By Phenyo Mokgothu and Gofaone Motsamai

In yet another impressive show of strength, the bodybuilding team from the North-West University (NWU) has won the Bodybuilding Championships of University Sports South Africa (USSA) for the second consecutive year.

The 280-strong team successfully defended their title against athletes from nine other universities participating in the competition, held on 28 June 2025 at Durban University of Technology in Pietermaritzburg.

In a powerful statement of their prowess, 21 NWU bodybuilders reached the top six positions in various categories. Thirteen athletes went on to finish in the top three in their categories, earning the university an impressive medal haul of three golds, four silvers and six bronzes.

Bodybuilding coach Tshepo Baloyi expressed pride in the team’s performance. “We are proud to be back-to-back champions. The hard work and discipline paid off.”

The NWU’s gold-medal winners were:

· Bokang Matsetela in the Ladies Bikini Over 163cm category

· Learny Mokgalaka in the Senior Men Under 65kg category, who also walked away with the Male Best Poser title

· Thato Mhlanga in the Junior Bodybuilding Under 23 Years category

In a further testament to the NWU's growing stature in bodybuilding, seven athletes have qualified for the prestigious National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships of the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation South Africa.

The championships will be held in KwaZulu-Natal from 11 to 13 September 2025. The seven NWU athletes who will be taking part are Thato Mhlanga, Learny Mokgalaka, Tshepiso Moloi, Onkarabile Koboekae, Bokang Matsetela, Rejoice Letsoalo and Minenhle Sikhosana.

Learny Mokgalaka Senior Men Under 65kg First Place and Male Best Poser.

Bokang Matsetela Ladies Bikini Over 163cm First Place.

Thato Mhlanga Junior Bodybuilding Under 23 Years First Place.