Mabuza's Golden Touch Helps End UJ Varsity Football Wait

By Malose Wa Ga Lamola 

Lindilwa Mabuza of the University of Johannesburg celebrates her goal in the Varsity Football tournament. Photo Cred: UJ Football 

Mabuza was instrumental in the University of Johannesburg's (UJ) successful 2026 Varsity Football campaign, scoring four goals and being named top goalscorer.

Though 'Majaivana' was not a member of the Orange Army team that fell to the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in the final last year. She informs ShakingInk that losing the final in 2025 served as motivation to pursue accolades in 2026. The Diepsloot-born midfielder says winning the title has been a continuous reminder since she joined the Orange Army, and she's glad the team has accomplished its goal.

Mabuza described winning the trophy at home as a great feeling, noting that he was not present previous year when the squad finished second. However, when I arrived, the emphasis was on pushing a step further than the previous campaign. That gave me added drive to work hard for the team. Coming so close last year was simply a sign that we could do it. That motivated us to go better than previous year, and thank God we did. "We are the champions."

The competition has its ups and downs, but the former Bantwana and Basetsana midfielder is pleased with the team's performance this season. Coach Nthabeleng Modiko's team gained confidence throughout the tournament and eventually ascended to the podium as the champions. 

She reflected on her route to the gold medal year: "It wasn't easy. It was a collective effort. We worked very hard to prepare for this historic feat. We trusted the coach's plans and approached each game as a separate event. And winning 5-0 at home felt amazing. We were runners-up last year, which motivated us to strive even harder this year to advance." Said Mabuza.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies academy standout says she set her aims from the start: win the Varsity Football title and score as many goals as possible. Mabuza scored two goals in the final against the University of Pretoria (UP Tuks), propelling the squad to a 5-0 victory.

She stated that meeting both of her goals at the end of the event required a team effort. "My ultimate aims were to top the scoring lists and win the competition. Coach constantly encourages me to score more. It was a collective effort. So, I want to thank my coaches and teammates.

Coach Dunga's message prior of the final was quick and unambiguous. According to Majaivana, coach Modiko did not say much leading up to the tournament's conclusion, focusing on the significance of teamwork and letting her players to enjoy the game.

Mabuza commented on coach Modiko's instructions to the players ahead of the final: "Coach Modiko merely advised us to keep together and follow the strategy. She believed in us and urged us to fight till the last whistle. Coach challenged us to give it our all and leave everything on the field as if it were our final game. Yeah, eventually the plan succeeded, and we were able to bring the trophy home." 

@Lamola_Herold