FNB UFH and FNB UWC book their spots in FNB Varsity Cup Women 2026 final

The UFH Baby Blues secured their place in the FNB Varsity Cup Women final with an impressive victory over log leaders FNB UP-Tuks while the Caracals produced a disciplined and balanced performance to defeat FNB UKZN 34-17, turning early pressure into a dominant second half showing in an entertaining encounter.

FNB UP-Tuks Women 30-45 FNB UFH Women

FNB UFH Women booked their place in the final after a hard-fought 45-30 victory over FNB UP-Tuks Women in their FNB Varsity Cup Women semi-final clash at Tuks Stadium on Friday.

The home side started brightly, with prop Nomzamo Nimorundsini crossing early to give Tuks a 5-0 lead. However, UFH responded well as Siphelele Dlamini powered over, with the conversion handing the visitors a 7-5 advantage.

The Baby Blues grew in confidence, and centre Lilitha Vakalisa added a try before the break, helping UFH take a 21-14 lead into halftime.

Tuks came out strong in the second half, with Mokatse Thandi scoring to level matters at 21-21. But UFH quickly regained control, with Vakalisa proving unstoppable as she completed a superb hat-trick to extend the lead.

A late penalty further cemented UFH’s dominance, as they managed the closing stages well to secure a 40–30 win.

Flyhalf Inga Qogi delivered an influential performance and was deservedly named Player of the Match, guiding UFH into the final with composure and control.

Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB Tuks vs FNB UFH

SCORERS:

FNB UP-Tuks Women: (14) 30

Tries: Nomzamo Nimorundsini, Thandi Mokatse, Erin Prins, Tesmeque Maritz.

FNB UFH Women: (21) 45

Tries: Lilitha Vakalisa X3, Cqwenga Joni, Inga Qogi, Siphelele Dlamini.

FNB Player of the Match: Inga Qogi (FNB UFH Women)

TEAMS

FNB UP-Tuks Women: Nomzamo Nimorundsini, Aphiwe Masuku, Ox Xholi, Itumeleng Malala, Mbali Ndlovu, Thandi Mokatse, Candice De Wet, Gugu Mncwabe, Erin Prins, Lerato Tshabalala, Anele Mgwazele, Abigail De Jager, Lidene Kruger, Tesmeque Maritz, Kwanga Majebe.

FNB UFH Women: Milla Wawa, Aphiwe Nqana, Eyam Ngalo, Siphelele Dlamini, Qaqamba Ndzondana, Thokozani Sikela, Simamnkele Jolingana, Rose Haka, Sinekhaya Tywalani, Inga Qogi, Cwenga Joni, Lilitha Vakalisa, Sibabalwe Jobo, Siphokuhle Vakele, Litha Tofu.

FNB UWC Women 34-17 FNB UKZN Women

FNB UWC produced a strong all-round performance to secure a 34–17 victory over FNB UKZN in an entertaining Varsity Shield encounter, marked by early intensity and a clinical second-half display.

The visitors struck first, with Zanele Hlongwane crossing over in the opening minute to give FNB UKZN lead after a missed conversion. However, FNB UWC responded almost immediately, as Davedine March finished off a well-worked team try to level the scores within the opening exchanges.

Both sides showed attacking intent, but it was the Caracals who began to take control midway through the first half. A point-of-origin try from Ronecia Gordon, successfully converted, pushed the hosts ahead. Momentum continued to build as FNB UWC added another try through their following a brilliant phase of play, extending the lead even further.

The Impi refused to back down, with Sandulelo Nyawose powering over for a try in the to reduce the deficit.

The second half saw the Caracals assert further dominance, with Jessica Mare added three points from a penalty early on, before Fatouma Yalcoue crossed the line for a converted try, stretching the lead.

FNB UKZN showed resilience once again, with Sphesihle Fihlela scoring a well-taken try, successfully converted to bring the score closer, however, FNB UWC maintained control, adding another penalty to take the score even further.

Despite continued effort from both sides, FNB UWC emerged as deserved winners with a 34–17 victory, combining attacking efficiency with disciplined game management.

Semi-final HIGHLIGHTS: FNB UWC vs FNB UKZN

SCORERS

FNB UWC Women: (19) 34

Tries: Davidine March, Ronecia Gordon (POR), Qaqamba Ngqabalala, Jessica Mare, Fatouma Yalcoue.

FNB UKZN Women: (10) 17

Tries: Zanele Hlongwane, Sphesihle Fihlela, Sandulelo Nyawose

FNB Player of the Match: Davedine March (FNB UWC Women)

TEAMS

FNB UWC Women: Sange Makhwezela; Jada Davids;  Mivuyo Pawuli; Ivanche Gerritsen; Samukelisiwe Mjweni; Yanelisa Plaajie; Akhona Nkosi; Fatouma Yalcoue; Nandile Mvandaba; Qaqamba Ngqabalala; Abongwe Vilane; Ronecia Gordon; Lee-Amber Beukes; Davedine March.

FNB UKZN Women: Sandulelo Nyawose; Landelizwi Dlamini; Siphokuhle Mdletshe; Zama Mbeje; Lulama Cele; Athiphile Njiyela; Avela Gwala; Hlekane Baloyi; Asanda Mnyandu; Snethembe Mzimela; Charmaine Dimpo Mogashoa; Teddy Gatyana; Mahlogonolo Nkoane; Zanele Hlongwane; Sphesihle Fihlela.