UJ’s Mphafi named Varsity Cup Player of the Year
SPOTLIGHT: Thabang Mphafi, captain and Nr.8 of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), was on Monday named the Varsity Cup Player of the Year.
The 22-year-old Mphafi was shortlisted for the prestigious award alongside Ezekiel Ngobeni (Maties) and Jack Benade (Ikeys).
With this accolade, Mphafi follows in the footsteps of players such as Ntokozo Makhaza (Ikeys), who won the award in both 2024 and 2025, and Lourens Oosthuizen (Shimlas) in 2023.
Mphafi, a former Junior Springbok, is an alumnus of King Edward VII School in Johannesburg and represented the South African Schools team in 2022. Due to an ankle injury, he did not feature for UJ in the semifinal against Tuks last week.
*Also read Tuks powers to historic sixth Varsity Cup title
In the category for Backline Player of the Year, Matthew Fortuin, outside centre for NWU Eagles, walked away with the honours. The other nominees were Benade and Divan du Toit (Tuks).
This marks the second time that the 24-year-old Fortuin has been named Varsity Cup Backline Player of the Year, having first received the award in 2024.
Fortuin, originally from George and educated at Outeniqua High School in his hometown, also played in the 2023 Varsity Cup final. That year, the Eagles narrowly lost 27-25 to Ikeys in the final in Potchefstroom.
Ricardo Fourie, flank for the NWU side, was named Forward of the Year. In this year’s student competition, he consistently provided go-forward momentum for his team through his ball-carrying.
The 23-year-old Fourie is a former Grey College pupil in Bloemfontein, who represented UJ in the Varsity Cup in 2023. After matric, he moved to Johannesburg, where he represented the Lions at junior level before later playing for the Valke senior side.
Emeris Rugby Club speedster Chijindu Okonta has been named the Rookie of the Year following a brilliant debut season for the Comets.
The 21-year-old Okonta is a former Glenwood High pupil and represented the Baby Boks in 2025.
Your home for rugby. Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
Follow your favourite teams, tournaments and players, and get personalised news and Match Centre notifications direct to your device.
From live rugby streams and upcoming fixtures to breaking news, in-depth analysis and live scores, RugbyPass has everything you need to stay connected to the game.
