The University of the Free State (UFS) commends the outstanding efforts of KovsieSport student-athletes, coaches, and sports managers following a successful showing at the 2025 USSA Winter Tournaments, which took place between 28 June 2025 and 4 July 2025. The performances across various sporting codes demonstrated not only athletic excellence, but also discipline, teamwork, and the enduring spirit that defines Kovsie pride.

The men’s hockey team delivered a particularly notable performance by finishing first in the B section and earning promotion to the A section. Melrick Maddocks, UFS men’s hockey head coach, praised the team’s unified effort, stating: “This medal is not about one person. It is a symbol of the sacrifices made by every player who chose the team over themselves – the early mornings, the setbacks, the grind, and the moments that no one sees. Success is never built on talent alone, but on a shared culture of commitment, trust, and brotherhood. There are no individuals here, only a team that gave everything for each other.”

Strong results were recorded across multiple disciplines. The men’s volleyball team achieved a fifth place, while the women’s team was placed fifteenth. In netball, the women’s team claimed an impressive second place, with the men’s team finishing fourth. Shimlas rugby secured third place, and the women’s rugby team took second place in the B1 section. Additional results included a thirteenth place in dance, eighth place for the women’s hockey team, and ninth place in karate.

The university acknowledges the dedication and preparation invested by all involved in these achievements and recognises the role that each athlete and coach played in representing the UFS with excellence.