By OBAKENG MAJE
21 June 2026- The NWU Soccer Institute’s preparations for the professional Motsepe Foundation Championship, which is the second tier of South African football, are well-underway. Even though it requires a massive undertaking of structural organisation, high-level fitness conditioning and significant financial backing, the NWU Soccer Institute management said it is up to the task.
The NWU Soccer Institute Manager, Dr Vuyolethu Sambo said they are to participate in the Motsepe Foundation Champion. Sambo said they do have the capacity to go through the season with whatever budget they have.
“Of course, we are looking at getting partners as well. We will engage various stakeholders to assist us to cover our expenses. On the issue of sponsorships, we will knock on various doors to secure sponsorships.
“On the issue of Mmabatho Stadium, we will engage the North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to check if the stadium meets Betway Premier Soccer League (PSL) requirements so that we can register it as one of our stadiums,” he said.
The NWU Soccer Institute coach, Nkululeko Malgas shared the same sentiments. Malgas said even though they have depth, there are some departments that need to be bolstered ahead of the 2026/2027 season.
“Indeed, there are some departments that need to be strengthened in the team, but it can be a little bit sensitive for now to talk about that. We still have to sit as the technical team to come up with a strategy.
“We will also continue to scout players across the province. I believe that the scouts are sleeping in South Africa. Most of the people complained that we played with young boys. I mean who does not have young players in this era?” he asked.
Malgas further said, if one drives along the roads of South Africa, s/he would likely to find a field where people are playing football. He added that they should not wait for big moments to scout players.
“As the NWU Soccer Institute, we have data of players. We are not worried about losing players because most of our players are students. So, we stand a chance to contribute to the football of South Africa, if we do not sleep on talents.
“We have enough under-23 players to compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. You can go as far as Taung as they have three teams competing in various leagues. The good thing about Taung is that their players do not mix much with players from Gauteng. So, you get raw talent from that side,” said Malgas.
The Guardian 