The North-West University (NWU) Eagles were not only crowned the overall winners of the 2026 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Cross Country Championships, after its athletes delivered stellar performances at the CPUT Bellville Campus in Cape Town from 18 to 20 September. They were the top medal contenders in the male, female and overall categories.

The team secured the overall title after demonstrating exceptional endurance, determination and consistency throughout the competition, finishing in first place ahead of the University of Pretoria (TUKS) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

The Eagles displayed their brilliance by securing first spot finishes across relay and individual categories. In the short relay, the NWU mixed team secured a gold medal with an impressive time of 22:00.29, ahead of TUKS and UJ. The Eagles also competed strongly in the long mixed relay, where they secured silver with a time of 1:00:21.20 behind TUKS who finished in 59:59.95, while TUT took third place with a 1:00:40.19.

Among the top individual performances was Danielle Verster, who won gold in the women’s 3 km race. In April, Danielle also won the women’s 1 500m and 5000m events at the USSA track and field championship, which also took place in Cape Town.

Alri Verster delivered a powerful performance and a strong finish to secure the silver medal in the 2 km, proving her determination and competitive spirit when it mattered most. The two women, together with Elmé Mienie finished second in the 3km team competition.

Amogelang Tatai impressively secured the individual gold medal, delivering a standout performance in the men’s 3 km event. His exceptional effort, together with strong performances from Christopher Swart and Jansen Bell, cemented the team’s overall gold medal and contributed significantly to the team’s success.

Ina du Plessis produced an impressive performance to secure the silver medal in the 10 km, exceeding expectations with a determined and well-executed race. Katelynn Steenkamp, Elandri Schmidt and Ina du Plessis steered the team to winning the silver medal in the team competition.

Although they did not finish on the individual podium, Koketso Mokoto, Mahomed Batsi and Avuma Pheza delivered valuable performances that secured the team gold medal. Their contribution highlighted the impressive depth, consistency and collective strength within the team.

Every performance helped the Eagles build the points total that led them to finish at the top of the overall standings. The discipline, energy and determination from the athletes proved that they arrived ready to compete and they left as the 2026 USSA cross country champions.

Tracey Olivier, Athletics Manager, expressed her delight at the team’s outstanding performance, saying she could not be prouder of the athletes and their coaches, Jean Verster and Hennie Botha. “This was a hugely successful championships and a true reflection of the talent, dedication and hard work of our NWU athletes and coaches. Their commitment, determination and team spirit were evident throughout the competition, and their achievements are a testament to the strength and depth of NWU Athletics.”

NWU women’s 3 km team (Silver) NWU short relay (GOLD)

Danielle Verster Danielle Vester

Alri Verster Katelynn Steenkamp

Elme Mienie Amogelang Tati

Lee-Anne Marx Christopher Swart

NWU men’s 3 km team (Gold) NWU long relay (Silver)

Amogelang Tatai Alri Verster

Christopher Swart Ina du Plessis

Jansen Bell Koketso Mokoto

Nicholas de Scally Avuma Pheza

Marceghlle Wakefield

Bertus van der Linde

NWU women’s 10 km team (Silver) NWU men’s 10 km team (Gold)

Ina du Plessis Koketso Mokoto

Katelynn Steenkamp Mahomed Batsi

Elandri Smidt Avuma Pheza

Chane de Meyer

Lutho Timati

Dino Nako

Divan De Vries

Thinus Erasmus