Wits University’s netball and football staff teams made their mark at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Staff Tournament held at the University of Limpopo on 4-5 October 2024. As first-time participants, Wits faced seasoned teams from across the country, showcasing resilience and dedication throughout the competition.
Impressive Performance by Wits Football and Netball Teams
The Wits men’s football team delivered a strong performance, securing a bronze medal with a 3-0 win over Fort Hare University. Throughout the tournament, the team triumphed over notable opponents, including Central University of Technology, Walter Sisulu University, and Nelson Mandela University (NMU), before narrowly losing to the University of Limpopo.
The Wits women’s netball team also showed great potential, reaching the quarterfinals. They faced tough competition against the University of the Western Cape, NMU, and ultimately the host, University of Limpopo. Despite a close loss in the quarterfinals, the team left a positive impression on their first appearance at the event.
Leaders Share Positive Outlook for Future Competitions
Dr. Loyiso Maciko, captain of the football team and lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, expressed pride in the team’s achievements. “We are happy with our performance at the tournament and will build on this moving forward. Hopefully, we will have a stronger team if we proceed to the Southern African Universities Staff Sports Association.”
Thabisa Thonga, captain of the netball team and Supervisor at Campus Protection Services, praised her team’s efforts as well. “The professionalism in the team was incredible, and their fitness levels exceed their age-group. We really enjoyed the games and also meeting colleagues from other institutions.”
Aiming for Growth and a Better Work-Life Balance
Both the football and netball teams aim to grow their numbers, recognizing that participation in sports contributes to a balanced lifestyle and fosters positive relationships among colleagues. Increasing the teams’ sizes will also ensure the availability of substitutes for future tournaments, accommodating the busy schedules of staff members.
The teams’ participation in the USSA Staff Tournament not only showcased their skills but also set the stage for continued success in staff sports competitions. They look forward to building on this experience and potentially advancing to regional tournaments.
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