Maties Sport is looking to continue its winning streak at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) games, taking place across the country in the first two weeks of December.
The ongoing summer games currently feature various sporting codes, including cricket, football and sailing, hosted in Cape Town; tennis and golf, hosted at Rhodes University; table tennis in Bloemfontein; chess in Durban; and water polo in Gqeberha.
The USSA games represent a first for many athletes, while for others, it is their last tournament as a member of Stellenbosch University’s team.
First-year BEd student and Maties Golf player, Anita Chen, shared her excitement about making her university debut at SU. Having competed for the Western Province golf team, Chen is familiar with the structure of the tournament and is looking forward to playing and connecting with some of the best golfers in the country. She believes this competition will be a great opportunity for her to refine her golf skills and gain experience.
Maties Cricket Head Coach Ryan Bailey
Maties Cricket coach, Ryan Bailey, shared a powerful message at the Maties Sport USSA send-off function on Tuesday 28 November 2023.
“We need to be aggressive; we need to go out there and carry the Maroon Machine flag and leave a legacy for the student athletes that are leaving us and a legacy for the first years coming in February. So today marks a special journey that promises challenges, victories and memories that will last a lifetime. We stand here together to send off our incredible sports teams on a mission that goes far beyond the fields, courts or a track. We’re sending a group of dedicated athletes who have poured their hearts and souls into this endeavour.”
Furthermore, Bailey commended the leadership of his fellow coaches, who have been instrumental in shaping their teams into formidable ones. “Your dedication to their growth as student athletes is commendable. The lessons you’ve instilled stretch beyond the game – you’ve taught them about teamwork, resilience and the power of believing in themselves and others.”
Anika du Plessis, the Maties Tennis champion and SU postgraduate student, shared her appreciation to Maties Sport for allowing the chess team to compete in tournaments. The most recent one was the Western Province Club Premier League Chess Championship, where the team emerged victorious after winning 10 of their 11 league matches. This is the first time in 12 years that Maties has won this championship.
Another highlight of the USSA games is the Maties Water Polo men’s and women’s teams that have been the dominant force at the USSA tournament in recent years. Both teams have won the tournament back-to-back since 2019, and both teams are determined to retain their USSA titles. The tennis team, which placed second overall last year, is determined to claim gold and secure their spot at the top.
Maties Water Polo women’s teamThere is no doubt that Stellenbosch University and Maties Sport provide their students with many benefits that many other universities do not. In her address, Chief Director of Maties Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald, highlighted their vision “to be a leading university committed to a holistic and diverse sports experience”, and that both athletes and coaches are contributors to the vision.
She acknowledged and thanked the student athletes, coaches and support staff for their hard work and urged everyone to be resilient, look after one another and make new friends, to give their best and of course, to bring back the medals – especially the gold.
All eight teams have been training and preparing throughout the year and are ready to showcase their skills. The Maroon Machine is determined to win and hopes to set a new standard this year.
By Jamie Wyngaardt
