The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Football Club is set to represent the University in the 2026 Varsity Football tournament, joining some of South Africa’s top university football teams. DUT FC will participate in the Varsity Football men’s tournament for the third consecutive year.
The 2026 Varsity Football season officially kicks off on Friday, 7 August 2026, with DUT looking to build on its growing reputation and compete at the highest level of university football. The tournament provides an exciting platform for student athletes to showcase their talent while promoting excellence in sport, teamwork and student development.
Representing DUT will be the University’s Varsity Football team, led by an experienced technical team and supported by the Sports Administration Unit. The squad has completed an intensive pre season programme in preparation for the 2026 campaign and is eager to compete against the country’s top university football teams.
This season marks an exciting milestone for DUT Football Club as the University will host its four home Varsity Football fixtures at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. Hosting matches at one of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier sporting venues will provide student athletes with the opportunity to compete on a professional stage while offering supporters an enhanced match day experience.
Participation in Varsity Football reflects DUT’s continued commitment to developing student athletes and creating opportunities for students to excel both academically and on the sporting field. The competition also strengthens the University’s presence within the national university sport landscape while fostering institutional pride and unity among students, staff and alumni.
Speaking ahead of the new season, DUT FC Captain, Sekwanele Mtolo, said:
“Our pre season has been very demanding, but that is exactly what we needed, knowing the level of competition that awaits us in Varsity Football. The preparations have challenged us physically, mentally and tactically, while helping us improve our fitness, strengthen our chemistry as a team and develop the mindset needed to compete at the highest level. The entire squad is confident heading into the tournament, and we are excited to test ourselves against some of the best university football teams in the country. Our objective is to represent DUT with pride, compete for every point and challenge for honours throughout the season.”
Sekwanele added that one of his personal goals is to continue growing as a leader, both on and off the field.
“We have learnt valuable lessons from previous campaigns, and as a team we are determined to turn those experiences into improved performances and better results this season. We also encourage the entire DUT community to rally behind us throughout this journey. Their support, especially during our home matches at Harry Gwala Stadium, will motivate us to give our best every time we step onto the field,” added Sekwanele.
Throughout the tournament, the DUT community is encouraged to rally behind the team by attending matches and proudly wearing the University’s colours. With four home fixtures at the iconic Harry Gwala Stadium, supporters will have the opportunity to create an electric home atmosphere as the team strives for success in the 2026 Varsity Football campaign.
As the players prepare to take to the field, the Sports Administration Unit calls on students, staff, alumni and the wider DUT community to stand behind the team throughout the season. Together, the DUT family can help create an unforgettable Varsity Football experience while demonstrating the pride, passion and unity that define the University.
On 23 July 2026, the Sports Administration Unit officially announced its 28 man Varsity Football squad at the Fred Crooks Sports Centre. The 2026 Varsity Football squad comprises the following student athletes:
- Sekwanele Mtolo (Captain)
• Samkelo Zulu
• Smangaliso Delwa
• Lwazi Mweli
• Mbulelo Mavuso
• Luyanda Ntuli
• Philasande Shabalala
• Zethembe Dlamini
• Nqubeko Magoso
• Sibonginhlanhla Hlatshwayo
• Thalente Mjilo
• Lusiba Dlamini
• Sandile Mazeka
• Thembinkosi Mchunu
• Sandiso Xaba
• Bonga Mthembu
• Fanelesibonge Ndwandwe
• Awande Buthelezi
• Mandisi Ndlovu
• Ntokozo Ndlovu
• Kwanele Vilakazi
• Asanda Dube
• Nkululeko Nkosi
• Nkosiyezwe Buthelezi
• Samkelo Maduma
• Ayanda Maphumulo
• Prince Msibi
• Nqobile Dlamini
The team is guided by an experienced technical team, largely comprising DUT alumni, reflecting the University’s commitment to developing graduates who continue to contribute to the institution beyond their academic journey. Their continued involvement demonstrates DUT’s dedication to nurturing talent not only in the classroom but also in sport, as former student athletes return to mentor and inspire the next generation of players.
The technical team comprises:
- Andile Mavundla (Head Coach)
• Bulelani Nsimbi (Assistant Coach)
• Siphosenkosi Dlamini (Goal Keeper Coach)
• Zamokuhle Dlamini (Team Manager)
• Lwazi Dube (Medic)
• Thando Mdolo (Sport Scientist)
Pictured: The 2026 Varsity Football 28 man squad set to compete in the 2026 Varsity Football season.
Lwazi Chiliza
