Stellenbosch University athletes demonstrated remarkable grit and determination at the 2025 University Sport South Africa (USSA) Winter Championships, delivering outstanding performances in women’s hockey, netball, and squash, significantly improving from the previous year and securing two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
Women’s Hockey Triumphs on Home Turf
At the USSA A-Section Hockey Championships held on the newly upgraded Coetzenburg astroturfs at Maties, the women’s team celebrated a triumphant victory, winning the gold medal in front of a supportive home crowd. It was a memorable moment for the students as they played in front of their parents.
Unfortunately, the men’s team experienced heartbreak. After reaching the final, they were defeated by UP-Tuks in a penalty shootout. Daniel Dillon was awarded for his impressive performance throughout the tournament with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award in the Men’s A Section for the second consecutive year. Other individual awards include:
- Women’s Player of the Tournament: Daniella de Oliveira
• Women’s Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Richele Norval
• Women’s Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Daniella de Oliveira
• Men’s Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Brett Horn
Men’s Rugby Team Secures Silver, Ending Three-Year Gold Streak
The Maties men’s 15s rugby team narrowly missed out on a fourth consecutive USSA gold medal, losing to UP-Tuks in a competitive final. Although they led 21–18 at one point, a late penalty allowed Tuks to clinch the victory with a final score of 26–21. Despite the hard-fought loss, the Maties earned a well-deserved silver medal.
On the other hand, the Maties women’s rugby team did not qualify for the medal rounds this year. After a strong campaign, they ultimately finished in 5th place in the tournament.
Netball Section B Claims Gold, Section A Nears Podium
Maties Netball achieved impressive results in various divisions. The Section B team triumphed at the USSA Section B finals, securing the championship title. Meanwhile, the Section A team finished just outside the podium, placing 4th overall.
Women’s 3×3 Basketball Secures Bronze
During the 3×3 basketball championships held at Wits University from July 4 to 9, both Maties teams showed impressive performances. The women’s team secured a bronze medal, while the men’s team finished in 5th place overall.
Indoor Volleyball Debut
Both men’s and women’s teams made an impressive debut at the USSA indoor volleyball championships, competing for the first time. Although they missed out on semifinal spots, their performance was a clear sign of progress. Standout players Jess Lavies, Daniel Barrett, and Nicolas Magnal earned selection to the USSA National Volleyball Team.
Squash and Badminton Cement Podium Consistency
Maties Squash continued its strong tradition in 2025. Following a solid performance in 2024, where the A-squad secured bronze and the B-squad earned silver, this year both teams once again finished on the podium, with the A-squad clinching bronze and the B-team securing silver. Maties Badminton narrowly missed gold, earning silver at the USSA Badminton Championships held at UP-Tuks.
Congratulations to all Maties athletes, coaches, and support staff for their commendable performance at the USSA Winter Championships
Overall Medal Tally
- Gold (2): Women’s Hockey A, Netball B
- Silver (4): Men’s Hockey, Men’s Rugby XV, Badminton, Squash B
- Bronze (2): Women’s 3×3 Basketball, Squash A
By Jamie Wyngaardt