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Nketsa, Summers crowned UFS top student-athletes

24 October 2023 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios

Free State Sport Stars 2023 — The University of the Free State (UFS) crowned its top athletes at the Free State Sport Stars dinner. Robert Summers and Refiloe Nketsa were named KovsieSport Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year. Here, from left, are Temba Hlasho, Executive Director: Student Affairs at the UFS, Summers, Janine de Kock, KovsieSport netball sports officer, on behalf of Nketsa and Teboho Setena, Editor: Express.

In a spectacular celebration of sporting excellence, Refiloe Nketsa, and Robert Summers were bestowed with the highest honours as University of the Free State’s (UFS) Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively. This prestigious event took place on 12 October 2023 in Bloemfontein, where the KovsieSport awards were presented.

Recognition of remarkable achievements

Nketsa, a Protea netball player, voiced her elation at achieving this pinnacle of her career. She had earlier been a School Sport Star nominee at the Free State Sport Stars in 2019, presented by Central24 and the UFS. Her meteoric rise to senior level has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “Looking at the pool of nominees and all that they’ve achieved, I almost thought I didn’t stand a chance. All I have isn’t because of my doing. Its God ordained.”

Summers, a South African badminton luminary and the UFS Sportsman of the Year for a second consecutive year expressed his gratitude and humility at receiving this prestigious accolade. He highlighted the challenges he faced, including a debilitating injury, making this achievement even more meaningful. Summers added, “It’s incredible having your name on a trophy with the likes of Wayde van Niekerk, CJ van der Linde, and Heinrich Brüssow. Those are big names, and to be on the same trophy is something I will cherish for a long time.”

The Shimla, Michael Annies was named UFS Junior Sportsman of the Year and the triple jumper Johani van Tonder, UFS Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

The highest honour at the Free State Sport Stars went to the former Kovsie Karla Pretorius, crowned Sport Star of the Year.

The Protea netball vice-captain, Pretorius, also received the Sportswoman of the Year and the Protea cricketer Gerald Coetzee the Sportsman of the Year, of the province.

Encouragement and inspiration for the future

Nketsa says it is a big honour being the top UFS sportswoman. She represented the Proteas in the past year and was an official World Cup reserve and vice-captain of the South African side that won a first-ever silver medal at the Fast5 World Series. Nketsa emphasised the motivation this award instils in her, compelling her to intensify her efforts in improving her work ethic and skills.

Likewise, Summers despite his challenges, finds this award to be a silver lining, inspiring him to persevere during rough times. The badminton star won three All Africa Champs medals; in singles (bronze), men’s doubles (gold) and in the South African mixed team (bronze). He also competed at the World University Games in Chengdu and played in his first World Champs in Copenhagen (men’s doubles). “If I look back at the past year, it was probably my toughest year yet,” he remarked.

Perseverance in the face of challenges

Desiree Ellis, head coach of Banyana Banyana and guest speaker at the event, stressed the importance of celebrating athletes and their excellence. “This inspires and motivates others,” she said. “It is also encouraging to see that it is not just elite athletes at the Free State Sport Stars who get rewarded but also the school kids.” She encouraged athletes to persevere despite obstacles, imparting a powerful message: “Results are not always going to go your way but keep going. Keep going and make sure you keep putting your best foot forward.”

Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, expressed pride in the recognition of UFS athletes, highlighting the unique blend of student-athlete awards and school awards in this event, which serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young athletes.

The KovsieSport awards stand as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Nketsa and Summers. Their achievements not only inspire the fraternity but also underscore the spirit of resilience and excellence within the UFS community. As these outstanding athletes continue to break barriers and achieve greater heights, they epitomise the spirit of sporting prowess and determination. Congratulations to both Nketsa and Summers on their well-deserved recognition and to all award recipients in the various categories.

Free State Sport Stars 2023

KovsieSport crowned its leading junior sports stars. The triple jump athlete Johani van Tonder was named Junior Sportswoman of the Year and the Junior Springbok Michael Annies as Junior Sportsman of the Year. Here, from the left are, Van Tonder, Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, Jeannine van Zyl, General Manager of Central24, and Annies.

News Archive

UFS Physics Research Chair receives more funding

2017-11-20

Prof Hendrik Swart, Senior Researcher Professor in the
Department of Physics at UFS.
Photo: Charl Devenish

A research project into low-energy lighting using phosphor materials for light emitting diodes (LEDs) at the Department of Physics at the University of the Free State (UFS) has received further recognition.

The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi) has awarded further funding for the Research Chair in Solid State Luminescent and Advanced Materials situated in the department. Prof Hendrik Swart, a Senior Research Professor in the Department of Physics, says this means that the Chair will carry on receiving funds from SARChi for another five years. The Initiative also awarded Prof Swart in 2012 for the research, which resulted in funding for equipment and among others, bursaries.

Better light emission in LED’s
The research focuses on better light emission of phosphor powers in LEDs. It is also looking into improving LED displays in flat screens. The research into solar cells has shown that phosphors can also increase their efficiency by increasing the range of light frequencies, which convert into electricity. It also entails that glow-in-the-dark coatings absorb light during the day and emit it at night.

Prof Swart says over the next five years the research will focus on developing and producing devices that emit better light using the substances already developed. “We need to make small devices to see if they are better than those we already have.” In practical terms, it means they want a farmer’s water pump that works with solar energy to work better with less energy input.”

Device that simulates sunlight
Prof Swart says the renewal of the Chair’s funding means the department can now get equipment to enhance its research such as a solar simulator. The solar simulator uses white LEDs whose intensity output and wavelengths can be tuned. The output is measured in number of suns. It enables researchers to work in a laboratory with a device that simulates sunlight.

According to Prof Swart the long-term benefit of the research will result in more environmentally friendly devices which use less energy, are brighter and give a wider viewing field.

About 10 postdoctoral researchers are working on the studies done by the Chair in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

The Research Chair Initiative aims to improve the research capacity at public universities to produce high-quality postgraduate students, research and innovative outputs. The criterion for evaluating the department’s Chair includes aspects such as how much development has occurred over the past five years. The assessors look at features such as the number of students the research entity has trained and how many publications the research team has produced.

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