In a spirited celebration, the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted a send-off event for its talented student-athletes gearing up for the 2025 University Sport South Africa (USSA) winter tournaments. With six sporting codes represented by 149 student-athletes, UFS is ready to make its mark in five cities across the country, including Pretoria, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Gqeberha, Cape Town, and Stellenbosch.
Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, addressed the gathering: "We are here to honour and send off our incredible KovsieSport student-athletes. This year, for the first time in our university's history, we have a dance team participating in the USSA dance competition. This milestone reflects our commitment to growth, diversity, and excellence."
The send-off, held on 20 June 2024, brought together teams, coaches, sports managers, and KovsieSport staff on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. The event was a heartfelt reminder of the dedication and hard work that each athlete has invested in their sport.
Loveness Mpunzi, a UFS women's volleyball player, offered words of encouragement to her fellow athletes: "In just a few weeks, you’ll head to various destinations, each with its own challenges and battles. But no matter where we go, we share a singular goal: to win. You are representing not just the university, but every early morning and every sacrifice made in pursuit of excellence. As you prepare to leave, don’t forget that the ultimate goal isn’t just to compete; it is to push the boundaries of what you thought was possible."
The USSA tournaments will span from 29 June to 5 July 2024, featuring a variety of sports:
- Dance: 28 June – 3 July in Durban
- Rugby: 1 – 4 July in Pretoria
- Hockey: 1 – 4 July in Stellenbosch
- Netball: 1 – 4 July in Gqeberha
- Karate: 28 – 29 June in Pietermaritzburg
- Volleyball: 1 – 4 July in Cape Town
Keep an eye on our social media for more USSA news in the upcoming weeks.
#ProudlyKovsies #USSA