The North-West University (NWU) table tennis team delivered a strong showing at the inter-campus tournament held on Friday, 1 May 2026, at the Potchefstroom Campus, signalling continued growth in competitiveness ahead of future championships.

The tournament brought together teams from the NWU’s Mahikeng and Potchefstroom campuses and Sol Plaatje University, serving as a competitive platform aimed at strengthening inter-institutional sports relations and testing player development across campuses.

The NWU fielded an 11-member squad comprising nine senior players and two coaches. In line with the open format of the tournament, coaches were also eligible to compete as players, adding experience and depth to the competitive structure of the team.

The competition featured team events, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles and singles, testing both individual performance and team coordination across multiple formats.

The NWU secured several podium finishes across categories, reflecting steady improvement and growing depth in the squad.

In the team events, the men’s A side finished third, while the women’s team delivered a stronger performance, securing second place overall.

In the men’s doubles category, coach Thato Letimile and coach Amantle Kgonare claimed first place. Mbasa Besong and Kgojane Mafoyane added to the tally with a third-place finish.

In the women’s doubles, Ontlametse Lefutshwe and Letlhogonolo Letswalo secured third place.

Beyond medal finishes, the NWU demonstrated consistency in the knockout stages. Coach Thato and Andria Seabelo advanced to the mixed doubles semi-finals, while in the singles competition, coach Thato, coach Amantle, and Ontlametse all reached the quarter-finals.

Team representatives attributed the results to improved preparation and growing tactical cohesion in the squad, alongside individual development across players. While the outcomes were encouraging, the team also identified key areas for improvement and committed to focused training ahead of upcoming competitions.

The tournament strengthened unity between campuses and reinforced sports ties with participating institutions. Stakeholders noted that expanding future events to include more universities would enhance competitive standards and better prepare athletes for the national championships.

For the NWU, the Potchefstroom tournament highlighted steady progress, growing depth and increasing competitiveness as the team continues building towards stronger performances in future competitions.