By REGINALD KANYANE 

It was an amazing season for some of the stars of the Varsity Football 2023 season, whose performances got the attention of Premier Soccer League (PSL) scouts and the women’s national team. 

In true grassroots to greatness fashion, the Varsity Football tournament prides itself as a dynamic breeding ground for future football stars and in the past has produced several big names that went on to become successful on the provincial and national stage.

“Last year’s edition followed suit with several players kick-starting their professional careers. The NWU winger, Heaven Sereetsi had an outstanding season as the Eagles captain and his effort were duly rewarded with a PSL contract. 

“Sereetsi had signed on the dotted line for the Citizens. In the UWC camp, striker Leandro De Sousa was approached by Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Pretoria Callies and accepted the offer while goalkeeper Leathan Croats got approached by Mamelodi Sundowns to play for the club’s Diski Challenge, but declined the offer.”

The university said VUT midfielder Medupi Thokolo was a standout performer for the Mavuti family and joined NFD side Casric Stars. It said the Varsity Football women’s tournament has in the past produced numerous stars, who went onto represent Banyana Banyana and with national coach, Desiree Ellis often coming out to watch the tournament.

“It’s no surprise that the class of 2023, saw several stars making their debut for the national side. The class of 2023 saw Ayesha Moosa (UJ), Tshogofatso Motlogelwa (TUT) and Chelsea Daniels (UWC) all being scouted to represent Banyana Banyana at the COSAFA Women’s Championships after the tournament ended. 

“Chelsea and Tshogofatso were nominated for FNB Player of the Tournament. With the 2024 men’s tournament kicking off on 25 July and the women’s tournament on 26 July we can’t wait to see which players will emerge as the stars of the future.”

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