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Sandton’s football teams show strength and determination

The IIE's Varsity College men's and women's football teams may not have claimed medals, but their dedication and teamwork set the foundation for future victories.

The IIE’s Varsity College men’s and women’s football teams, representing students from The IIE’s Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega-School, and IIE Rosebank, made a notable impact at the 2024 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Institutional Football Tournament.

Held against fierce competition from 10 teams in both the men’s and women’s categories, the teams displayed tremendous dedication and teamwork, setting the stage for future success.

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According to Nicolien Richter, public relations and events coordinator at The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall, the journey for the men’s team was challenging.

“Playing in Group B, they secured two wins, one draw, and one loss, with victories over Rhodes University (1–0) and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (2–1).”

She said despite a narrow 0–1 loss to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, they placed third in their group, just behind the University of Limpopo, and finished sixth overall after a hard-fought match against North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus (NWU Vaal), ending in a 2-1 defeat.

“On the women’s side, the Varsity College team demonstrated skill and resilience throughout the tournament. With two wins and a close 2-1 loss to Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the team advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced NWU Vaal.”

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Richter added that they narrowly missed out on a place in the finals, the team fought bravely and managed a 1-1 draw against MUT in the bronze final, ultimately finishing just short of a medal.

Nolwazi Talent Msimanga, captain of the women’s team and a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws student at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton, shared her reflections on the tournament.

“Participating in the USSA Institutional Football Tournament was an amazing experience. I was proud to be captain of so many talented young ladies. Throughout the tournament, I learned that football is more of a mental game than it is physical.”

She pointed out that sometimes her body wouldn’t want to, but she would think of the reason why it all started, and then started pushing herself.

“My team’s performance was outstanding from day 1 of the tournament, the ladies are fighters, on and off the field. Overall, it was an incredible experience. I would represent the ladies as their captain again and again if given the chance.”

She concluded by stating that what stood out for her was their brilliant score against Vaal University of Technology in their first game which they won 7–1.

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