Sandton’s Varsity College Football Teams Show Resilience and Promise at USSA Tournament

The IIE’s Varsity College men’s and women’s football teams made a notable mark at the 2024 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Institutional Football Tournament, showcasing unwavering dedication, teamwork, and determination, even without bringing home medals. Their performances, however, have set the foundation for future triumphs.

Representing The IIE’s Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega-School, and IIE Rosebank, the men’s team faced a competitive field of 10 teams, including some of the top universities in South Africa. Nicolien Richter, the Public Relations and Events Coordinator at The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall, explained that the team’s journey was challenging but filled with moments of excellence.

“Competing in Group B, the men’s team secured two wins, one draw, and one loss. Victories over Rhodes University (1-0) and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (2-1) were hard-fought, and they ended up placing third in their group, just behind the University of Limpopo,” said Richter.

Despite a tough 0-1 loss to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the men’s team showed resilience and ended the tournament in sixth place overall, following a close 2-1 defeat to North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus (NWU Vaal).

On the women’s side, the Varsity College team also put up an impressive display, demonstrating skill, resilience, and mental strength. With two wins and a narrow 2-1 loss to Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the team advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced NWU Vaal. Richter noted that the women’s team fought valiantly throughout the tournament and came close to clinching a place in the finals.

“In the bronze final, they drew 1-1 against MUT, ultimately finishing just short of a medal,” said Richter. “It was an incredible effort, and their performance proved that they were one of the strongest teams in the tournament.”

Nolwazi Talent Msimanga, the captain of the women’s team and a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws student at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton, shared her reflections on the experience. “Participating in the USSA Institutional Football Tournament was an incredible journey,” she said. “I was proud to lead such a talented group of young women. Throughout the tournament, I learned that football is as much a mental game as it is physical.”

Msimanga, who played a pivotal role in guiding her team, pointed out how the tournament tested both her mental and physical endurance. “Sometimes, my body didn’t want to cooperate, but I reminded myself of why I started and pushed myself to keep going. My team’s performance was outstanding from the start; these ladies are fighters, both on and off the field.”

One of the standout moments for Msimanga was the team’s dominant 7-1 victory over Vaal University of Technology in their first game, which set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Despite not securing medals, both the men’s and women’s teams at IIE’s Varsity College have demonstrated immense potential. Their commitment to excellence, resilience, and strong teamwork has laid the groundwork for future success. As they continue to build on this experience, their performances in future tournaments will likely showcase even more remarkable achievements.

The IIE’s Varsity College men’s and women’s football teams may not have claimed medals at the 2024 USSA Institutional Football Tournament, but their journey has proven that dedication and teamwork go a long way. With a strong foundation, promising young talent, and a sense of unity, these teams are set to achieve greater success in the future.

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