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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

Qwaqwa Campus graduates encouraged to face the world with confidence

2015-05-14

Speech: Nikiwe Bikitsha

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State conferred over 800 degrees during this year's graduation ceremonies that were held on 8-9 May 2015. These included four PhDs in Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

The guest speaker, eNCA's Nikiwe Bikitsha, encouraged graduates to make it their business to learn about everything, no matter where they go.

''Having a qualification does not mean that now there will be tasks that are beneath you. No task should ever be too insignificant for you to do,'' said Bikitsha.

''You should make it your business to know every aspect of your work because that is where you get opportunities. Find somebody to help you along. Asking questions sharpens your skills and broadens your horizons. Asking questions also communicates to your employers and associates that here is someone who needs to be groomed and nurtured.'' she added.

In his congratulatory message, UFS Chancellor, Dr Khotso Mokhele, challenged the graduates to face the journey ahead with confidence.

''The journey ahead depends entirely on you, '' he said.

''You may think it depends on your parents, your country or the government. But the truth is that this is your journey. What is critical now is the kind of choices you are going to make. There will be stumbling blocks along the way, but you have to make it through,'' said Dr Mokhele.

''As the university'’, he continued, ''we hope you are going to make transformative choices that will impact positively on our people, our country and our continent''.

Dr Mokhele paid a special tribute to the four PhD graduates, three of whom matriculated at local Qwaqwa schools, with the fourth matriculating at Mafahlaneng, Tweeling.

World-renowned composer and playwright, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, provided musical entertainment.

Both ceremonies were attended by community, business and traditional leaders in the Maluti A Phofung area.

Also in attendance were over 500 grade 12 learners from Qwaqwa, Kestell, Harrismith and Bethlehem schools.

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