing end to their title defence, while UJ can celebrate a breakthrough moment that will go down as one of the biggest achievements in the programme’s history.
Juanita van Tonder of the Madibaz was named as the Player of the Tournament, as well as the Player’s Player of the Year.
