Maties Sport teams gear up to play in Summer USSA Championships
The Maroon Machine are busy with final preparations ahead of the University Sport South Africa (USSA) games, scheduled to take place during 2-16 December across the country.
This year’s summer games come with nine sporting codes competing including basketball, table tennis, and sailing in Cape Town; cricket and golf in Bloemfontein; football in Kimberley; chess and tennis in Pretoria; and water polo in East London.
At the respective competitions last year the Maroon Machine took home gold in the A Section of women’s and men’s water polo, chess, women’s golf, as well as gold for men’s football in the B Section. While adding a bronze for table tennis and men’s stroke play for golf.
Stellenbosch University Registrar, Dr Ronel Retief, a big supporter of Maties Sport and our student-athletes gave an address and had this to say: “I recognize the immense effort it takes to balance academics and sport. Many of you have just come out of an intense exam period, and yet here you are, preparing to compete at the highest level. That balance between academics and sport is not just challenging – it’s a defining aspect of what makes university sport so special. It equips you with discipline, time management, and a well-rounded perspective, shaping you for life beyond graduation.
As you embark on these tournaments, remember that you are not just athletes – you are ambassadors of Stellenbosch University. Whether you’re making a game-saving play, cheering on a teammate, or simply embodying good sportsmanship, you carry with you the hopes and pride of the Stellenbosch University family. Go out there, give it your all and bring home the glory. We are behind you every step of the way. Good luck and go, Maroon Machine!”
Adding to the atmosphere of camaraderie, our student-athletes shared their excitement in the lead up to the games at our recent USSA Send-Off function. One such moment came from Riaz Palekar, a Masters Economics student and Maties Cricket senior player, who delivered an insightful speech during the send-off to his fellow student-athletes in attendance.
“Growing up made me realise that ‘who I am without what I’m good at (my sport) truly defines who I am as a person’. This sort of mantra changed the way I played my sport. This is was my way of breaking through that barrier of fear. It did not matter how well I played, I understood that the sun will shine the next day. Our parents, friends or partners will love us with and without the sport we play.
They are the reason why I sacrifice so much at a small chance at being successful. I play for something that is much bigger than who I am. That is my message to everyone today, when times are tough during games, remember the people that are there for you through the good and the bad times. Let that be your source of motivation to compete,” said Palekar.
Another source of inspiration was the successful promotion of our Maties Men’s Football team to the A Section this year. Head Coach of Maties Football, Desmond Crowie shared his thoughts ahead of their competition: “We entered the final stages of our preparation with a focused and intensive two-week training camp. Our team is committed to building on last year’s success, and our goal is clear: to secure a spot in the top 8 and compete in the Varsity Cup. The players and staff are united in their effort, and we are looking forward to testing ourselves against the best university teams in the country.”
With these motivational messages resonating among the teams, Maties Sport is poised to make this year’s USSA games an unforgettable experience.
By Media and Communications Unit