The IIE’s Varsity College football teams display grit and teamwork at institutional football tournament

The IIE's Varsity College football teams participated in the 2024 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Institutional Football Tournament. Despite not winning medals, both the men's and women's teams worked hard and tried their best.

January 13, 2025

Provided Content 2 minutes read

The IIE’s Varsity College Football teams proved they were in it to win it, during the recent 2024 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Institutional Football Tournament.

The teams, which consisted of students from The IIE’s Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega-School and IIE Rosebank, competed fiercely among a total of 10 teams in each gender category.

Although the results did not yield the desired medals this year, both teams displayed great sportsmanship and teamwork and are motivated to build on their experiences as they prepare for the next tournament in 2025.

The IIE’s Varsity College men’s team faced a challenging path in Group B, with a record of two wins, one draw, and one loss.

The team secured vital points with a hard-fought victory over Rhodes University, triumphing with a score of 1–0. They followed this success with another impressive performance, edging out Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University with a close 2–1 win.

However, their streak was interrupted when they faced a narrow defeat against the University of KwaZulu-Natal, losing by a slim margin of 0–1.

Nicolien Richter, the public relations officer of The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall, said the team was placed third in their group, based on goals scored, just behind the University of Limpopo. This resulted in a sixth overall finish after a tight match against North-West University Vaal Triangle Campus, ending in a final score of 2–1.

Also read: Launch your Career with an IIE Degree in Design, Brand and Business at Vega

The IIE’s Varsity College women’s team showcased remarkable skill and determination in Group B, with two wins and a narrow loss to Mangosuthu University of Technology with 1–2.

Their strong performance secured a spot in the semi finals against North-West University, a formidable opponent. Though they were unable to secure a place in the finals, the ladies fought bravely with a 1–1 tie against Mangosuthu University of Technology in the bronze final, ultimately missing out on a medal.

Nolwazi Talent Msimanga, from The IIE’s Varsity College, said: “Participating in the tournament this year was an amazing experience. I was proud to be captain of so many talented young ladies.

“I learnt that football is more of a mental game than it is physical. Sometimes the body wouldn’t want to, but you would think of the reason why it all started, and then you start pushing yourself. 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.”