Most people would dread being stuck in a lift, but for the Tuks men's sevens team, this unexpected challenge became a source of motivation. On Sunday, 22 September, Tuks triumphed in the 2024 USSA Rugby 7s final, defeating Stadio 21-14. Adam Mkhuri secured the winning try with a perfectly timed pass from Tharquin Manuel, while Kyle Cyster contributed with two early tries.

Tharquin Manuel, a standout player who also helped Tuks secure their spot in next year’s Varsity Cup, reflected on the moment the team got stuck in a lift. "It happened on the first day of the tournament. None of us panicked. To us, being stuck was something we had to face as a team. It helped us bond even more."

Tuks kicked off the tournament with victories against UWC and Wits, but their third game against UJ was a nail-biting 12-all draw, highlighted by Van Reenen Kruger’s remarkable 100-metre equalising try.

Tuks advanced by defeating CPUT in the quarterfinals and Madibaz in the semifinals. Captain Ambesa Zenzile credited the team’s success to keeping things simple and not overcomplicating their approach.

"Our coach, Dabeon Draghoender, encouraged us not to allow ourselves to be pressurised. He wanted us to have fun on the field. He believes that if we play to have fun, the results will take care of itself. He was right.

"My motto for the tournament was "In the morning, win the day". It is something one of my previous coaches taught me. It boils down to the fact that the battle is half-won if we get off to a good start in our first game. Every player took it to heart. It was genuinely cold in the mornings. It might have been why the other teams were not as switched on as we were.

"What helped a lot was playing a tournament two weeks before in Nylstroom. We faced off twice against the Blitzboks B-side. I was amazed at how everyone stepped up. We made the 'Boks' to work to beat us. That is when I realised we can win USSA's."

Zenzile scored for Tuks against CPUT and Wits. But it is not his heroics that excite him. He praised Van Reenen Kruger and Adam Mkhari's heroics. 

"Van Reenen Kruger's work ethic is unbelievable. As a team, we got the saying "Vark hart". It means never giving up. Van Reenen never did. He would put in the chase when an opposition player got away in a break. The try he scored against UJ was brilliant. Adam Mkhari was our secret weapon. Every time he came on to play, he impacted the game."

On the other hand, TuksWomensRugby proudly claimed the shield title after securing a fifth-place finish at the 2024 USSA Rugby 7s. The team, led by head coach Riaan van der Merwe and captain Tracey Mthunzi, demonstrated resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament, culminating in this impressive achievement.