Sport

Tennis continues to triumph at the NWU

Languages with origins from across the world were heard, and the tennis courts at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds at the North-West University (NWU) became a global village during the recent hosting of two junior ITF tournaments.

The upsurge in the number of tennis tournaments hosted by the NWU has been something to behold, and can be attributed to the new clay courts at the Potchefstroom Campus as well as the superlative organising and coaching team.

Submitted on Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:41

Soccer Institute's u-21 team gears up for the Pirates Cup tournament

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

The North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute's under-21 team is gearing up for a thrilling challenge as they prepare to compete in the Pirates Cup tournament, one of South Africa's most esteemed youth soccer competitions.

Set to kick off at the Wits Marks Park Sports Grounds, the tournament promises intense matches starting on 28 March.

In the first round the team will face formidable opponents, including Vhembe Cora Academy, TUT Emalahleni and Midlands Academy.

Submitted on Thu, 03/28/2024 - 09:32

Former professional footballer returns to the Soccer Institute

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Former professional footballer Ngunezi Mkhize has re-enrolled at the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute to further his football career and complete his studies.

The Soccer Institute is renowned for developing soccer players, coaches and administrators – producing well-rounded individuals with tertiary qualifications, as a football career is usually short-lived.

Submitted on Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:28

Eagles top Varsity Cup log

Well, isn’t that a pretty picture? The North-West University (NWU) Eagles are sitting on top of the Varsity Cup log after beating CUT Ixias 53-46 in Bloemfontein.

In what was perhaps a case of complacency, the Eagles allowed a generous half-time lead of 37-12 to be systematically etched away by the home side, especially in the last 10 minutes when the Ixias scored three converted tries.

It was a late, impressive blitzkrieg by the underdogs, but the Eagles’ opening salvos proved effective enough to secure the win.

Submitted on Tue, 03/26/2024 - 10:59

A walk down memory lane with former NWU Eagles captain Sampie Swiegers

Ruan “Sampie” Swiegers, the former captain of the 2023 FNB Varsity Cup champions, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles, takes us down memory lane. “A lot of memories come to mind when I think of having studied at the NWU for seven years. I know every part of Potchefstroom, the good and the bad,” said Ruan. Apart from roaming around the lively Potchefstroom Campus or enjoying a braai with friends at the residence, Ruan says he will forever treasure the memory of representing the NWU on the rugby field.

Submitted on Fri, 03/22/2024 - 08:26

UJ thunderstruck by NWU onslaught

Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening. Dangerous weather meant that the North-West University (NWU) Eagles could not complete their Varsity Cup clash against UJ in Johannesburg on Monday night, and the game had to be replayed on Tuesday morning, 19 March. The result? It rained tries as the visitors from Potchefstroom ran in seven times to make it four wins from five games. The scoreboard read 49-12.

Submitted on Wed, 03/20/2024 - 08:56

Fortress Fanie a nest of points for NWU Eagles

The NWU Eagles’ hiccup against the Shimlas a week ago has been followed by a refreshing gulp of points against Wits at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday, 11 March.

The Eagles lit up Potchefstroom with seven tries against the visitors from Johannesburg for a resounding 51-22 win to temporarily erase memories of their 35-26 reverse in Bloemfontein.

Submitted on Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:27

Rassie Erasmus to receive an honorary doctorate from the North-West University

Rugby World Cup-winning coach and former Director of Rugby of SA Rugby, Johan “Rassie” Erasmus, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate by the North-West University (NWU). The NWU Council approved the decision during their ordinary meeting on Thursday, 16 November 2023. The request for the awarding of the degree Philosophiae Doctor (Honoris Causa), in the discipline Coaching Science, was made by the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

Submitted on Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:10

Eagles continue to flex their Varsity Cup muscles

Two rounds and two resounding wins. The North-West University (NWU) Eagles gave their home crowd at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds enough to cheer about as they beat the University of the Western Cape (UWC) 49–15 in their Varsity Cup clash.

A purple wave of six tries washed over the visitors and the tide was firmly in the Eagles’ favour. Telling is the – perhaps mournful – fact that a number of opportunities for the home team went to waste. The Eagles should have won by a bigger margin, and they will be the first to admit it.

Submitted on Thu, 02/29/2024 - 08:59