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19 April 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Francois van Vuuren
Varsity Cup Shimlas
The FNB UFS Shimlas are confident to emerge victorious as they prepare to go against the FNB UCT Ikeys in FNB Varsity Cup final.

The FNB UFS Shimlas are confident of securing a win in the 2024 FNB Varsity Cup final as they prepare to take on the FNB UCT Ikeys at the University of the Free State (UFS) Shimla Park in Bloemfontein on 22 April 2024 at 19:00. 

This marks the first time since 2015 that the final is being hosted at Shimla Park. As such, the Shimlas hope to use this home ground advantage to emerge victorious.

Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, says he commends each player for their dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the season. “I will be cheering on the team – their efforts and commitment have already made us proud, and we look forward to supporting them on home ground. We are also immensely grateful to the coaching team for their support to the Shimlas. Good luck to the team, and know that every fellow Kovsie is behind you,” says Prof Petersen.

The Shimlas advanced to the final after a 38-24 win over the FNB Maties in the semi-finals held at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 15 April 2024. According to André Tredoux, Head Coach of the FNB UFS Shimlas, this is a tremendous win for the team, as the FNB Maties have only lost ten times in the history of the FNB Varsity Cup when playing at home. In addition, he credits Assistant Coaches Melusi Mthethwa and Tiaan Liebenberg’s hard work for the success of the team up to this point.

The mindset of the UFS Shimlas heading into the final

According to Tredoux, the team assumes a new approach and mindset in preparation for each game. In the semi-finals, the team adopted the motto ‘breathe to succeed’, which helped align the focus and attitude of the team in the game. However, as the final approaches, he indicates that, “The big thing going into a final is to stick to our processes with our intensity, and then also for the medical team and the strength and conditioning team to get the team healthy”.

In addition, Tredoux encourages the UFS community to show up in their numbers to support the FNB UFS Shimlas. “The technical team will have a good plan and the players are ready to play with everything for the Cup. We have the firepower to do it with the support of the Kovsie students,” Tredoux expressed. He also highlights that those in attendance can expect a great atmosphere and some ‘awesome rugby’. This is because the FNB UFS Young Guns will also battle the FNB NWU Young Guns at Shimla Park on 22 April 2024 from 15:30.

Those interested in seeing any of this action can still purchase their tickets on the Varsity Cup website here

News Archive

UFS Alumni honours five Kovsie Alumni
2009-08-26

 

 
Prof. André Venter and Prof. Johan Grobbelaar
Photo: Supplied

The sought-after Kovsie Alumni Awards, which are awarded to alumni of the University of the Free State annually, will be presented to five Kovsie alumni at a gala award dinner on Friday, 4 September 2009.

UFS Alumni nominated Mr Gert Grobler as the 2008/09 Kovsie Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Gert Marincowitz and Sekoati Tsubane (Kabelo in 7de Laan) will receive the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award. Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, Senior Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences and Prof. André Venter, Chief Specialist at Paediatrics and Child Health, will both receive the Kovsie Alumni National Executive Award. These awards are presented annually to honour alumni for their excellent achievements and contributions towards the UFS.

The Kovsie Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a Kovsie alumnus with outstanding achievements at national and international level. Mr Grobler receives this award for his role as ambassador for South Africa in Japan and the significant role that he played in initiating various structures and bilateral mechanisms to improve South Africa’s relations with various countries actively. His expertise, knowledge and passion for the diplomatic service and direct mediation and involvement in the establishment of various projects abroad are evidence of his dedication.

Dr. Marincowitz, who has also been honoured as RUDASA’s Rural Physician of the Year, receives the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award for his contribution to the promotion of primary health care in rural areas in Limpopo and for his role in sensitisation towards HIV care in these communities. The Cum Laude Award is given to an alumnus for outstanding service or achievement at local, national or international level in his/her specific professional field.

With his portrayal of the character Kabelo Padi in the Afrikaans soap 7de Laan, Mr Tsubane has distinguished himself in a highly competitive market. His impressive presence in portraying this character makes him a factor to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.

Prof. Grobbelaar is honoured for his contributions, which put the UFS in the forefront, especially in the field of research, leading research expeditions to Marion Island and research in the Amazon, as well as the establishment of the first commercial algae-biotechnological plant in Africa at Muzina. His phenomenal leadership role in salary negotiations, his transparent and inclusive management style and the incredible way in which he empowers people to fulfil their tasks at the UFS also makes him a worthy recipient of the award. Under his leadership, UVPERSU has grown into the majority and representative union on campus.

Prof. Venter is also honoured for his outstanding service delivery to the UFS over the years and the exceptional way in which he has developed the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health to be one of the prestigious departments in the country. In the field of paediatric neuro-development, he dramatically improved the lives of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. He has also played a major role in generating money to acquire equipment to improve intensive-care facilities in the paediatric unit in particular. He has been honoured by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge as one of the Great Lives of the 21st Century and is a finalist for the Bloemfontein of the Year 2009 award.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Kovsie Alumni Gala Award Dinner that will be held in the Reitz Hall of the UFS Centenary Complex. Various talented Kovsies will appear as guest artists. The cost of R120 per person includes a three-course meal. If you are interested in attending the dinner, contact Annanda Calitz at 051 401 3382 or ficka.stg@ufs.ac.za.

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

 

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