“VUT marked its 60th anniversary with an exciting football clash between current VUT Football Club (VUT FC) players and alumni, celebrating sport, legacy and the University’s proud history.”
28 July 2026 | Story by: By: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture:
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in unforgettable style as former students returned to where their journeys began for a memorable football match against the current VUT Football Club (VUT FC) team on 24 July 2026. More than just a game, the occasion became a celebration of the University’s rich sporting heritage, lifelong friendships and the remarkable achievements of its alumni.
Students, staff, alumni and members of the Vaal community gathered in large numbers to witness the exciting encounter, creating an electric atmosphere filled with pride and nostalgia. Although the match formed part of the University’s 60th anniversary celebrations, both teams approached the fixture with determination, producing an entertaining contest that showcased skill, passion and sportsmanship.
VUT FC Team Manager Mr Adolphus Tsotetsi said the match reflected the University’s commitment to producing excellence both academically and on the sporting field.
“As we celebrate 60 years of VUT, we are reminded that this institution has produced professionals in many fields, including sport. The commitment, discipline and quality displayed on the field today demonstrate the standard that VUT has maintained over the years. This game is a celebration of our sporting legacy and an inspiration to our current students,” he said.
The VUT FC side took the lead when Mr Thabang Sebeko calmly found the back of the net, sending supporters into celebration. However, the alumni team refused to surrender and continued to press for an equaliser.
Among the distinguished alumni on the field was Mr Senzo Mbatha, whose remarkable career in international football administration began at VUT in 1998. Mr Mbatha enrolled for a National Diploma in Civil Engineering, combining his studies with football through a sports bursary. His talent later earned him the opportunity to continue his football journey at the University of Pretoria before he pursued a successful career in sports management.
Mr Mbatha went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cumbria in the United Kingdom and has become one of Africa’s most respected football executives. His career includes serving as Deputy General Manager during the 2010 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup, General Manager of Orlando Pirates Football Club, Chief Executive Officer of Simba SC in Tanzania, and other senior leadership positions in professional football across the continent.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr Mbatha credited VUT for laying the foundation for his success.
“Everything I have achieved started at VUT. The University gave me an opportunity through education and sport, and that sports bursary changed my life. Returning here reminds me of where my journey began. It is an honour to celebrate 60 years of VUT with fellow alumni and the next generation of students,” he said.
Joining Mr Mbatha was fellow alumnus Mr Gilroy Tlou, who studied Cost and Management Accounting at VUT. Mr Tlou has built an impressive corporate career, serving as a Marketing Manager at Cell C before joining Old Mutual in a leadership role.
He praised VUT for producing graduates who continue to make an impact in different industries while also nurturing sporting talent.
“VUT is one of the best institutions for sports development. The University has produced exceptional people who continue to make South Africa proud, including former Banyana Banyana captain Khabo Judith Zitha, whose contribution to women’s football continues to inspire many young athletes. VUT equipped us with knowledge, discipline and leadership skills that prepared us for the world of work,” he said.
Encouraging current students to maximise every opportunity available to them, Mr Tlou added: “Life is not as easy as it looks, but through networking, determination and hard work, anything can be achieved.”
His words were followed by action when he scored the equalising goal for the alumni team, bringing the exciting match to a 1–1 draw and delighting spectators from both sides.
While the final score reflected a draw, the true victory belonged to VUT. The exhibition match highlighted six decades of excellence in education, sport and leadership, while celebrating graduates who continue to excel locally and internationally.
As VUT commemorated its 60th anniversary, the football reunion served as a powerful reminder that although alumni may build successful careers across South Africa and beyond, VUT remains their home. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations brought generations together, honoured the University’s proud legacy and inspired current students to continue building on the foundation laid over the past six decades.