Tuks' sports teams have their sights set on several USSA titles in the next 5 days

One thing is sure every year in the first week of July: the sports teams of Tuks will assert themselves in the various USSA Tournaments.

One of last year's highlights was when Tuks won four of the USSA Tournaments in one day, all within six hours. The men's and women's hockey teams, the indoor volleyball team, and the netball team all came out on top. In addition, Helena Hudson won the USSA women's singles squash title.

Tuks' karateka already asserted themselves in Pietermaritzburg this past weekend by winning five medals (1 gold, 1 silver and three bronze).

Tuks' women's hockey team showed this morning in Stellenbosch that they will not easily give up the USSA title when they crushed Varsity College in their first match with an 8-1 score. In Pretoria, the Tuks women's rugby team defeated DUT 39-20 in their first game, while the men's team emerged victorious against UJ, winning 47-25. In Gqeberha, the women's netball team got the better of NMU in their first game, winning 57-32. They then lost 55-56 against Kovsies. The men's team beat UCT 41-37.

You can't read too much into the scores. Every player knows very well that no USSA Tournament is won on the first day.

But then again, there is a good reason why Steven Ball (Director of TuksSport) said the following in a farewell message to the Tuks teams last week-"We wish you strength, unity, and success. You are part of the #StripeGeneration, a movement that stands for pride, excellence, and legacy. You play for the UP crest and carry the badge on your chest with honour. That badge is more than fabric—it's a symbol of everything you've worked for and everything you represent."

Prof Themba Mosia (Vice Principal: Student Life, University of Pretoria) added, "What makes your achievements even more remarkable is the balance you maintain between your academic and sporting commitments. Excelling in one is challenging enough—excelling in both is extraordinary.

"Your impact goes far beyond the field, the court, or the track. You set an example of what it means to strive for greatness while remaining grounded in purpose. You remind us all that success is not just about winning medals but about character, perseverance, and the pursuit of personal and collective growth."

Ball went on to thank Bestmed for the continued support. They have been actively involved in TuksSport for more than 10 years.

"This partnership is not just a financial commitment—it is a shared belief in the power of sport to transform lives. Their support enables us to provide the resources, care, and infrastructure our athletes need to perform at their best, on and off the field."

The Tuks karateka who medalled at the USSA Tournament in Pietermaritzburg are Busi Paul (gold), Alessandro Biagioni (silver), Harshad Mewalal (bronze), and Katleho Moloi (two bronze medals).