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Varsity Cup kicks off: UFS ready to shine

13 February 2025 | Story Onthatile Tikoe | Photo Supplied

Shimlas 2024 — The UFS Shimlas lifting the Varsity Cup on their home ground in Bloemfontein after their 2024 victory.

The highly anticipated Varsity Cup is finally here, and the University of the Free State (UFS) is buzzing with excitement! The tournament, which features the top university rugby teams in South Africa, promises to deliver thrilling matches and intense rivalries throughout the rugby season.

After an exhilarating 2024 season, the UFS Shimlas made history by lifting the Varsity Cup trophy on their home ground in Bloemfontein. The team’s impressive performance and dedication earned them a spot in the record books, and they are eager to repeat their success in 2025.

This year’s competition is scheduled to kick off on 17 February 2025 and will run for 7 weeks, with the UFS final game on 31 March 2025. The UFS Shimlas will be looking to defend their title and bring home the coveted trophy once again.

Previous winners

The Varsity Cup has a rich history, with previous winners including:

• UFS Shimlas (2015, 2024)

• Maties (Stellenbosch University, 2008-2010, 2019)

• Tuks (University of Pretoria, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2021, 2022)

• UCT Ikey Tigers (2011, 2014)

• FNB NWU (2016, 2023)

UFS ready to take on the best

The UFS Shimlas have been preparing tirelessly for the tournament, with a strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and strategy. Head Coach André Tredoux expressed his excitement about the team’s prospects: “Being the defending champions comes with a bit of pressure, but we don’t see it that way. Our motto is that we want to attack the Varsity Cup, hence the best form of defence is to attack. The boys are really excited. They played well against UJ and scored lots of tries, hence our mindset is to attack everything we put our minds to.”

UFS Shimlas Team Captain Nkoka Ngobe echoed his coach’s sentiments, reinforcing his dedication to leading the team to victory. “As the team captain, I have to lead by example and bring the culture of excellence. I will never ask my teammates to do something that I cannot do, so the important thing for me is doing what it takes so that the boys can do the same.”

Get ready for the action

The Varsity Cup promises to deliver seven weeks of non-stop rugby action, with the UFS Shimlas ready to take on the best university teams in the country. Don’t miss out on the excitement – follow the UFS Shimlas on social media to stay up to date and get ready to cheer them on to victory!

Let’s go, Shimlas!

News Archive

UFS appoints director for Kovsiesport

2005-02-03

The Executive Management of the University of the Free State ’s (UFS) has approved the appointment of Mr James Letuka as Director of KovsieSport. Mr Letuka has been acting in this position since the long leave and retirement of Mr Ewie Cronjé last year.

Mr Letuka joined the UFS in 1997 as a researcher at the Unit for Research into Higher Education (URHE) and was promoted to manager in the office of the Vice-rector: Student Services in 2001. He was seconded to KovsieSport in 2003.

“I am delighted with the appointment and accept the challenges linked to this position and commit myself to the advancement of sport at the UFS. I aim to broaden the participation of the UFS in sport at a competitive level and would also like to broaden the access to sport for students who would like to be involved in sport for recreational purposes,” says Mr Letuka.

According to Mr Letuka sport is a suitable vehicle that can bring students of different backgrounds together and it can be used to normalise and enhance relations on campus. “I would also like to help the Vista and Qwaqwa campuses to fall within the sporting culture of the UFS,” says Mr Letuka.

Mr Letuka is Vice-president of the South African Tennis Association (SATA) and also represents SATA on the South African Olympic Committee.

Media release Issued by: Lacea Loader Media Representative Tel: (051) 401-2584 Cell: 083 645 2454 E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za 3 February 2005

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