21 September 2026
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Story Queen Sigebedu
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Photo Supplied
UFS Kovsie Basketball star Reamogetswe Plaatjies in action during one of her matches.
University of the Free State (UFS) student-athlete Reamogetswe Plaatjies has progressed from school-level basketball to the Basketball National League (BNL), earning her recognition as a 2026 Top 4 Rookie and a contender for the national team.
For Kovsie Basketball star Plaatjies, the journey from being scouted at school to competing in South Africa’s premier professional basketball league has been marked by steady progression, determination – and a growing list of achievements.
Plaatjies’ rise through the ranks began before her arrival at UFS. She was scouted at the National SA School Sports Championships and subsequently recruited to join the Kovsie Basketball programme. Since then, she has become an integral member of the UFS women’s basketball team while continuing to develop her career beyond university sport.
Reflecting on her development as a student-athlete, Plaatjies said, “Being part of the Kovsie team and UFS has contributed immensely to my development, both on and off the court. Basketball is highly competitive, and being part of the High Performance programme has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to balance my academics with sport, while carrying the Kovsie flag with dignity. My coaches, Seihleko Molefe and Nthabiseng Motaung, have also played a significant role in my development. I am super grateful for their support, guidance and belief in me.”
Her time at UFS has seen her compete at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Basketball Championships for three consecutive years – she represented the University in 2024 and 2025 and has been selected for the 2026 squad. She was part of the USSA Division C-winning team in 2023 before helping the Kovsies secure the USSA Division B title in 2024.
Making her mark in professional basketball
Plaatjies has established herself in professional basketball beyond the university court. She has represented the
Free State Warriors in the BNL since 2022, wearing the number 12 jersey and gaining experience at one of the country’s highest levels of domestic basketball competition.
Her basketball journey stretches back even further, including participation in the Mangaung Metro Basketball Association (MMBA) All-Star Junior League in 2018. The progression from junior basketball to university competition and, ultimately, professional sport reflects the development of an athlete who has continued to grasp all opportunities to compete and grow.
Her recognition as a Top 4 Rookie in the 2026 BNL season is the latest indication of that progression. Being named among the league’s emerging players has also placed her in contention for further recognition at the national level.
For UFS, Plaatjies’ journey highlights the broader role of university sport in developing student-athletes and providing pathways to higher levels of competition. Through platforms such as USSA, student-athletes have opportunities to test themselves against strong university competition while pursuing their academic journeys.
Recognition among South Africa’s emerging talent
Plaatjies’ continued progress also places the spotlight on the depth of talent within Kovsie Basketball and the Free State basketball community. As she pursues the possibility of national team selection, the UFS KovsieSport community continues to follow her journey with pride.
“We are incredibly proud to see one of our Kovsie student-athletes making her mark at the professional level, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow and embrace the opportunities ahead,” said Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport. “Reamogetswe is a great example of what can be achieved when talent, dedication, and the right development opportunities come together.”
The University of the Free State congratulates Reamogetswe Plaatjies on her achievements and wishes her continued success as she represents UFS, KovsieSport, and the Free State on the national basketball stage.