Students and staff from both the Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses participated in a day focused on sport, collaboration, and campus pride, in line with the university’s motto, “Creating Opportunities.”
The programme opened with a welcome from the Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza, followed by a performance by the Siyabuswa Cheerleaders. Participants, dressed in their “Love My Campus” T-shirts, prepared to compete across a range of activities.
A variety of outdoor and indoor sports were played throughout the day.
A variety of sports were played throughout the day, including volleyball, netball, football, basketball, rugby, tennis, and athletics. Indoor competitions featured chess and traditional African games such as Diketo, Morabaraba, and Encuva, underscoring the university’s commitment to cultural heritage and inclusive participation.
Staff also joined the programme with a football match, contributing to the sense of campus-wide engagement. Athletics events in the afternoon drew strong support from spectators as students competed in track events with focus and determination.
Staff also joined the programme with a football match, contributing to the sense of campus-wide engagement.
TEAM SPORTS RESULTS
Mbombela won the men’s basketball, volleyball, tennis, football, and staff football matches, while Siyabuswa triumphed in the women’s volleyball, tennis, and football events. Mbombela also claimed the netball title with a strong performance.
On the track, Mbombela athletes dominated, with Mbuyelo Rikhotso and Mfundo Shabangu winning the 100m races, and Rikhotso also taking the 200m. Khwezi Thwala and Tondani Ndou secured victories in the 400m and 800m, while Siyabonga Ntshuntsha (Mbombela) and Brendon Kgoete (Siyabuswa) led the 1500m.
In the indigenous games and chess, Siyabuswa stood out by winning both Encuva matches and sweeping the women’s Diketo event. Other highlights included victories by Linganiso Cwenga (Mbombela) and Mondli Matshika (Siyabuswa) in chess, Mphephu Fhatuwani (Siyabuswa) and Kgabi Butane (Mbombela) in Morabaraba.
Medals were awarded by Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso and members of MANCO.
INDIGENOUS GAMES AND CHESS
- Chess: Linganiso Cwenga (Women, Mbombela), Mondli Matshika (Men, Siyabuswa)
- Morabaraba: Mphephu Fhatuwani (Women, Siyabuswa), Kgabi Butane (Men, Mbombela)
- Diketo: Siyabuswa (Women) led by Molatelo Mamabolo
- Encuva: Siyabuswa (Men and Women)
Medals were awarded by Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso and members of MANCO. The recognition reflected both individual and team achievements across a broad range of sports and activities.
In her closing remarks, Ms Welhemina Manamela, Manager: Sport and Recreation, thanked students, staff, and organisers for their participation and efforts. She noted the day’s success in bringing together the two campuses through shared activity and collaboration.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures ©ChrisplPhoto.