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11 July 2022 | Story Andre Damons | Photo Stephen Collett
Jacques Nienaber and Prof Francis Petersen

Welcome home, coach. Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), met with the current Springbok coach and UFS alumnus, Jacques Nienaber, at the team’s hotel in Bloemfontein on Sunday (10 July 2022). 

Prof Petersen showed his support for the Springboks and Nienaber during the meet-and-greet. The Springboks were narrowly beaten by Wales (13-12) on Saturday. This was Nienaber’s first time back in Bloemfontein after taking over in 2020 as head coach of the Springboks from Rassie Erasmus, who is also an alumnus of the UFS. 

“Kovsies has been a leading institution in shaping and producing sports stars and administrators in various sporting codes, including rugby. We are proud of Jacques and wish him all the best with the important role as Springbok head coach,” says Prof Petersen.

Nienaber was born in Welkom and attended school at Grey College in Bloemfontein before studying at the UFS. He was previously also a physiotherapist for the Cheetahs rugby team.

News Archive

Prospective Kovsies advised to respect themselves
2015-05-22

Thousands of prospective Kovsies had a brief but unforgettable experience of being a Kovsie when they descended on the Qwaqwa Campus for the Open Day on 16 May 2015.

They came from all over the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, and from as far as Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.

“You are special,” was the message from Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Relations.

“Each one of you is very special, and don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise,” said Dr Makhetha.

“Each one has a brilliant mind and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. This can only happen if your thoughts and whatever you say to yourself are positive all time.”

The learners were also reminded to take themselves seriously, and to always respect themselves.

“It is important that you must have respect for yourself, for others, and for the environment. When you respect yourself, you respect time. You must make it your business to know and read extensively,” she said.

After the formal programme, learners were exposed to different study programmes and student services by visiting various faculties and departments.

The programme included messages of support from the Campus Management and the SRC. Entertainment was provided by a South African hip-hop group, Skwatta Kamp, a student ensemble called Unspoken, and a breathtaking laser show.

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