UKZN sports teams conquer in USSA championships

UKZN sports teams are savouring the sweet victory of their hard-earned success after excellent performances at the recent University Sports South Africa (USSA) national championships.

The UKZN sportsmen and women flew the University’s flag high, bringing back home three Gold medals in Boxing, Dance and Football. The UKZN Men’s football team made history by winning the 2018 USSA Championship for the first time since the merger in 2004. In 2017, UKZN managed to bag four Gold medals in Boxing, Aerobics, Karate and Dance.

Sixteen (16) UKZN Sports clubs participated in various 2018 USSA National Championships across the country. The games were hosted by various universities.

In Boxing Thabiso Makhanya, second-year Physiotherapy student, competed in his second USSA Boxing Championships having been the 2017 champion. Makhanya did not disappoint in this year’s tournament, winning the USSA 2018 Championship for the second time.

In Dance, UKZN, which was the reigning champion, defended its trophy, out dazzling the competition and retaining its position as the top University in the Dance Sport.

In Football, the University’s Men’s football team led by fourth-year Law student, Nqubeko Dlamini, gave it their all and were crowned the 2018 USSA Football Championships.

‘I would like to express and convey our appreciation to our sportsmen and women for flying the UKZN flag high as well as promoting our brand in the various games of the tournament,’ said UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld. ‘I would also like to recognise and thank all our students who participated in the various sporting codes in 2017 and 2018 as well as our staff members for supporting, mentoring, coaching and encouraging the students to do their best. This is what we mean by our purpose: “Inspiring Greatness”. Thank you for going the extra mile in elevating the name of the University. Congratulations. Keep up good work and team spirit,’ said Dr van Jaarsveld.

The office of the Executive Director: Student Services, UKZN Sports and Recreation, Sports Union as well as the University’s sports clubs extended their gratitude to the Student Representative Council (SRC) for coming out to support the University’s teams during training camps held in Westville and PMB at the end of the first semester as well as providing UKZN branded water bottles courtesy of the Corporate Relations Division. ‘A special thank you goes to the SRC members who further went to support the UKZN teams at the Nelson Mandela University, cheered their fellow students and encouraged all teams to do their best,” said the group.

By Sithembile Shabangu and Sinegugu Ndlovu

Source University of KwaZulu-Natal