Vice-Chancellor and Principal organises Luncheon to honour exceptional achievements of UNIVEN Ladies Football Club

On 21 May 2025, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni hosted a special luncheon at the UNIVEN Sports Hall to honour the exceptional achievements of the UNIVEN Ladies Football Club. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Bernard Nthambeleni organised this luncheon to celebrate the team’s dedication, sportsmanship, and outstanding performance in recent competitions.

The luncheon also served as a motivational send-off as the team prepares to compete in the upcoming SASOL League and Varsity Football Cup. The event was also fuelled by the voice of Dr Meisie Madzivhandila Masakona, who led the opening with the national anthem, setting a patriotic and unifying tone for the gathering.
Dr Joel Baloyi, University Registrar delivered a heartfelt welcome during the luncheon, celebrating the UNIVEN Ladies Football Club’s achievements. He emphasised the significance of the event as a tribute to the team’s remarkable accomplishments. Dr Baloyi expressed immense pride in the team’s performance, drawing parallels to the national women’s football teams.
Highlighting the rarity of such achievements, Dr Baloyi noted that not many universities have reached this level of success. He mentioned that the team would soon be featured on television, marking an exciting milestone. Reiterating the athletes’ roles as ambassadors of the university, he pointed out the upcoming SASOL League beginning on 24 May 2025 (today), which features 16 provincial teams and Varsity Football Cup that will feature the top eight universities from the 2024 University Sports South Africa (USSA) Summer Football Tournament.
Dr. Baloyi expressed confidence in the team’s continued excellence and concluded by acknowledg-ing all attendees, including University leadership and staff, inviting them to feel at home during the event. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the women’s football team as the “heroines of the day,” while encouraging them to continue their excellent work.
Prof Nthambeleni personally met and greeted the players, commending them for their dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. In his message of support, he emphasised the University’s pride in its achievements and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to empowering women in sports. He highlighted the importance of sport beyond physical activity as a space for community building, career development, and representation of the University.

He spoke passionately about the broader context of gender inequality in sports, both in South Af-rica and globally, urging continued support for female athletes who often face disparities in recog-nition and compensation. He expressed pride in the team encouraging them to remain confident, committed, and mindful of the honour they bring to the university. He assured them of his ongoing support, including attending games where possible. He reminded them that belief in oneself is cru-cial to success, stressing that their achievements are deserved, not accidental. When concluding, he motivated the athletes to carry forward the spirit of excellence, representing both themselves and the university with pride and resilience.

In his vote of thanks, Mr Andisani Mathelemusa expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and organisers, acknowledging the collective effort in making the event a success. He commended the athletes for their hard work and dedication, emphasising the importance of continued support from the University community. Mr Mathelemusa also highlighted the significance of such events in fostering a spirit of unity and pride within the university, encouraging everyone to continue championing the success of the UNIVEN Ladies Football Club. The luncheon not only celebrated the team’s past achievements but also served as a reminder of the power of sport in bringing com-munities together and inspiring future generations.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University Of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811