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06 August 2025 | Story Onthatile Tikoe | Photo Tshepo Tsotetsi
New Coach
Coach Mokete Tsotetsi (left) is warmly welcomed by Jerry Laka (right), Director of KovsieSport, following his appointment as the new Head Coach of the KovsieFootball men’s team at the University of the Free State.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce the appointment of Coach Mokete Tsotetsi as the new Head Coach of the KovsieFootball men’s team. With this significant appointment, the UFS marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in its football programme under the leadership of a seasoned professional with deep roots in South African football.

Coach Tsotetsi, a former South African international defender, brings with him not only a decorated playing history, including stints with Jomo Cosmos, Kaizer Chiefs, and Bloemfontein Celtic, but also a wealth of experience in developing athletes into disciplined, high-performing individuals. Known during his playing days as a hard-working and hard-tackling defender, Coach Tsotetsi is no stranger to commitment and excellence – qualities that strongly align with the values of the UFS.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Mokete Tsotetsi as the new Head Coach of KovsieFootball,” says Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport. “Coach Tsotetsi brings a wealth of experience, passion, and leadership to our football programme, and we are excited about the future under his guidance.”

More than just a coach, Coach Tsotetsi is recognised as a mentor and leader who sees sport as a vehicle for holistic student development. His appointment signals the UFS’ intent to elevate the performance and culture of KovsieFootball, both on and off the field.

“This is a new era for our football programme,” continues Laka. “We believe that Coach Mokete will bring a winning mentality and a positive culture to our team. We are confident that he will inspire our players to achieve great things. A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are.”

Although Coach Tsotetsi and his team are under pressure with the tournament fast approaching, he assures the UFS community that he will not bring one-dimensional football, but tactical and entertaining football.

The UFS community is encouraged to extend a warm Kovsie welcome to Coach Tsotetsi as he embarks on this journey. With the tournament commencing tomorrow, 7 August 2025, we encourage you to stay informed about the team's upcoming fixtures. Their opening match will be against UP-Tuks Men's Football at 19:15, followed by a second fixture against UJ Men's Football on 14 August 2025.

To stay updated on their full schedule, please click here.

News Archive

UFS honours its sport stars
2008-10-24

 

The UFS's sport stars are, from the left: Robert Ebersohn, junior mens sport star, Boy Soke, Sportsman of the Year, and Mari-Lise Linde, junior women sport star. Adéle Niemand, Sportswoman of the Year, was absent.

 The University of the Free State (UFS) this week honoured its sport stars during the annual Kovsie Sports Dinner, held in Bloemfontein.

Boy Soke, long distance runner who has obtained national colours in all three disciplines of athletics was named Sportsman of the Year. Protea netball player Adéle Niemand was named Sportswoman of the Year for the second consecutive year.

The Cheetah and Springbok sevens rugby player, Robert Ebersohn and netball player Mari-Lise Linde were named junior sport stars.

“The inclusion of five of our students in the South African team that took part in the Beijing Olympic Games is an indication of the standard of sport at the university. We are proud of all our sportsmen and women and salute them for the effort they put in to achieving their goals,” said Mr James Letuka, Director of KovsieSport.

The UFS this year had several other achievements, namely: The inclusion of eight Free State cricket players in the amateur team, the hockey team winning the University Sport South Africa (USSA) B section, the inclusion of three soccer players in the USSA team, rugby winning the USSA competition for the second time, netball winning gold on the USSA tournament for the fourth consecutive year, and the ladies tennis winning the USSA tournament.

The following awards were also made in the university’s different sporting codes during the Kovsie Sports Dinner:

Roné Reyneke: Athletics
Boy Soke: Athletics
Murray Capon: Hockey
Cherie Smith: Hockey
Doretha Joubert: Netball
Riaan Jordaan: Cricket
Wayne Stevens: Rugby
Karin Coetzee: Tennis
Willem Steenkamp: Tennis
Gabisele Hlumbane: Soccer
Lehlohonolo Mofokeng: Soccer
Prof. Martin Dednam: Devoted service to badminton
Sarah Shannon: Special merit award for participating in the Paralympics Games in Beijing

The guest speaker was Dr Derik Coetzee who was the head of Springbok Rugby Team’s conditioning during last year’s Rugby World Cup.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
23 October 2008
 

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