North-West University FC forced to switch home venue for 2026-27 season

North-West University FC will play its home matches in Potchefstroom rather than Mahikeng during the first half of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season because of renovation work at its usual stadium.

The league newcomers will host their opening home fixture against Upington City at the NWU Fanie du Toit Sports Ground on the University’s Potchefstroom Campus on 22 August.

The temporary move means NWU FC will be unable to use the Mahikeng Campus Sports Ground until the renovation and upgrading project has been completed, with the club expected to remain away from its traditional home until the New Year.

The University said the venue change was necessary while work continued on the Mahikeng facility.

‘The North-West University (NWU) wishes to inform its supporters, stakeholders, and the football fraternity that NW Football Club (NWU FC) will host its home fixtures for the first half of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season at the NWU Fanie du Toit Sports Ground on the University’s Potchefstroom Campus.

‘This temporary arrangement has been necessitated by the ongoing renovation and upgrading of the NWU Mahikeng Campus Sports Ground.

‘The upgrades form part of the University’s long-term commitment and investment in sporting excellence and the provision of world-class facilities for student-athletes, supporters, and the broader community.

‘The NWU FC will return to hosting its home matches on the Mahikeng Campus once the renovation project has been completed and the necessary approvals obtained.

‘The University remains fully committed to the growth of football in the North-West Province and appreciates the understanding and continued support of its loyal supporters, students, alumni, and partners during this transition period.

‘Although home fixtures will temporarily be played in Potchefstroom, NWU Football remains proudly rooted in the Mahikeng Campus, where the University’s football programme has been developed and nurtured over the years.

‘The University is confident that the upgraded sports ground will provide an enhanced match-day experience and serve as a legacy facility for students, aspiring footballers, and the wider community for many years to come.

‘As NWU FC prepares for its historic debut in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the University calls on supporters across all three campuses and beyond to rally behind the team as it embarks on its exciting new chapter in professional football,’ reads the statement from the institute.

NWU FC’s first campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship comes as several other clubs have also had to alter their home arrangements before the new season begins.

Chippa United, Richards Bay, Milford, Stellenbosch, Sekhukhune United, Polokwane City and Siwelele are already among the clubs affected by venue changes.

While the first part of NWU FC’s home schedule will be staged in Potchefstroom, the University said the football programme remains closely connected to the Mahikeng Campus, where it has been built and developed.

The return to Mahikeng will only take place after the construction work is finished and the required approvals have been secured. The University says the upgraded sports ground is intended to improve the match-day experience and become a long-term facility for students, aspiring footballers, supporters and the wider community.