Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Categories
UFS News Media Release Research
Years
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Months
January February March April July May June August September October November December
Previous Archive
25 May 2023 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo Supplied
Refiloe Nketsa, Karla Pretorius, Lefébre Rademan, and Khanyisa Chawane
The four Kovsies who are going to the World Cup have previously played together in the same Protea squad. From the left are: Refiloe Nketsa, Karla Pretorius, Lefébre Rademan, and Khanyisa Chawane.

The four Kovsies who are going to the World Cup are incredibly hard workers, very committed, have lots of big match temperament, and are great examples for the current University of the Free State (UFS) crop.

This is how Burta de Kock, UFS netball head coach, describes the quartet included in the squad of 15 players to represent the Proteas.

De Kock, who has worked at KovsieSport for more than 20 years, says their selection is an enormous privilege and they make the UFS incredibly proud.

Karla Pretorius, Khanyisa Chawane, Lefébre Rademan (former UFS students), and Refiloe Nketsa (current student) will represent South Africa at the first World Cup on African soil from 28 July 2023 to 6 August 2023 in Cape Town. Pretorius is also the Protea vice-captain.

Pretorius will attend her fourth World Cup and Chawane her second. Rademan and Nketsa will be playing in their first when they step onto the court.

Creating legends

“It was an honour to have coached all four and to still coach some of them,” says De Kock.

“It makes us incredibly excited that an experienced Karla and an inexperienced Refiloe are in the same Protea team. It shows players that there is a future if you work hard.”

Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, says KovsieSport and the UFS community are extremely excited and proud about their inclusion, which is in line with the university’s values that shape and inform its culture.

They are a true reflection of the KovsieSport vision of creating legends through legacy by pursuing the delivery of excellent quality student athletes whose performances will impact the region, continent, and globe in line with the university’s Vision 130. – Jerry Laka

The UFS pursues excellence in every aspect of university life, including sport.

“They are a true reflection of the KovsieSport vision of creating legends through legacy by pursuing the delivery of excellent quality student athletes whose performances will impact the region, continent, and globe in line with the university’s Vision 130.

“We will be supporting them throughout the World Cup campaign. ‘Only a Kovsie knows the feeling’.”

UFS making dreams come true

Rademan, who has 35 Protea caps, was out of action for about nine months with a knee injury and has worked extremely hard to be in the World Cup contention.

She says her selection is a dream come true: “I am so grateful for God’s grace and that everything worked out according to His plan.”

The former Kovsie captain is thankful for KovsieNetball and De Kock’s impact on her career.

Rademan says De Kock has supported her since her injury in August 2023, and believes she was sent on her path to achieve her goals.

“KovsieNetball is where I grew as a person and player. I learned a lot and have the best memories!”

Nketsa has ten caps and has become the 20th UFS player to represent her country in 2021.

‘It shook her’ and she “felt very honoured” when she heard she was in the squad.

She says the support from the UFS was crucial in realising her dreams.

According to her, the university assists her academically to make sure she is up to date, and the ‘supportive structure’ helps her juggle netball and academics.

“And the support I receive from ‘tannie Burta’ is honestly out of this world and is so strong that you believe in the power she sees in us as players.”

News Archive

Make the right choices and you will succeed, Prof Jansen advises learners
2014-05-30

“You can make a choice today that will end up with you being pregnant, having babies, being unemployed, sitting at home like some of our brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts. Or you can make a different decision – and that decision is about you working so hard that you earn entry into the University of the Free State, get your degree and become great, not only in South Africa, but in the world.”

This was the message from the UFS’s Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Jonathan Jansen, who addressed prospective Kovsies during our Open Day on the Qwaqwa Campus on Saturday 24 May 2014. Prof Jansen advised all learners to always make the right decisions.

“The first right decision is to pass well. You must go for 60%, 70% and 80% passes. Set yourself a target and do not just strive to pass, but to pass well,” Prof Jansen told a packed Rolihlahla Mandela Multi-purpose Hall, with learners coming from as far as Ficksburg, Lindley and Koppies.

“The second thing that you need to do, is to believe in yourself. Do not believe people who tell you what you can or cannot do. Believe in what you can do,” said Prof Jansen.

“Thirdly, you have to get up and do things for yourself. You have to work hard, sleep less and study hard. Don't accept excuses. If you can do these three things, then the best place to study is the University of the Free State. Believe that the sky is the limit.”

“We learned a very valuable lesson here today,” said Tumelo Mofokeng from Nkarabeng Secondary School in Kestell.

The fun-filled programme included performances and messages of encouragement from current students who have been part of the unique Leadership for Change Programme. This programme equips first-year students with skills to reflect, dialogue and engage on issues of diversity and leadership.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept