The University of Pretoria (UP) hosted the rugby matches, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) hosted basketball, the University of Cape Town (UCT) hosted volleyball, and Nelson Mandela University (NMU) hosted the netball competitions. UMP was well-represented across all four sporting codes, with teams demonstrating skill, determination, and sportsmanship on a national stage.
Competing Across Campuses
The basketball tournament provided UMP's players with valuable exposure and competitive experience.
- Rugby: UMP's rugby teams competed at the Hillcrest Sports Campus at UP in Pretoria. The men's team was placed in Pool C alongside strong rivals such as Rhodes University and Vaal University of Technology, while the women's team competed in Pool B2. The tournament ran over five days.
- Basketball: The basketball tournament, hosted at Wits University, saw UMP's teams competing in the C Section. Fixtures ran from 1 to 6 July, followed by 3x3 matches on 7 and 8 July. The event brought together universities from across the country and provided UMP's players with valuable exposure and competitive experience.
- Volleyball: UMP's volleyball teams travelled to the scenic UCT campus in Cape Town, competing in an indoor tournament focused on performance and tactical development. The event offered an excellent platform for players to participate in high-level matches against peers from other institutions of higher learning.
Hosted at Nelson Mandela University, UMP's netball team took part in a dynamic five-day tournament.
UMP's participation in the USSA Games aligns with the university's strategic focus on student development through sport, leadership, and both national and international engagement. Inter-university competition fosters discipline, resilience, and teamwork, while allowing student-athletes to proudly represent UMP on a broader stage.
UMP's women's rugby team in action at the 2025 USSA Winter Games.
UMP commends the dedication, courage, and competitive spirit of all participating teams. Their involvement not only showcases their athletic prowess but also strengthens the university's growing presence in South Africa's university sports landscape.
Story and pictures supplied.