A Clever Start: How Bidvest Wits FC Came to Be

Founded in 1921 by Wits University’s Students Representatives Council in Johannesburg, Gauteng, Bidvest Wits Football Club – or Wits, for short – has enjoyed over a century of rich football history. Known for its development of South African football talent, the club has made significant contributions to both local and international football.

Wits gained prominence in the 1970s, producing players such as goalkeeper Gary Bailey and defender Richard Gough, who went on to play for Manchester United, England and Scotland, respectively.

The team won its first major title, the Mainstay Cup, in 1978, followed by victories in the BP Top 8 (1984) and JPS Knockout Cup (1985). Their fortunes continued through the 1990s with trophies like the 1995 Coca-Cola Cup, although they endured near-relegation scares in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The 2000s saw a resurgence under coach Roger De Sa, with top-three PSL finishes in 2003 and 2004. However, challenges in 2005 led to relegation. Under manager Boebie Solomons, Wits returned to the PSL in 2006.

A decade later, between 2016 and 2017, they achieved unprecedented success: clinching their first PSL title in 2016/17, along with MTN8 and Telkom Knockout triumphs.

Beyond professional leagues, Wits actively nurtures young talent through its junior programme (U/6-U/23). Both men’s and women’s teams compete in national and international tournaments, highlighting their broad impact on football development.

Based at Marks Park, Johannesburg, Wits remains a cornerstone of South African football.