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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

Grant encourages and enables more learners to enter into science-related studies and careers

2009-06-26

At the launch are, from the left, front: Consolation Mochusi, Graad 12 learner from Heatherdale Secondary School, Alexander Bergman, Grade 10 learner from Grey College Secondary School, Danél Prinsloo, Grade 11 learner from Eunice High School; middle: Ms Lea Koenig, Coordinator: ICT Laboratory of the Qwaqwa Campus, Prof. Daniela Coetzee-Manning, Director: CED; back: Ms Elna Fourie, Development Planner from SANRAL, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, Mr Cobus van Breda, Project Coordinator: CED and Mr Nazir Alli, Chief Executive Officer of SANRAL.
Photo: Stephen Collett

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Centre for Education Development (CED) has this week launched a project on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
to enable and encourage more learners to enter into science-related studies and careers.

The grant of R4,5 million over a period of three years was made by the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL). This week’s function was attended by the representatives of the sponsors and the UFS, as well as learners, parents, principals and Physical Sciences teachers of participating schools.

The grant will be utilised to foster a positive attitude towards Mathematics and Science amongst learners in the early school years as well as raising the knowledge and skills levels of learners in the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase. “This will be done through our Family Math and Family Science Programme for younger learners and through e-Education in Science and Mathematics for learners in the FET Phase,” said Mr Cobus van Breda, Project Coordinator at the CED.

About 330 selected Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners from 16 schools in the Free State are attending Physical Sciences and Mathematics sessions during weekdays at the ICT Laboratories on the Main and Qwaqwa Campuses of the UFS. In order to make provision for the needs of generation Y-learners (techno-clever generation), the project envisages to enhance their understanding of Science and Mathematics principles by utilising the advantages of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) during the sessions.

On average, learners attend four sessions per term, with one of the sessions a special event like visiting Boyden Observatory, departments at the UFS, etc. Learners will be exposed to about 36 sessions over the three years. Special attention to vocational guidance, in collaboration with the Unit for Prospective Students at the UFS, forms part of the support system of the programme to participating learners.

“Learning is a life-long experience and we must encourage our learners to grab this opportunity to learn more about important fields such as Mathematics and Science. It is a privilege for SANRAL to have this partnership with the CED and the university as it is an indication of our efforts to educate our youth,” said Mr Nazir Alli, Chief Executive Officer of SANRAL.

Mr Alli encouraged learners to grab the opportunity to learn and to make the field of science their career. “Science can be the foundation on which to build your career and this programme can assist you to reach your goal,” he said.

According to Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, the SANRAL grant is a wise investment because it is an educational investment. “We cannot cut back on the investments we make in education and SANRAL’s investment in this programme is of benefit to schools and learners in the central region. Through this programme, its bursaries, various career opportunities and ongoing support of schools and universities SANRAL is making a huge contribution to promoting science-related studies and careers in our country,” he said.

Media Release
Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
26 June 2009

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