KIMBERLEY – The women’s rugby team of the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) made history by being crowned national First Division champion at the Betway Women’s Club Championship, with three SPU players named to the Betway Dream Team.

Organised by the South African Rugby Union at the Alberton Rugby Club, the championship on 25 September featured eight teams in the First Division. The winner was determined through the tournament standings, with the SPU finishing at the top to secure its maiden Betway First Division title.

The SPU opened its campaign with a convincing 19 – 7 victory over the University of Limpopo (UL). Maserati Bangaza, Jennielee van Nel and Nonkosi Ngema crossed the try line, whilst Juanine Jacobs added two conversions. Bangaza was named Player of the Match.

The team carried that momentum into a 15 – 14 victory over the Titan. Bangaza scored one try, whilst Van Nel crossed the try line twice. Evelyn Maile was named Player of the Match for her performance at flanker.

ALSO READ: Noord-Kaap se eerste volwaardige vrouerugbyklubs speel ‘harde rugby’

The SPU completed its championship campaign with a 17 – 12 victory over Nelspruit. Bangaza scored two tries and Jaen-Mari Owies added another, whilst Jacobs was named Player of the Match.

The three victories secured the SPU’s place at the top of the First Division standings, earning the team the 2026 national First Division title.

The SPU’s success was further recognised when Jacobs, Bangaza and Maile were selected for the Betway Dream Team, recognising them as the best-performing players in their respective positions during the championship week.

Individual quality

Jacobs is enrolled in the BA General programme, Bangaza is pursuing a BEd, and Maile is studying towards a BCom qualification in Accounting.

Their selection reflects the individual quality within the team and the strength of the SPU’s women’s rugby programme.

The national title caps an exceptional season for SPU Women’s Rugby. The team had already been crowned provincial champion after winning the inaugural AVBOB Griquas Women’s Rugby Super League, earning the opportunity to compete at the Betway Women’s Club Championship.

ALSO READ: Griquas Women: First-time finalists win Pick n Pay Super League 2 rugby title

The championship campaign was led by head coach Alvero Baartman, supported by assistant coach Khanya Kama, team manager Theo Ngqwala, and strength and conditioning coach Mandolene Norman.

The achievement signals the progress being made in advancing the SPU’s commitment to quality sporting programmes that nurture excellence, support holistic student development and enable high-performance student-athletes to reach their full potential.- spu.ac.za