Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Women’s Rugby made history on 25 September 2026 by being crowned national First Division champion at the Betway Women’s Club Championship, with three SPU players also named to the Betway Dream Team.
Organised by the South African Rugby Union at Alberton Rugby Club, the championship featured eight teams in the First Division. The winner was determined through the tournament standings, with SPU finishing at the top to secure its first Betway First Division 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.
Three victories seal the national title
SPU opened its campaign with a convincing 19–7 victory over the University of Limpopo. Maserati Bangaza, Jennielee van Nel and Nonkosi Ngema crossed the try line, while Juanine Jacobs added two conversions. Bangaza was named Player of the Match.
The team carried that momentum into a closely contested encounter against Titans, securing a 15–14 victory. Bangaza scored one try, while Van Nel crossed the try line twice. Evelyn Maile was named Player of the Match for her performance at flanker.
SPU completed its championship campaign with a 17–12 victory over Nelspruit. Bangaza scored two tries and Jaen-Mari Owies added another, while Jacobs was named Player of the Match.
The three victories secured SPU’s place at the top of the First Division standings, earning the team the 2026 national First Division title.
Three SPU players named among the championship’s best
SPU’s success was further recognised when Juanine Jacobs, Maserati Bangaza and Evelyn Maile were selected for the Betway Dream Team, recognising them as the best-performing players in their respective positions during the championship week.
Jacobs is enrolled in the BA General programme, Bangaza is pursuing a BEd, and Maile is studying towards a BCom in Accounting. Their selection reflects both the individual quality within the team and the strength of SPU’s women’s rugby programme.
From provincial champions to the national stage
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.
The achievement signals the progress being made in advancing 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. Alongside strengthening the University’s sporting profile, the national title and three Dream Team selections show how SPU is steadily advancing its place among the country’s leading sporting institutions while creating opportunities for students to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
SPU congratulates the players, coaches, management and support team on this historic achievement.
