WELCOME TO 2026 — TAKE YOUR POSITIONS!

02 Feb 2026 /

Welcome to a new year of sporting excellence at Maties Sport! 2026 promises a jam-packed calendar of events across our many sporting codes ensures that there is something for everyone: for student-athletes to bring their talent; administrative, coaching and support staff to maintain our high standards; for our illustrious alumni to stay connected; and for our passionate #MaroonMachine fans.

A Year of Pride, Performance & Community

Leading the maroon campaign with determination is our Chief Director of Maties Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald: “Welcome to our extended Maties Sport community – and especially to all the newcomers who we trust will find a home at the #MaroonMachine.

“We go into this new year on the back of a spectacular 2025 that saw us shine locally, nationally and internationally. We celebrated major milestones, such as the Maties Rugby Club’s 150th Anniversary, and all-round we witnessed what makes Maties Sport legendary: consistency, resilience and ambition to excel. “Nurturing our student-athletes is our passion. Your discipline and commitment inspire our campus community and beyond. Balancing the demands of being a full-time student, attending lectures five days a week, training before and after classes (over seven days a week for our high-performance stars), is no small feat. You are exceptional, and we value you. Know that the Maties staff and support teams will do everything possible to support you.” While Maties Sport is known for collecting medals and trophies, we also invest in the wider sporting community — for those students who simply want to play recreationally, engage in healthy activity through our Recreation and Active Lifestyle Unit offerings, or be part of the Maties Sport family as a volunteer. You are welcome, needed, and valued! Our calendar for the year covers it all, starting with the Newcomers Welcoming Fair on January 30th before each club begins trials and training, from Esport and Fencing to wall climbing Badminton, and all the High-Performance codes.

International Events 

This year, we do have two stand-out events: hosting the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Championships — Rugby Sevens in September, and celebrating 100 years of Maties Netball. For more on the FISU World University Championships – Rugby Sevens, visit: https://www.fisu.net/events/2026-fisu-world-university-championship-rugby-sevens/

FNB Varsity Cup 

The big event that traditionally kick-starts our fan support is the FNB Varsity Cup Rugby Championships, thrills and gees under Monday Night Lights in the iconic Danie Craven Stadium. It is an experience not to be missed. This year, our women intend to retain their winner’s trophy, and our men are determined to reclaim theirs! In 2025, Maties Rugby played a full campaign and made it to the Varsity Cup final during their 150th anniversary celebrations, before narrowly missing out on the title against UCT Ikeys. 

The first home game for Maties men is on 23 February, when we take on the University of Johannesburg, and our women follow on 6 March when they tackle University of Free State at the Danie Craven Stadium. For fixtures and team news follow Maties Rugby Club on Facebook and Instagram, and grab your season tickets here: Maties 2026 Varsity Cup Tickets

Sporting Activities  

In March, Campus Rugby kicks off campus league sport, along with the Campus Sport Bumper Nights — not-to-be-missed events when residences challenge each other across several codes in floodlit sporting festivals with music, refreshments, and unmatched campus energy.  

Here’s what else you can expect throughout the year: 

  • March: Campus Rugby & Campus Sport Bumper Nights — residence/cluster sport festivals with music, sport and community energy. 
  • April: Varsity Cup Finals — intense competition and celebration. 
  • June: University Sport South Africa Winter Games — multi-code national competition. 
  • August: Rugby Derby Day & Parasport Goal Ball Challenge — sportainment highlights. 
  • September: Varsity Netball — fast-paced, competitive netball action. 
  • October: Awards Season — recognising excellence across all Maties Sport codes. 
  • December: USSA Summer Games — a fitting year-end celebration of university sport. 

 

Be Part of the #MaroonMachine 

It’s non-stop sporting action at Maties Sport, between these major events we host, league competitions, code contests, and cheering on our graduates at year-end. Be a part of the #MaroonMachine in 2026 to make lifelong memories, whether you’re competing, volunteering, watching, or cheering, your place is here. 

Stay connected and get involved!