University of Mpumalanga (UMP) students are fired up to engage in sports following the fun they had during the annual sports day, recently held at the Siyabuswa campus.
During the event, UMP staff and students showcased their athletic prowess in various sporting codes, including Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Diketo, Encuva, Football, Volleyball, and Netball.
Among the participants was Koketso Magopa, a third-year Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching student, who surprised himself by becoming involved in multiple sports after joining UMP. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, "I never played any sports in my life until I got here. I have participated in the Nkangala Volleyball League and was part of the teams that competed against other universities at the USSA tournament in Durban."
Magopa's dedication to sports extends beyond his newfound passion for volleyball. He actively practices and competes in track and field events, showcasing his versatility in disciplines such as discus, shot-put, long jump, and various track distances, including 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m. "I have competed with other athletes from different universities (USSA) in 2021," he proudly states.
During the UMP sports day, Magopa exhibited his skills in basketball, earning his team a well-deserved silver medal. Additionally, he participated in the 200m athletics event, securing a respectable 4th place. However, it was in the 800m race that Magopa faced a significant challenge. Despite stumbling near the completion of the first round, he found the determination to rise and persevere until the finish line and managed to secure a well-earned bronze medal.
Miss UMP First Princess 2022-2023, Neo Legwai, is not only a talented volleyball player but also a passionate leader of the Siyabuswa cheerleader team. Sharing her experience during the sports day, she expresses, "My experience during sports day was really fascinating and I had fun because I started by cheerleading the crowd during opening, after I went to play volleyball the whole day."
Legwai's dedication and skill in volleyball have not gone unnoticed, as she proudly states, "I have won two medals, one during sports day and the other one during a tournament that was played recently. I'm very proud of myself to be where I am right now. I travelled to play USSA last year in Cape Town because of self-dedication and discipline."
Condile Thabiseni Sibiya, the captain of the netball team at UMP Siyabuswa campus, has been actively involved in the sport since her high school days. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition, including a silver medal on the sports day.
Netball is a firm favourite among the female students.
Sibiya shares, "When I arrived at UMP Siyabuswa campus in 2021, I was selected to participate in USSAs, and in 2022, I was selected again to be part of the USSA team. I also got selected for Spar Championships, where we played at North-West University. This year, I was selected as the captain of the Siyabuswa netball team and for the Spar championship."
Sibiya recognizes the immense talent present among UMP students and emphasizes the importance of healthy competition in fostering their growth and development, stating, "The UMP sports day proved that all students are talented, and healthy competition is needed to make them even greater while competing with other universities."
Fostering athletic ability
Limpho Motau and Cathrine Sitoe, two talented UMP students, have been chosen to represent the province of Mpumalanga at the upcoming National Indigenous Games in KwaZulu Natal. Motau will participate in Dibeke, while Sitoe will showcase her skills in Diketo.
Expressing her excitement, Motau, a third-year Bachelor of Administration student, says, "I feel very honoured, and I'm inspired to do my best because I know Mpumalanga believes in and is counting on me. To have teams here at school to play Dibeke with will help me prepare for my games in KZN."
She is determined to maintain a positive mindset, work hard, and give her best performance at the games. Motau plans to start practicing as early as possible to ensure she represents Mpumalanga with excellence.
Sitoe discovered her passion and skill for Diketo during the UMP launch. Initially serving as an ambassador promoting the games, she found herself drawn to the sport after engaging with it and learning the official rules. "I started as an ambassador advertising and promoting the games. My interest grew after the launch, and I had the opportunity to engage and learn the newly officialized rules. I found myself playing so well that I was selected to represent Ehlanzeni District and be part of the Mpumalanga Diketo team."
Thinking back on her experience, Sitoe mentions her enjoyment of playing Diketo during the launch and her determination to give her best effort. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot to represent Ehlanzeni District in Middleburg, and she continued to excel, leading to her selection for the Mpumalanga Diketo team.
UMP also boasts an all-female soccer team.
Katlego Malapane, a passionate sports enthusiast with a particular love for football, has been an instrumental figure in the UMP Women's Football team. Previously serving as the team's captain, Malapane draws inspiration from the National Women's Soccer Team, Banyana Banyana.
Malapane's football journey began when she joined UMP in 2019. Her talent and dedication were quickly recognized, leading to her appointment as the team's vice-captain in 2020 and eventually assuming the role of captain in 2021. Demonstrating her commitment to sports, Malapane was also appointed as the CRC Sports and Recreation officer earlier this year, showcasing her leadership abilities both on and off the field.
Another exceptional student athlete, Mfungelwa Sibusiso Gule, recently received recognition as the Sportsman of the Year at the 2022 Co-curricular Awards. Hailing from Piet Retief, Gule is deeply committed to becoming an elite athlete and dreams of representing South Africa at the Olympics.
Gule's hard work and exceptional performances have already earned him recognition, including his selection to represent Athletics Mpumalanga at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships held in Rustenburg, North-West. His dedication, perseverance, and commitment to his athletic pursuits have undoubtedly paid off, setting him on a path to even greater accomplishments in the future.
UMP Volleyball's Bongiwe Mahlangu is the captain of the UMP Volleyball ladies' team, and has played a pivotal role in their improved performance and success. Under her leadership, the team has secured victories in three matches in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) league. Their strategic approach emphasizes enhancing physical fitness, maintaining a positive mindset, remaining focused, and engaging in diligent and intelligent practice.
The University of Mpumalanga takes immense pride in its talented and passionate student athletes who continuously showcase their skills and dedication in various sports. As UMP continues to support and nurture its student athletes, it remains dedicated to providing a platform for their growth, enabling them to reach new heights and contribute to the proud legacy of Mpumalanga in the sporting arena.
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures Supplied.