Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Staff Sport Club wins bronze at national tournament
- Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University
New successes recorded as staff deliver standout performances alongside peers.
The Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Staff Sport Club once again made the university proud, earning a bronze medal at the 2025 University Staff Sport and Wellness of South Africa (USSWA) Tournament. The event, hosted by Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha on 10–11 October 2025, brought together staff athletes from 16 universities nationwide for two days of spirited competition.
This year’s tournament continued to grow in prestige, with North-West University joining the line-up for the first time. Participants competed in soccer, netball, supa pool, and volleyball, showcasing exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also strengthened collaboration and camaraderie among South African higher education institutions.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’ performance was commendable across all disciplines. The women’s netball team faced a tough group that included the University of Limpopo, the defending champions, and the University of Fort Hare. Despite narrow defeats (Fort Hare 26–Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ 21; Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ 17–UL 35), their resilience and teamwork were evident throughout. In men’s soccer, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ showed remarkable determination, advancing to the semi-finals and securing a well-earned bronze medal, matching their 2024 result in Limpopo.
Dr Loyiso Maciko, Secretary of the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Staff Sport Club and a member of the School of Public Health, praised the teams for their dedication and spirit:
“Our staff athletes have shown that sport is more than just competition. They consistently display unity and pride in representing Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½. Each player embodied the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ spirit, and this achievement reflects their commitment both on and off the field.”
Committed to wellbeing
The participation of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ies at Nelson Mandela University follows on their successes in a tournament hosted on 6 September 2025, where Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ soccer and netball teams emerged as winners.
The tournament, hosted at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½, was a partnership with the medical scheme Umvuzo Health and drew teams from surrounding universities and major businesses.
The day included 14 football and 8 netball teams selected from Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University, the University of Johannesburg, the Department of Education, the University of Pretoria, McCain, Pepsico, Coca-Cola, and the CFAO. This tournament took place during the University's Staff Wellness Week which kicked-off with the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Parade, the Staff Fun Day followed by free vital health screenings for all staff members.
Did you know?
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ has an Employee Wellness Programme (EWP) offered by professionals at Life Health Solutions. This is a caring, confidential service that helps you effectively manage your personal and professional life. The service is available to you and your immediate household members at no cost, throughout the year. Contact Life Health Solutions for assistance.
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