Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Kovsies crowned 2024 Varsity Netball champions after thrilling extra-time win

08 October 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Francois van Vuuren, iFlair

UFS the 2024 Varsity Netball Champions — In a high-stakes showdown, the Kovsie netball team secured its fifth Varsity Netball title, edging out the University of Johannesburg (UJ) with a final score of 58-55.

After another nail-biting game in the 2024 Varsity Netball Tournament finals, Kovsies beat the University of Johannesburg (UJ) 58-55 at the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on 7 October 2024, earning them the title of 2024 Varsity Netball champions.

In an electrifying atmosphere – with strong support from fans in the stands – the Kovsie team, captained by Refiloe Nketsa, delivered a stellar performance, securing their fifth title. The game was tied 47-47 at full time and went into extra time, showcasing the team’s will and determination to win.

“Congratulations to our netball team for its fantastic performance not only during the final, but also throughout the tournament. The final was an amazing display of resilience, and we are proud of what the team achieved. I salute our champions on behalf of the entire university community. Under the leadership of the head coach Burta de Kock, the rest of the coaching staff, and captain Nketsa, the team worked hard, and their courage and commitment paid off,” said Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS.

“We would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff of KovsieSport under the leadership of Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, for their significant contribution to the success of the team,” added Prof Rhoda.

Playing with heart and tenacity

Although the UFS started as favourites – having won the title in 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2021 – UJ played with heart and tenacity, fighting fiercely to claim the win. Both teams pushed their limits, with Kovsies leading by two points in the first few minutes. The score at the end of the first quarter was a close 13-12 in favour of the UFS.

In the second quarter, UJ fought back to close the gap, but Kovsies pulled ahead, leading by three points. They ended the quarter with Kovsies at 23 and UJ at 21. The third quarter saw the teams neck and neck, ending 35-34 in Kovsies’ favour. UJ briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, but Kovsies rallied, reclaiming advantage and breaking through a tie of 47-47 to secure a victory of 58-55 in extra time.

Supporting the team from the side was head coach De Kock, Spar Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane, Proteas vice-captain Karla Pretorius, team manager Ané Retief – who is part of the Protea squad that will represent South Africa at the Fast5 World Series in New Zealand in November, Sikholiwe Mdletshe, analysing coach, and Jason Carlisle, conditioning coach.

Coach De Kock, reflecting on the UFS team’s victory in the Varsity Netball finals, said, "We are very excited and grateful for God’s blessings and grace. We have an incredible group of players who are fully committed to the system. They understood their responsibilities on the court, and it was amazing to see that through. The players are also in top physical condition. We have a support framework within KovsieNetball, with everyone playing a role in helping the players succeed." She is also grateful to KovsieSport and the UFS for their hard work in preparing the venue and ensuring that the finals were a success.

‘Our players stood together’

De Kock attributed the team’s success to the unity they displayed on the court. "No player panicked when we lost the ball. Our players simply stood together and regained possession. We’re grateful for the incredible character the players demonstrated tonight."

With Kovsies claiming the title, the UFS this year reigns as Varsity Netball as well as Varsity Cup rugby champions. In April, the UFS Shimlas beat the UCT Ikeys 45-42 in the final on Shimla Park in Bloemfontein.

• Player of the Match: Refiloe Nketsa (UFS Kovsies captain)

• FNB Player of the Tournament: Rolene Streutker (UFS Kovsies)

• The team that played in the finals are: Liamé de Lange, Demi-Leigh de Jager, Megan Erasmus, Xandri Fourie, Elri Groenewald, Reratilwe Ke-Morena Letsoalo, Asanele Malgas, Owami Mohuli, Refiloe Nketsa, Rolene Streutker, Charné van Vuuren, Karla Victor.

News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus Hosts a DSD Roadshow

2012-04-04

In front, from the left, in front: Joe Mosuhli (DSD Provincial Office), Ms Maboe Grey Magaiza (Lecturer: Sociology), Ms SM Khupane (Thibella Marakabeng Traditional Council), Mr Mbulaheni Mulaudzi (DSD). At the back, from the left: Dr Malete, Dr Elsa Crause (Departmental Head: Sociology), Chief Mahase (Phomolong Traditional Council), Mrs Sadi Luka (DSD), Chief QD Moloi (Makgolokweng Traditional Council), Chief Sekonyela (Thibella Traditional Council), Ms Mpontseng Kumeke (DSD) and Mrs Malikoankoetla Tsosane (Matsieng Traditional Council).

The National Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Free State Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State, hosted a road show on the professionalisation of Community Development Practice yesterday.

This inaugural road show was aimed at conceptualising and soliciting stakeholder buy-in in the new Community Development Qualification Framework, which was jointly developed by the department and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The road show also briefed stakeholders on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pilot project that will integrate the current community development workforce into the national qualification framework. Stakeholders were also briefed on the professionalisation process and were given a platform on which to talk about related issues. This included the formation of a community development association, a unified professional body and eventually, the formation of an independent statutory council.

In his welcoming remarks, Campus Principal Dr Elias Malete said that the envisaged programme of professionalising community development practice would address the local needs and bring vibrancy to affected communities. “The programme will definitely help in revitalizing our campus and the community we serve,” said Dr Malete. He was referring to the Qwaqwa Campus Revitalisation Plan. “Among the plans we have is the introduction of the four year Bachelor of Community Development degree. We are confident that our proposal will be received favourably and that we will offer this qualification from 2013,” Dr Malete said to applause from the invited guests and community members.

Talking on behalf of the provincial Department of Social Development was the department's head, Me Matlhogonolo Maboe, who emphasised the fact that large segments of communities were entirely dependent on the community development sector for their daily survival. “In professionalising the sector, we would be building vibrant rural communities and repositioning them to be better equipped in addressing what President Zuma referred to as the ‘triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality’ in his State of the Nation address in February”, said Me Maboe.

Traditional leaders from the Qwaqwa area, national and provincial departmental officials as well as students and staff of the UFS attended the road show.

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

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