Blue and Gold Issue 4 #60NotOut 2020

the official uwc sports magazine

#60notout issue 4 2020

All the winners at the UWC

2019 sports awards

COMEBACK KINGS

Relive UWC football’s greatest hits

MADE AT

UDUBS Herschel Jantjies goes global

vice-chancellor's message

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alumni to our inaugural UWC Soccer Legends Reunion in March. This event holds great significance for the University as it seeks to recognise the many former and current students who have given us so much pride and joy through the experience of soccer.

It is also a deeply personal event for me as I, during my days as a student at this university, enjoyed being part of the soccer fraternity. It bound us together in ways that went far beyond soccer, giving us the chance to experience camaraderie and friendship we would otherwise not have known.

Those of you familiar with the history of sport at UWC will remember the early days when there were few facilities on campus. Yet, these deprivations did not dampen our enthusiasm or passion.

Soccer has been played at UWC since the University opened in the 1960s, with the first formal match being played in 1965 against Hewat Teachers Training College. Back then, our team was made up of volunteers, mainly drawn from the hostel students. UWC lost that game badly but our competitive spirit remained strong and, for the next six years, we would compete against Hewat in an inter-college soccer tournament.

Throughout the decades that followed, soccer continued growing as one of the key sporting codes on campus. Throughout this time, the spectre of apartheid would make its presence felt as it played out in student politics, the influence of the anti-apartheid movement on sport, and the very clear and obvious disparities in the conditions under which soccer was played.

But, amidst all this, we had fun – as we did in the 1970s with the South African Black Intervarsity Council (SABIC) tournaments and in the 1980s with the hostel soccer league, the forerunner of the Campus Mini Soccer World Cup. Today, soccer continues to occupy pride of place among our sporting codes. We have women and men’s teams who have excelled not only at the university level but also on our provincial and national stages. In fact, UWC produced female players who represented South Africa at the 2019 Soccer World Cup. Each generation of UWC soccer

it is my great honour and pleasure to welcome our soccerplaying alumni to our inaugural uwc soccer legends reunion in march. this event holds great significance for the university players brought its own stars and I hope that there will be many joining us as we celebrate this momentous reunion.

And, as we celebrate this event and our accomplishments, we should also think about the many former soccer comrades and teammates who are no longer with us.

Prof Tyrone Pretorius Rector and Vice-Chancellor, University of the Western Cape

Images: Supplied

H

ere we are, a new year, a new decade and – I hope – a renewed sense of optimism and determination to make the most of 2020.

It is a big year for the University of the Western Cape (UWC) family. As we turn 60 years old, I am proud to say this institution has played a pivotal role in my life. I have seen, firsthand, how it has transformed over the years to become a beacon of hope, a catalyst for positive change and a vibrant intellectual frontrunner in the academic and social spheres.

For me, sport has also played a massive role in that student experience.

Which is why it is my great honour and pleasure to welcome our soccer-playing

contents

LINE-UP 5

06

b ringing the "gees"

UWC alumni shine at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan 8

b Abalwa goes big-time

UWC alumna becomes the first SA women’s rugby player to turn pro 9

s mells like "team" spirit

Lionel Langenhoven takes the reins as UWC Rugby interim head coach 10 s tormers call up uwc rugby star

No stranger to rugby at the highest level, Lyle Hendricks heads for Super Rugby stardom 11 f rom africa... to the world

UWC football alumni join top European clubs 15 p eak perfoRmance

11

In 2020, UWC Sport launches an elite high-performance centre to give its athletes an edge

features 6

p rince of the field

Herschel Jantjies: From UWC Varsity Shield champ to lifting the Rugby World Cup 12 u wc soccer greats aim to plough back

2020 will see a reunion of empowerment and football brilliance grace the campus 16 u wc honours top athletes

From home teams to world stars, these athletes are at the top of their game

regulars 2 4 18 19

Vice-Chancellor’s

Message Message Sports Wrap Sport Council Chairman’s Message Mandla’s

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR Patricia Lawrence · UWC SPORT DIRECTOR Mandla Gagayi · EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gasant Abarder · EDITOR Myolisi Gophe · COMMISSIONING EDITOR Nashira Davids · MANAGING EDITOR Nastasha Crow · ART DIRECTOR Mish-al van Rijmenant · COPY EDITOR Zainab Slemang van Rijmenant · CONTRIBUTORS Aidan Van Den Heever, Amy Myers, Jeffrey Abrahams, Jesi Townsend · PRINTERS Deep Agency · Special thanks to Garth Cupido for his donation of the illustration depicting Herschel Jantjies on page 6.

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ast year was a rollercoaster for the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Sport. We started off by celebrating our inaugural 2019 Varsity Cup participation and went on to see the biggest Fast & Flat turnout, the record number of national selections, our women’s football team national league qualification, hosting of University Sports South Africa (USSA) National Table Tennis Tournament as well as the launch of the High-Performance Centre.

But all these great memories were overshadowed by the sudden passing away of our rugby head coach, Chester Williams. His loss took us all by surprise and, at some point, I was not sure how we were going to recover. However, through the support of the UWC Family, we turned this negative memory into a positive one by pledging to honour him and celebrate his life.

We also experienced the loss of Jesse Hess, a young, vibrant student full of love for life and the people around her. Her passing was another strong reminder about how women continue to bear the brunt of abuse, violence and murder at the hands The UWC women’s football team.

of men. Her loss was a strong indictment to all men to stand up and deal with themselves.

The UWC Sportsmen’s Forum has seen exponential growth in numbers.

The Forum aims to provide men with a space to speak frankly to one another about issues they face and receive advice, guidance and mentorship. The intended result of these conversations is to get rid of gender-based violence.

In 2019, our men’s football team unfortunately also failed to qualify for the 2020 Varsity Football tournament. This will be the first time since the inception of Varsity Football that UWC will not be on the fixtures. Upon reflecting, we believe this has happened so we can take time to identify our strengths. And perhaps this is the spark that is needed in order for our team to do things differently.

This year, 2020, is a special year for UWC as the University will be celebrating its 60th anniversary. UWC Sport will use this year to remind ourselves of where we come from and celebrate all the success achieved along the way while also honouring all those that contributed

to our growth. As such, we will be hosting a series of events, including a book launch on the history of UWC Sport, to which our alumni will be invited.

On the competition front, our rugby will face the tough task of trying to retain its Varsity Cup status – the pressure is even greater because, for the first time in its existence, Varsity Cup will be using combined logs from 2019 and 2020 to determine promotion and relegation.

Our women’s football will also continue to shine in the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National League while all other teams will battle to retain their Varsity Sports’ status. We will also be hosting a number of USSA national tournaments, such as the USSA Rugby Sevens, USSA Football (A Section) and USSA Volleyball.

UWC Sport has also started various upgrades to some of our sports facilities so as to ensure they meet modern standards. The following facilities will get a facelift during 2020: the VIP lounge, VOC, high-performance gym, athletics track and football fields. I take my hat off to the University’s leadership for recognising the value of sport within the university environment.

In conclusion, let me take this opportunity to welcome all the 2020 first years to UWC Sport. During your time at UWC, please ensure you build as many positive memories as possible.

To our returning students, welcome back — we are always proud to have student athletes of your calibre in our midst.

I am UWC #60NotOut.

Mandla Gagayi Director of Sport, University of the Western Cape 4 Blue and Gold

Images: Sikhulule Nkomphela, Supplied

mandla's message

Spotlight

BRINGING THE “GEES”

UWC Alumni shine at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan

By Aidan

F

rom management to support staff and players on the field, UWC had five alumni who played important roles in helping South Africa lift the Rugby World Cup in Japan last year.

They include: Springbok scrumhalf and nominee for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award, Herschel Jantjies; Physiotherapists Dr Tanushree Pillay and Rene Naylor; The first black president of the Western Province Rugby Union and South African Rugby Union Executive Council member, Toby Titus; and, The first female South African Rugby Union Executive Council Member and previous UWC Director of Sport, Ilhaam Groenewald.

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, notes that From left: Rene Naylor, Vivian Verwant and Tanushree Pillay.

Van Den Heever

Image Supplied

UWC’s late rugby coach and Springbok icon, Chester Williams, was emphatic that South Africa would lift the Webb Ellis Cup. “As the University of the Western Cape, we are buoyed by your contribution. This moment in our history – underscored by the first black Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, leading the team to victory – is a pinnacle moment for our country,” he adds.

Dr Tanushree Pillay was on the sidelines when the Springboks demolished England 32-12 in Yokohama, Japan, during the final. “The moment on the podium with the whole team was most memorable,” she says. “We had been together for 20 weeks and that moment was filled with elation and the culmination of the work the team had put in.”

Another big highlight was watching the Springboks dominate in the scrum. “I definitely think watching the scrum was

a highlight as well as the tries scored by Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi, which is very rare for a final.”

She says her father called her straight after SA won. “My parents were ecstatic; it definitely takes a village to be able to do this job. My friends and family have been my pillars of strength. I am so happy to bring this honour to them.”

Her journey started modestly as a student physiotherapist, assisting the UWC Rugby Club and, by 2005, she was on duty with the Silvertree and Tygerberg Rugby clubs.

Just a year later, she attended her first international sports event as the head physiotherapist at the All Africa Gymnastics Championships in Cape Town.

In 2007, SA Rugby appointed her as the physiotherapist of the Springboks Women’s Sevens, the U20 Women’s and Senior Women’s rugby teams. In 2008, she also travelled to China for the Beijing Paralympics.

“I was inspired to be a physio when I saw how I could help people who were injured or disabled to improve their lives.”

In 2015, Dr Pillay was a recipient of UWC’s Chancellor’s Outstanding Alumni Award for her contributions to South African sport. She qualified with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physiotherapy in 2003 and completed her Masters degree in 2006.

In 2014, she completed her PhD, which investigated protocols for rehabilitative injury prevention among netball players.

Dr Pillay encourages women to pursue careers in male-dominated sport and industry. “As a woman, I take pride in being successful in a male-dominated sport. My advice for anyone studying or wanting to pursue a career in sport is to work hard. Always do your best; you never know when your chance will come.”

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cover story

PRINCE OF THE FIELD Herschel Jantjies: From UWC Varsity Shield Champ to lifting the Rugby World Cup

By Aidan

H

erschel Jantjies has had the best two years of his life. After starring in the FNB Varsity Shield final and helping UWC win the tournament in 2017, he then lifted the Webb Ellis Cup with the Springboks at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Just two months before he got the call to represent the national team in the 2019 World Cup, Jantjies made his Springbok debut against Australia with an outstanding performance where he scored twice to help the Boks to a 35-17 bonus-point victory in July 2019. The mercurial, quick-thinking scrumhalf’s performance was described as one of the best in the position for a very long time.

Herschel told IOL.co.za: “The origin of it all was UWC. If it wasn’t for Udubs and the late coach Chester Williams, I wouldn’t have been standing here. He gave me the opportunity to study and gain some game time. He gave me a lifeline and, luckily for me, it worked out.

“I’ve come a long way. My career changed a lot. I was at [Western] Province and would train all year just to play 30 minutes for the whole year. So I’m really grateful for all my blessings.”

Born in Kylemore, Stellenbosch, Jantjies attended Paul Roos Gymnasium before going on to play for Western Province (WP) at the under-16 level in 2012.

The following two years – 2013 and 2014 – he featured in the Craven Week tournaments. He went on to play for the under-19 and under-21 WP sides, and made his full Province debut against the Leopards in a 2016 Currie Cup qualification series.

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Van Den Heever

Image UWC

Media

A portrait of Herschel Jantjies by Garth Cupido.

Jantjies holds the Rugby World Cup as Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and his teammates cheer.

While attending a 2020 Varsity Cup rugby match at his alma mater, Jantjies said passing the University during the World Cup Trophy Tour was special. “While I do not remember most of the tour around South Africa, coming back home, passing the gates of my university and seeing the people of UWC was a memory I’ll never forget.”

In Kylemore, there is no prouder dad than Sammy Jantjies.

“The entire Kylemore community watched the 2019 Rugby World Cup final at the Kylemore Rugby Football Club (RFC) when the Boks faced England. Seeing my son lift the Webb Ellis Cup is something words cannot explain. My wife, Adeline, and I were immensely proud,” he says from the family’s Kylemore home.

“Herschel was always destined for greatness and once he was enrolled at Paul Roos Gymnasium, we could see that he was on his way to [donning] the Springbok jersey.”

While his son initially played in the fullback position for Paul Roos, Sammy Jantjies could already see Herschel’s vision and pace in the game, especially around the kinds of lines he was running.

Yet it wasn’t only Paul Roos Gymnasium and WP Rugby that played a role in the younger Jantjies’ success. It was also his training and the level of competition at the UWC Rugby Club. While at UWC, he was

two months before he got the call for the 2019 world cup, jantjies made his springbok debut enrolled for a Higher Certificate in Economic Development but was unable to complete his studies due to his WP rugby commitments at the time.

Jantjies was recruited by the late UWC Head Rugby Coach, Chester Williams, and his assistant coaches, but it was the 2017 Varsity Shield competition where he really made his breakthrough. That campaign saw UWC being crowned the Varsity Shield champions for the very first time in a final against the University of Fort Hare in April. UWC scored six tries to win with a 45-2 scoreline. Jantjies was the head surgeon, scoring a brace of tries during the historic evening at the UWC Stadium, which the players and staff affectionately call the “Operation Room”. He was later named player of the tournament.

“UWC gave Herschel his time to shine and it was really a life-changing opportunity for him,” beams the proud dad. “He wanted

sufficient game time to show what he has to offer and that’s what UWC gave him.”

UWC Rugby’s Interim Head Coach, Lionel Langenhoven, praises Jantjies’ performance during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, adding that it was a massive step for the young player’s future.

“Even though Herschel was Springbok Coach Rassie Erasmus’s second-choice scrumhalf, his performance will definitely give him the chance to play more in the future,” says Langenhoven.

“When we recruited Herschel for UWC, the coaches could see he had what it takes to play on the big stage. What really stood out for me was his personality and attitude.

He is mature beyond his years and truly has the potential to be one of the greats in the sport.”

UWC’s Director of Sport, Mandla Gagayi, says it was clear from Herschel’s first match for the University that he was destined for stardom. “Having achieved a man of the match award for nearly every match he played, I was not surprised by his quick rise through the ranks and, ultimately, achieving the big prize.

“At UWC Sport, we are proud to have contributed to his growth and even prouder to have a World-Cup-winning alumnus in our books. I wish for him to stay humble and focus on building his and his family’s life,” adds Gagayi.

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Newsflash

BABALWA GOES BIG-TIME UWC alumna becomes the first SA women's rugby player to turn pro

By Myolisi

U

WC alumna Babalwa “The Beast” Latsha made history this year when she became the first South African women’s rugby player to turn professional. In January, Latsha signed for Spanish rugby club SD Eibar Femenino.

After graduating from UWC with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) last year, Latsha marked her debut by scoring four tries as her new employers outclassed Murcia 96-0. The Springbok women’s rugby captain penned a contract with Eibar until the end of the 2019/20 season, with an option for renewal. She first impressed the Spanish scouts when she starred for the Boks as they took on Spain in Despatch during September 2019.

“This is a great opportunity to improve

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Gophe

Image Supplied

my craft as a player, engage with other cultures and be exposed to different ways of playing,” the Khayelitsha-born Latsha says. “The key thing is that I will be learning from my new teammates and be able to transfer that knowledge back home for the benefit of my fellow players and the team as a whole, so I can be more effective in the national team.”

Latsha, a big fan of former Springbok prop Tendai Mtawarira, would like it to be the norm for SA female rugby players to become fully fledged professionals. “I think that women’s sports across the board can be supported more financially so that we are able to make a proper living out of a sport because we love it.”

The former footballer, who only started

playing rugby in 2014, aims to make good use of her LLB, particularly in rugby structures, for the advancement of women.

But she’s placing that dream on hold for a short while as she focuses on her professional rugby career.

In true UWC fashion, Latsha has strong links with the community, which was evident when a large group of sportspeople and members of her church turned up at the airport to give her a memorable send-off.

“To me, family and community are the most important things,” she says.

“The community of Khayelitsha, and Cape Town in general, are the people who have always encouraged me, who go watch me at the stadium and who are proud when they watch me on TV or read about me in newspapers. They have seen my downfalls and they have seen my successes, and I also partake in coaching in Khayelitsha to strengthen that relationship.

I try by all means to be a positive influence on youngsters, to just be a shining light within my community.”

Latsha has thanked UWC and the South African Rugby Legends, Lwazi Mzozoyana in particular, for their support throughout her career. She has also called on young girls to never stop dreaming.

“Dream big because dreams do come true. But work hard towards that dream so when the opportunity comes, it finds you ready and fit in all aspects,” she says.

“We grow up in disadvantaged communities where, statistically, we are bound to fail.

But the key thing is to keep the hope alive that, one day, things will change.”

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SMELLS LIKE “TEAM” SPIRIT Lionel Langenhoven takes the reins as UWC rugby interim head coach

By Myolisi

C

ontinuing with strategic plans and the welfare of players were central to UWC’s appointment of Lionel Langenhoven as the interim head coach of the University’s rugby team in the absence of the late Chester Williams.

Langenhoven, who served as assistant coach to Williams for four years, alongside former Springbok star Bolla Conradie, is at the helm of the team for the second season of the FNB Varsity Cup, South Africa’s premier university rugby competition, this year.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and, together with the rest of the coaches, we will do our best to honour the values that Chester put in place here. We’ve got to adhere to that legacy and make it even stronger and better,” says Langenhoven.

The former head coach of Kuils River and Brackenfell rugby clubs is fully aware of the pressure that comes with the promotion-relegation season and says the team is up to the task. “We have done well in the Western Province League.

I’m challenging myself and the boys to do well in the Varsity Cup, too. With the type of talent we have, we will not disappoint.”

Langenhoven, who also coached the Western Province amateur side for five years, revealed that the team has retained about 85 percent of last year’s players.

Nine new “interesting” faces have been recruited but the final team will depend on whether the players make the grade academically.

The UWC team is not short of inspiration with stars such as Herschel Jantjies and Kurt-Lee Arendse making their debut in the senior Springboks and Springboks Sevens teams, respectively, while Lyle Hendricks was named as part of the Stormers squad for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

“Their achievements have lifted the spirit of the team immensely,” says Langenhoven.

Gophe

Image UWC

Media

“What Herschel and Kurt-Lee achieved is possible for everyone. Those two are our ambassadors. Next year, we want to strengthen our resolve to be the people’s team because we are a very diverse university, and together we can move mountains.”

“We have just lost Chester Williams.

Many, especially the players, are still struggling to come to terms with his death,” explains UWC Director of Sport, Mandla Gagayi, on the logic behind Langenhoven’s appointment. “Had we brought in a new coach, it might have left the players feeling overwhelmed. A new coach may not understand what the players are going through. For this reason, we have decided to allow them to grieve while working with familiar faces.”

Gagayi adds that Williams worked closely with Langenhoven and Conradie during his recruitment drive for the 2020 season.“It would have been unfair for a new coach to inherit a team that he or she did not even have a say in during the recruitment

process. These coaches have been part of the recruitment decisions and have been part of the team for four seasons. They know Chester’s ethos and they have developed a playing style that the players are familiar with,” he adds.

Gagayi says the late Williams joined UWC very late, just before the start of his first season. He inherited a team and had a dismal first season.

With 2020 being a promotion-relegation season in the Varsity Cup, Langenhoven and his team have a mandate to keep UWC in the competition. The hopes are high that they have learnt from their debut season.

Gagayi drives home the fact that Williams involved his assistants in every decisionmaking process. Langenhoven even led the team at the USSA Games and in the Western Province Super League A, where UWC finished in the top six. The team ended just two points behind second-placed University of Cape Town (UCT) – a first in the club’s history.

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profile

STORMERS CALL UP UWC RUGBY STAR No stranger to rugby at the highest level, Lyle Hendricks heads for super rugby stardom

By Myolisi

U

WC rugby star Lyle Hendricks’ impressive rise in rugby has taken yet another positive turn. In February, he was named part of the DHL Stormers squad for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby campaign, making him the second UWC player in the team.

The second-year BA student joins former UWC scrumhalf and Rugby World Cup winner Herschel Jantjies in the 45-man Stormers squad named by head coach John Dobson.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” the inside centre from Kuils River says. “I was in the system for a long time, since I was in high school, and I was just patient and worked hard towards that goal.”

Having made the squad, the former Baby Boks player, who has two years left on his contract with Western Province, will be

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Gophe

Images UWC

Media

pushing to make his debut in the Super Rugby competition. “Varsity Cup is a great platform to play rugby because it’s a very competitive competition. Obviously, playing in the Varsity Cup is a platform for me to stay fit and be game-fit. And to help the UWC boys in the tournament because they have helped me, too.”

Hendricks, who contributed to UWC earning its promotion to Varsity Cup, spoke highly of how the University has helped his own career.

“UWC contributed immensely to my growth in rugby. I mean, Coach Bolla (Johannes Conradie) and Coach Chester Williams taught me a lot of things about the sport,” he reminisces.

“Just to be patient and keep working hard – those are the only things that will make you successful at the end of the

day. They said I must keep working hard and my time will come. And to stay humble.”

For up-and-coming sports stars, Hendricks has a few words of advice: “Keep working hard – and if you don’t make it, it’s not the end of the road.

Your time will come. And don’t do it alone; there is support out there.”

Interim UWC Coach Lionel Langenhoven has congratulated Hendricks, mentioning that he deserves every accolade coming his way and that Hendricks’ inclusion in the Stormers set is a big deal for UWC. “It is a massive motivation just to have him in our midst.

“Training with him in the past weeks has uplifted the guys a lot. With his experience of playing at a higher level, players can learn from him. He is a fantastic ambassador for UWC, and a role model for many.”

Newsflash

FROM AFRICA...

TO THE WORLD UWC alumni join top European clubs

By Myolisi

F

rom UWC to the United States, China and now Portugal, UWC alumna and 2018 African Women’s Footballer of the Year Thembi Kgatlana’s career has been on an upward trajectory.

After signing her first professional contract with Houston Dash in the United States, the two-time UWC Sportswoman of the Year signed for Portugal’s Benfica until the end of the season following a one-year stint at Beijing BG Phoenix in China.

Kgatlana has joined a growing number of South African female footballers — many from UWC — who have moved to top clubs in Europe in recent times.

In the same month of Kgatlana’s signing, her former UWC teammate Kelso Peskin also signed her professional contract with

Above: Kelso Peskin now plays for Toulouse FC Féminines. This image: Jermaine Seoposenwe moved to Real Betis in February.

Gophe

ImagesCourtesy

of gettyimages/FIFA.com, Supplied

Toulouse FC Féminines. Peskin, who was previously on the books of Tyler College and Lamar University in the United States, returned to South Africa in late 2018 where she spent a season at a local Sasol League club, Vasco Da Gama, before heading to France.

In February, another UWC football star and Banyana Banyana veteran, Jermaine Seoposenwe, also changed clubs when she moved to Real Betis in Spain. This followed her brief but successful spell at Lithuanian champions Gintra Universitetas, which was also home to Leandra Smeda, another UWC alumna, before she crossed Europe to join Swedish club Vittsjö GIK. Seoposenwe, on the other hand, had studied and played for Stanford University in the US after leaving UWC in 2013.

With Benfica leading the top-level women’s football league in Portugal, the team is in good stead to participate in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

“These are all the moments we dream about when we grow up. Pleased to announce that I will be joining SL Benfica Feminino,” Kgatlana told her Twitter followers after putting pen to paper at Benfica. Although she has yet to make a public statement about the details of

her deal, the Banyana Banyana star was quoted as being over the moon about the move, according to Benfica’s official site.

“I am very excited to sign for Benfica. I thank the team, the President and everyone for giving me the opportunity to come to Portugal and Benfica. Benfica is a great club in Portugal, and in the world. I have already had the opportunity to see history and records, and it is a great honour for me to be part of such a great club.”

UWC Sport Director, Mandla Gagayi, congratulated the players on their moves and said the University is proud to be an active contributor to the women’s national football agenda. “Women’s football is one of our strategic assets and it is no mistake that we keep producing players of great quality.

“What also makes us proud is the fact that all our current and former national players still regard UWC as their home and, whenever they are around Cape Town, they make sure to visit UWC because they believe that it is where their roots are. The thing I love most about all these players is that they are not just footballers; they also play a huge role towards upliftment of their communities — and that is what UWC is about.”

Thembii Kgatlana moved to Europe this year.

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legends

UWC SOCCER GREATS AIM TO PLOUGH BACK

2020 will see a reunion of empowerment and football brilliance grace the campus

By Myolisi

A

s UWC celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, footballers of the past years are set to converge on campus in March – but not just to reminisce and party, though.

While alumni will reconnect and socialise at the UWC Soccer Legends Reunion on 27 and 28 March, they will also host football matches for clubs from various disadvantaged communities and discuss ways to give back to these communities.

“The Rector (Professor Tyrone Pretorius) has challenged us not to just come here to reminisce, socialise, connect and go back but to also leave a mark that can have an ongoing effect,” explains Malcolm Nasson, a member of the Soccer Legends Reunion’s organising committee.

Clockwise from right: Prof Tyrone Pretorius during his days as a UWC footballer; A pre-match picture of the 1983/4 team; The UWC first team of 1980/1.

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Gophe

Images UWC

Media

Clockwise from top left: The combined UWC and Rhodes University team of 1983; UWC Director of Sport, Mandla Gagayi, walks alongside Dr Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA); Prof Tyrone Pretorius and Dr Danny Jordaan; Prof Pretorius alongside his first-team teammates in 1983.

Nasson, who initially registered for a law degree in 1986 before switching to education, says one of the ideas put forward includes ex-Udubs footballers raising funds for the much-needed equipment and playing kits that grassroots clubs in the disadvantaged surrounding communities require.

Additionally, they must aim to empower these clubs on an ongoing basis and assist the communities’ children to access the University and its facilities. “We would like to make a positive difference to our country, to our alma mater and to the surrounding communities,” Nasson adds.

A final decision will be made during

the discussion session at the reunion, in which the alumni will be given a platform to air their views on the best ways to give back. Among other activities scheduled for the reunion is a campus tour to keep the alumni up to speed on the developments that have taken place over the years as well as a tournament for clubs from the communities surrounding the campus precinct.

Nasson, a well-known Capetonian businessman who hails from Emalahleni in Mpumalanga, says the University has produced many prominent footballers who are playing key roles in the country. Among them is the current coach of the under23 men’s national team, David Notoane,

as well as the current president of the SA Football Association, Dr Danny Jordaan.

Stanley Mathabatha, the current Premier of Limpopo, and his predecessor, Cassel Mathale, also played football during their time at UWC. According to Nasson, many UWC legends were career-driven, academically inclined people who opted to pursue professional careers instead of sports. “I have no doubt that players like Sherrington Adonis, whom Orlando Pirates tried to recruit, could’ve had very successful careers as pro footballers.”

The Legends Reunion event is open to any former footballer who attended UWC from the 1960s to the 2010s.

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on campus

PEAK PERFORMANCE

In 2020, UWC Sport launches an elite highperformance centre to give its athletes an edge

By Aidan

H

igh-Performance Centres (HPC) have proven to have tremendous benefits for athletes who wish to take their game to the next level.

And athletes at UWC with these dreams will soon have the chance to make them a reality.

When the University’s High-Performance Centre launches in June 2020, more athletes will have the opportunity to join the ranks of elite players who have graduated from UWC, including World-Cup-winning Springbok Herschel Jantjies, Blitzbok Kurt-Lee Arendse and the African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Thembi Kgatlana. The Centre will offer sport-specific training, conditioning, nutrition, sport psychology and a state-ofthe-art gym, which has already been kitted with Keiser equipment – all in the pursuit of helping athletes reach their performance goals. And with more than 80 percent of top professional sporting teams in the world using Keiser machines,

Van Den Heever

Image Supplied

including every baseball team in the major league and many football teams, UWC’s athletes will be given every opportunity possible to hit the big leagues.

In addition to amazing equipment and programmes, the Centre will be staffed with some of the best in the business, all of them hailing from UWC. The staff complement includes Project Coordinator Dr Barry Andrews, Administrator Zoleka Bavuma, Biokineticists Angelo Nelson and Kirsten Huckle, Strength and Conditioning Specialist Keenan Watson, and Physiotherapist Brent Hess.

Along with strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and biokinetic services, “psychology, dietetics and access to a medical doctor will be offered on an ad-hoc basis, although plans to make this a permanent arrangement are in the works,” says Dr Andrews.

“Currently we are assisting the priority sports codes, however, we will help the

smaller codes, too. It is our aim to help with the facilitation and maximisation of human performance. The addition of the Keiser machine systems are perfectly suited to help athletes reach the next level.”

Physiotherapist Brent Hess explains that the Keiser machines, specifically, will help player performance and injury prevention.

“The pneumatic (operating with air or gas) machines are much more measurable when trying to improve and maintain player performance but it is also much more forgiving on the joints, making it safer for preventing injury,” he says.

The HPC will also assist with sports nutrition, which is often something players forget to focus on, adds Hess. “Athletes need to eat right if they want consistent performance but this is difficult when working on a budget. At UWC’s HPC, we will also help players make the right food choices.”

From left to right, second row: Dr Barry Andrews, Angelo Nelson and Brent Hess; first row: Zoleka Bavuma, Kirsten Huckle and Keenan Watson.

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awards

UWC HONOURS TOP ATHLETES From home teams to world stars, these athletes are at the top of their game

By Myolisi

T

he University of the Western Cape’s Department of Sport Administration hosted its annual Sports Awards late in 2019 to recognise athletes, administrators, clubs and coaches who have excelled at their respective disciplines during the course of the year. Some of the recipients of the awards included:

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Media

1 Banyana Banyana star Bongeka Gamede and sensational long-distance runner Ashley Smith took top honours when they scooped the Sportswoman of the Year and Sportsman of the Year, respectively. They, along with all the other winners, were congratulated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development and Support, Prof Pamela Dube.

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UWC Football Club (for both men and women) took home the Club of the Year award after a sterling performance in various competitions throughout the year.

The UWC Women’s Football team, who qualified for the first National Women’s League, among many other achievements, walked away with the award for Team of the Year.

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Zintle Damon of the UWC Hockey Club was honoured with the Student Administrator of the Year award.

In her first year at the helm of the University’s Women’s Football Club, Thinasonke Mbuli was named Coach of the Year.

The Department of Institutional Advancement under the directorship of Patricia Lawrence was given the Director’s Special Recognition Award.

Bejancke Della received an Honours Award for her selection to the National Women’s Beach Volleyball team.

Kevin Martin took home the Honours Award for his participation in the World Pool Championships in Qatar.

Bongeka Gamede’s selection into the Banyana Banyana team for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup participation

also earned her the Honours Award.

4 Academic Achievers Awards (for excelling

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6 Springboks Women’s Captain Babalwa

Springboks Rugby World Cup winner Herschel Jantjies who participated in the showpiece held in Japan.

Kurt-Lee Arendse, who broke into the Springboks Sevens team, was also recognised.

Latsha was also among the award recipients for leading the country in various tournaments.

Athletics Club members Jesse Josias and Luke Davids took part in the African Championships.

Chelsea Daniels represented South Africa at the FIFA under-17 World Cup in late 2018.

Noxolo Cesane was part of the Banyana Banyana team that won the COSAFA Women’s Championships.

Sinoxolo Cesane represented South African football at the under-19 Girls International Tournament.

Beach volleyball pair Leo Williams and Grant Goldschmidt were also honoured for representing South Africa.

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in studies) were handed to Kegan Hunt (hockey), Cindy Amsterdam (netball), Yushly Collop (supa pool) and Brittany Daniels (volleyball).

An Administrator Award went to Sport Council Chairperson Phumlani Nkqetho and volleyball star Bejancke Della.

Athletes who represented the country in different codes were also honoured and included:

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Blue and Gold 17

Highlights

SPORTS WRAP

By Myolisi

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Gophe

Images Sikhulule

Nkomphela, UWC Media

Anthony Timoteus (pictured) and Rowhaldo Ratz represented USSA at FASU Africa University Cross Country Champs in Morocco.

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UWC’s footie twins Noxolo and Sinoxolo Cesane, together with Chelsea Daniels, were part of the South African under-20 women’s football team that played in various international competitions throughout 2019.

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UWC’s Manager of Support Services, Glen Bentley, was elected as chairperson of USSA Athletics.

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UWC’s women’s football team did well in the first National League and has reached the final of the USSA Games.

A number of UWC athletes, including Proteas cricket player Mogamaad Zubayr Hamza, graduated from UWC in 2019.

UWC Sport Director Mandla Gagayi was elected as the first Vice-President for USSA.

SC chairman's message

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Image: Supplied

irstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Sport for giving me an opportunity to serve in the Sport Council for the period of 2019.

For UWC Sport, 2019 was a year of fluctuations filled with triumphs and obstacles. The year commenced with the great experience of our rugby boys competing in the Varsity Cup and the victory of our men’s basketball team at University Sports South Africa’s (USSA) Western Cape Basketball Championships.

The other notable highlight was when our six UWC Football women competed at the World Cup in France for Banyana Banyana.

We can also not forget our athletics team who won gold in the 4×4-kilometre men’s relay at the USSA Cross Country Championships and our two male athletes who were selected to represent South Africa at the Federation of Africa University Sports’ (FASU) African University Cross Country Championships in Marrakech, Morocco.

Our female athletes showcased astonishing talent, too. Babalwa “The Beast” Latsha has opened the doors for professional female rugby players when she became the first South African female to sign a professional contract with a club in Europe. It is a great honour and privilege for the University to have

athletes compete at the international level.

More highlights that stood out include Thembi Kgatlana’s Women’s Player of the Year and Goal of the Year awards at the Confederation of African Football.

At the UWC Sport Awards, I was proud to announce that, in 2020, the University will launch a bursary in Thembi Kgatlana’s name. “The bursary is all about women’s empowerment and will be in partnership with UWC,” Kgatlana says. “We plan to choose two girls from disadvantaged backgrounds but with good grades and who are from different sporting codes.”

UWC Sport management has also led by example, as our Director of Sport, Mr Mandla Gagayi, was elected as the first Vice-President for USSA, while Mr Glen Bentley received an honorary award from USSA and was elected as USSA Athletics Chairman.

The UWC Sport Council had a very successful year and set the bar high – not only for the next Council but also for the student governance and leadership structures at UWC. The Sport Council hosted a first-of-its-kind boxing tournament in the hopes of empowering women, recruiting females to join the UWC Boxing Club and raising funds. Furthermore, the Council introduced an initiative to collect sanitary towels and donated them to the female boxing athletes at the event as well as at the Sport Awards and to learners at Sivuyiseka Senior Secondary

UWC sport management has also led by example as our director of sport, mr mandla gagayi, was elected as the first vice-presidenT for ussa

School in Philippi. A project we hope comes to fruition in 2020 is the opening of a Student Athletes Computer Lab, which has been a priority for the Council since the beginning of 2019, as it will benefit our student athletes. Last, but not least, another highlight for UWC Sport – and me personally – was collecting the Student Governance and Leadership award at the UWC SDS Awards for the great work done by the Council.

I would like to wish all UWC Sport athletes success in 2020, despite the challenges we had last year. I believe you have shown a commitment to your sport, a determination to excel and pride in representing UWC. You have inspired all of us to rise above our challenges and pursue our dreams. I hope you will continue to believe in yourselves, and harness your mental strength and physical abilities to overcome all odds and achieve personal breakthroughs.

May 2020 be a year of victory!

Phumlani Nkqetho 2019 Sport Council Chairman, University of the Western Cape Blue and Gold 19