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18 July 2019 | Story Ruan Bruwer
Gauta Mokati
The men’s football team from the University of the Free State will be captained by Gauta Mokati. He led the South African Student team at last year’s CUCSA (Confederation of University and College Sports Association) Games.

The coach of the men’s football team is hoping that their ability to adapt to a new game plan, if required, will stand them in good stead during the upcoming Varsity Football tournament.

The Kovsies are back in Varsity Football after five years, thanks to their performance at last year’s USSA championship where they finished sixth.

They will feature in the opening match on 25 July 2019, a fixture played at Shimla Park that will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

“In the Free State Motsepe Cup, we were one of the youngest teams. Now we intend to use the experience we have gained to benefit us in the Varsity Football competition. We can play a physical game and a technical game, as well as a combination of both,” said coach Godfrey Tenoff.

“We had a lot of high-pressure matches in the past two years to prepare us. Although the team is young, they have actually been exposed through various competitions.”

The UFS team received a favourable draw, playing four of their seven matches at home. Two of those opponents, the Tshwane University of Technology (22 August) and the University of Johannesburg (29 August), made last year’s semi-final. The UFS have a score to settle with UJ, who knocked them out in the semi-final in 2014.

“We need to give the crowd something to believe in. Once the crowd see the intent and passion, they can rally behind us. The most important thing is to play with confidence for each other, for the team, and for the badge. The crowd will appreciate that.”

News Archive

New book recommends “rethinking of university readiness”
2015-06-01

A young man draws himself standing behind a brick wall in darkness, striving in vain to reach success and sunshine on the other side. This drawing aptly illustrates the focus of Dr Merridy Wilson-Strydom’s book University Access and Success: Capabilities, diversity and social justice.

Using the capabilities approach, Dr Wilson-Strydom considers the individual wellbeing and quality of life of students as central metrics for understanding access and success. Based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative research, including focus groups, written reflections and drawings, interviews, and participatory workshops, she identifies seven key capabilities needed for a student to successfully transition to university life, namely:

  1. Practical reason
  2. Knowledge and imagination
  3. Learning disposition
  4. Social relations and social networks
  5. Respect, dignity and recognition
  6. Emotional health
  7. Language competence and confidence

At the launch of the book at the UFS recently, Prof Sandra Boni, from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia in Spain, said: “From a methodological perspective, this book is an excellent contribution in the educational research domain ... It brings a richness of data that allows the author to explore in a deeper way the personal characteristics and the social factors that influence the capability [of students] to participate. ... This book offers interesting avenues for action in the university realm.”

Dr Lis Lange, Vice-Rector: Academic at the UFS, said at the same event: “We will have to rethink what we are doing and how we are doing it. I would like to make it prescribed reading for all deans and HODs.”

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