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18 April 2018 Photo Varsity Cup
Vishuis crowned Varsity Cup Residence Rugby champs three consecutive years
Heinrich Nieuwenhuizen, flanker of Vishuis, was named the Player that Rocks in the final of the Varsity residence competition.

Vishuis players are prepared to do whatever it takes to be successful, even if it means practising on Friday evenings or on Saturdays. 

According to head coach, Zane Botha, this is one of the reasons behind the residence’s success on the rugby field.

Vishuis defended its title as the country’s rugby residence champions when they smashed Patria from the North-West University with 55-29 in the final of the Varsity residence competition on Monday 16 April 2018. It was their third consecutive national crown, and their sixth overall. 

The winning margin was the biggest ever in a final of the competition. 

“The players play for each other and have a huge work ethic. Nothing will hold them back from striving to be the best,” said Botha, who captained Tuks to the Varsity Cup crown in 2012. This is his second year as Vishuis coach.

Strong brotherhood
Captain Henco Posthumus, who played in his fifth final, said there is a strong brotherhood in the hostel. “We are a very small residence with a rich history spanning over 111 years, and all of us know each other. People such as our coach, Zane Botha, played a big role. I have a world of respect for him for what he has done with the team, so all the credit to the coaching staff as well.”

The University of the Free State has dominated the competition since its inception in 2008, proving just how strong hostel rugby is here.

Apart from the six titles for Vishuis, Armentum (2009) and Heimat (2014) both won the trophy before, while Vishuis was also the runner-up in 2015.

News Archive

Wayde van Niekerk sets new African record
2015-06-11


Wayde van Niekerk

Eight years before Wayde van Niekerk was born, Gabriel Tiacoh set a record of 31.74 in a 300m race. Now, 7 June 2015 has been marked as the historic day when the University of the Free State student sprinted 300m in 31.63 seconds at the Diamond League meeting in Birmingham.


Van Niekerk improved on his 2011 personal best 300m finish of 33.32 seconds, set in Stellenbosch. The African championship silver medalist said setting a new African record was “a blessing that I cannot really explain. Everything I achieve is God’s work.”

“What drives me is my family and friends, and the fact that I know my gift comes from God so running is my way of thanking the Lord,” he added.


Odessa Swarts, his mother, expressed how proud she is of her son. “I believe and trust with his faith in our heavenly father he is destined to become one of the greats South Africa has ever produced.”


His coach, Ans Botha, expressed her satisfaction, although she described his feat as “a little bit unexpected.” She said Van Niekerk’s achievement indicates that they are in the right track en route to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Beijing.


Van Niekerk is at present preparing for a 400m Adidas Grand Prix event in New York this Saturday.

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