The North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus was recently alive with excitement and pride as the campus hosted a University Sports South Africa (USSA) homecoming event.
This occasion, dedicated to honouring the remarkable achievements of student athletes who showcased exceptional talent in the recent USSA tournament, was the brainchild of Tinyiko Mazwaya, Student Campus Council (SCC) Sports Officer for 2024/25.
The event featured not only formal awards, but also engaging games organised by the SCC, adding to the festive atmosphere that coincided with Valentine’s Day.
The occasion brought together various sporting codes and celebrated the accomplishments of students who excelled both as teams and individuals. The highlight of the day was the ladies’ soccer team, who proudly clinched victory in the Section B tournament. Additionally, accolades were given to standout players: Philile Mafuleka received the award for Best Goalkeeper, Palesa Paedi was named Best Player of the Tournament, Mdabazi Mathebula was honoured for Top Goals, and Thabang Marou received the title of Best Coach.
The ladies’ netball team also celebrated their victory in the Section B tournament, while the men’s basketball team made headlines by finishing fourth overall in the competitive Section A tournament. This was an impressive feat that positioned them as one of the top university teams in South Africa. Among their ranks, Moyo Nyalungu and Nkosinathi Masina were selected for the national team, further highlighting the calibre of talent present on campus.
Beyond team sports, the event recognised individual achievements across various disciplines. Athletes from e-sports, karate, chess and bodybuilding were celebrated for their dedication and prowess. Specifically, the accolades included recognition for three e-sports players, five karate competitors, six chess players, and 15 bodybuilders, illustrating the diverse sporting talent.
According to Tinyiko, the goal was to celebrate athletes and create a vibrant, supportive campus culture where all students felt valued for their achievements.
"Many students are unaware of the various teams' participation in prestigious leagues and tournaments, leading to a disconnect between the athletes and the broader campus community. The USSA homecoming aimed to bridge this gap by fostering awareness and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our student athletes," he explains.
He also emphasises that the university plays a vital role in supporting athletes by providing platforms for them to showcase their talents.
"I hope the message resonated with the athletes: their dreams are valid, and with dedication and hard work, they can achieve greatness," he adds.
The NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus recently hosted a University Sports South Africa homecoming event, honouring the remarkable achievements of student athletes who showcased exceptional talent in the recent tournament.
