POLOKWANE – University of Limpopo (UL) students made a remarkable impact at the 21st Confederation of University and College Sports Associations (Cucsa) in Tshwane, Gauteng, and at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournaments nationwide.
At the Cucsa games, the students played a crucial role in the USSA national volleyball team’s success, helping secure a bronze medal and third place. The team was led by Mahlodi Moila, and included Rethabile Mphahlele, who served as team setter, and Mpho Makgahlela, who played as outside attacker/middle blocker. The trio’s exceptional dedication and skill were key to the team’s impressive performance against top regional competitors.
In karate, UL athletes brought home four gold, two silver, and four bronze medals from the USSA games, achieving an overall fifth-place finish.
Tebello Chabana, chairperson of the UL Shinkyokushinkai Karate Club, attributed the team’s success to the guidance from experienced members and rigorous preparation.
“Our best performance is thanks to the mentorship from seniors in our dojo, who shared their valuable experiences and knowledge,” Chabana noted.
The UL netball teams also excelled, with the female team securing third place in the C-section and the male team finishing seventh in the B-division during their USSA debut.
This performance earned them a spot in the upcoming Varsity Cup. Lebogang Sibindi, the chairperson of netball, highlighted the significance of their preparation and teamwork.
“Our fitness and mental readiness were crucial to our performance at USSA,” Sibindi said.
Pearl Kubayi and Phuti Masokga were selected for the USSA Dream Team, with Masokga also earning a spot in the USSA Squad 2024. In basketball, UL’s male team finished seventh, while the female team achieved a commendable fourth place.
Kamogelo Dikgale and Yonwaba Maqungu were recognised as the male and female all-star players, respectively. In volleyball, the female team won the bronze medal, and the male team achieved ninth place and the plate trophy. Notable players selected for the national team include Edward Mokoena and Mahlori Baloyi as well as Jabulile Tshabalala, Rethabile Mphahlele, Mpho Makgahlela and Rose Motjelele from the women’s team.
Mphahlele received the USSA Best Setter Award, and Motjelele was honoured as the USSA Best Blocker.
Additionally, the UL supa-pool team performed admirably, with the female team securing the bronze medal and the male teams placing sixth and ninth, respectively. The club was also awarded the prestigious title of team of the tournament for their outstanding performance and teamwork.
