Former Bafana goalkeeper Vyver returns after NWU’s 1-1 draw

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Lincoln Vyver has returned to professional football after joining North West University for the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign. The 25-year-old made his first appearance for the club as North West University drew 1-1 with Upington City at the weekend.

North West University are newcomers to the second-tier competition, and Vyver went straight into the starting line-up for their opening match. His return comes after he last played professional football during the 2022/23 season, when he helped Cape Town Spurs secure promotion to the top flight.

Vyver has five international caps for South Africa. He made his Bafana Bafana debut at the 2021 COSAFA Cup, which South Africa won under coach Morena Ramoreboli. His remaining four appearances came during the 2022 COSAFA Cup and in 2022 African Nations Championship qualifiers.

His progress after the promotion with Spurs was interrupted by serious medical problems that required surgery. Although the operation was successful, Vyver found it difficult to recover his fitness and subsequently lost his place at the club. Spurs released him while Ernst Middendorp was in charge.

The goalkeeper then had a short spell with FN Rangers in the ABC Motsepe League before returning to Cape Town Spurs last season. By then, Spurs were also competing in the ABC Motsepe League after being relegated from professional football.

Vyver now begins another attempt to rebuild his career with North West University. Despite his time away from the professional game, he remains 25 and already has more than 50 professional appearances. The draw with Upington City provided his first competitive step back at that level.